Question 1

A nurse is charting assessment information about a 70-year-old client. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, what term would the nurse use to describe this client?

Accepted Answer

A)   The nurse should document using the term older.
B)   The nurse should document using the term elderly.
C)   The nurse should document using the term aged.
D)   The nurse should document using the term very old. B

Question 2

An older, emaciated client is brought to an emergency department by the client's caregiver. The client has bruises and abrasions on shoulders and back in multiple stages of healing. When directly asked about these symptoms, which type of client response should a nurse anticipate?

Accepted Answer

A)   The client will honestly reveal the nature of the injuries.
B)   The client may deny or minimize the injuries.
C)   The client may have forgotten what caused the injuries.
D)   The client will ask to be placed in a nursing home. B

Question 3

The discipline of _______________________ is the branch of clinical medicine specializing in psychopathology of the elderly population.

Accepted Answer

geropsychiatry

Question 4

Which individual is most likely to be below the poverty level in the United States?

Accepted Answer

A)   A 70-year-old Hispanic woman living alone
B)   A 72-year-old African American man living alone
C)   A 68-year-old Asian American woman living with family
D)   A 75-year-old Latino American man living with family

Question 5

A son, who recently brought his extremely confused parent to a nursing home for admission, reports feelings of guilt. Which is the appropriate nursing response?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Support groups are held here on Mondays for children of residents in similar situations."
B)   "You did what you had to do. I wouldn't feel guilty if I were you."
C)   "Support groups are available to low-income families."
D)   "Your parent is doing just fine. We'll take very good care of him."

Question 6

An older client attending an adult day care program suddenly begins reporting dizziness, weakness, and confusion. What should be the initial nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

A)   Implement complete bedrest.
B)   Advocate for a complete physical exam.
C)   Address self-esteem needs.
D)   Advocate for individual psychotherapy.

Question 7

A client has recently been placed in a long-term care facility, because of marked confusion and inability to perform most activities of daily living. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to maintain the client's self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

A)   Leave the client alone in the bathroom to test ability to perform self-care.
B)   Assign a variety of caregivers to increase potential for socialization.
C)   Allow client to choose between two different outfits when dressing for the day.
D)   Modify the daily schedule often to maintain variety and decrease boredom.

Question 8

A nurse is listening to a lecture on the environmental theory. Which statement(s) by the nurse indicates that teaching has been effective?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Personality characteristics in old age are correlated with early life characteristics."
B)   "Carcinogens can affect aging."
C)   "Trauma can affect the aging process."
D)   "The effects of sunlight can have an effect on the aging process."
E)   "Decline in the immune system can affect the aging process."

Question 9

An older client is exhibiting symptoms of major depressive disorder. A physician is considering prescribing an antidepressant. Which physiological problem should make a nurse question this medication regime?

Accepted Answer

A)   Altered cortical and intellectual functioning
B)   Altered respiratory and gastrointestinal functioning
C)   Altered liver and kidney functioning
D)   Altered endocrine and immune system functioning

Question 10

A family asks why their father is attending activity groups at the long-term care facility. The son states, "My father worked hard all of his life. He just needs some rest at this point." Which is the appropriate nursing response?

Accepted Answer

A)   "I'm glad we discussed this. We'll excuse him from the activity groups."
B)   "The groups benefit your father by providing social interaction, sensory stimulation, and reality orientation."
C)   "The groups are optional. Only clients at high functioning levels would benefit."
D)   "If your father doesn't go to these activity groups, he will be at high risk for developing cognitive problems."

Question 11

An older client who lives with a caregiver is admitted to an emergency department with a fractured arm. The client is soaked in urine and has dried fecal matter on lower extremities. The client is 6 feet tall and weighs 120 pounds. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

A)   Inability for the client to meet self-care needs
B)   Alzheimer's disease
C)   Abuse and/or neglect
D)   Caregiver role strain

Question 12

A client in the middle stage of Alzheimer's disease has difficulty communicating because of cognitive deterioration. Which nursing intervention is appropriate to improve communication?

Accepted Answer

A)   Discourage attempts at verbal communication owing to increased client frustration.
B)   Increase the volume of the nurse's communication responses.
C)   Verbalize the nurse's perception of the implied communication.
D)   Encourage the client to communicate by writing.

Question 13

A student nurse asks the instructor, "Which psychiatric disorder is most likely initially diagnosed in the elderly?" Which instructor response gives the student accurate information?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Schizophrenia is most likely diagnosed later in life."
B)   "Major depressive disorder is most likely diagnosed later in life."
C)   "Phobic disorder is most likely diagnosed later in life."
D)   "Dependent personality disorder is most likely diagnosed later in life."

Question 14

A nursing instructor is teaching about reminiscence therapy. What student statement indicates that learning has occurred?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Reminiscence therapy is a group in which participants create collages representing significant aspects of their lives."
B)   "Reminiscence therapy encourages members to share both positive and negative significant life memories to promote resolution."
C)   "Reminiscence therapy is a social group where members chat about past events and future plans."
D)   "Reminiscence therapy encourages members to share positive memories of significant life transitions."

Question 15

An older client has met the criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The client does not respond to antidepressant medications. Which therapeutic intervention should a nurse anticipate will be ordered for this client?

Accepted Answer

A)   Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) 
B)   Neuroleptic therapy
C)   An antiparkinsonian agent
D)   An anxiolytic agent

Question 16

A couple resides in a long-term care facility. The husband is admitted to the psychiatric unit after physically abusing his wife. He states, "My wife is having an affair with a young man, and I want it investigated." Which is the appropriate nursing response?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Your wife is not having an affair. What makes you think that?"
B)   "Why do you think that your wife is having an affair?"
C)   "Your wife has told us that these thoughts have no basis in fact."
D)   "I understand that you are upset. We will talk about it."

Exam 25: The Aging Individual