Deck 24: Older Adulthood

Question 1

In performing a physical assessment for an older adult patient,the nurse anticipates finding an increase in which one of the following,representing a normal physiological change of aging?

A) Perspiration
B) Audio pitch discrimination
C) Salivary secretions
D) Airway resistance

Answer 1

D

Question 2

According to Erikson,which of the following is a developmental task for the older adult?

A) Accepting cognitive decline
B) Redefining the relationship with one's spouse
C) Changing living arrangements for security
D) Adjusting to decreasing health and physical strength

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which of the following is true in regard to dehydration and the older adult?

A) Thirst response is decreased.
B) Greater water intake is normal.
C) Vomiting and diarrhea do not contribute to dehydration.
D) More free water is available in the body because of decreased muscle mass.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

What age signifies the beginning of older adulthood?

A) 55 years
B) 60 years
C) 65 years
D) 70 years

Question 5

A long-term care facility sponsors a discussion group on the administration of medications.The participants have a number of questions concerning their medications.Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A) "Don't worry about the medication's name if you can identify it by its colour and the way it looks."
B) "Please feel free to ask your physician why you are receiving the medications that are ordered for you."
C) "Remember that the hepatic system is primarily responsible for the pharmacotherapeutics of your medications."
D) "Unless you have severe side effects from taking your medications, don't worry about the minor changes in the way you feel."

Question 6

The nurse is performing a physical examination of an older adult patient in an assisted-living facility.On completion of the exam,the nurse compares the results with findings expected for individuals in this age group.Which of the following increases is an expected finding for this patient?

A) Tactile responsiveness
B) Sensitivity to glare
C) Hearing acuity for higher tones
D) Thoracic expansion during ventilation

Question 7

An older woman reports that she involuntarily releases urine when she coughs or sneezes.What is this type of incontinence called?

A) Functional incontinence
B) Reflex incontinence
C) Stress incontinence
D) Total incontinence

Question 8

Myths exist regarding the older adult population in Canada.Which of the following is the nurse aware is true about the majority of older adults?

A) They are forgetful and confused.
B) They live in institutional settings.
C) They are unable to care for themselves.
D) They continue to enjoy sexual relationships.

Question 9

A 70-year-old patient must have her blood pressure checked during each shift.She asks the nurse to explain her hypertension.The nurse's reply is based on the knowledge that the older adult patient often experiences hypertension because of which of the following changes?

A) Vascular changes related to aging.
B) Reduction in physical activity
C) Ingestion of processed foods high in sodium
D) Myocardial damage and venous insufficiency

Question 10

Which of the following describes the branch of medicine that deals with the physiological and psychological aspects of aging?

A) Gerontic medicine
B) Geriatrics
C) Gerontology
D) Anthropology

Question 11

Which one of the following statements related to cognitive functioning in the older adult patient is true?

A) Reversible systemic disorders are often implicated as a cause of delirium.
B) Cognitive deterioration is an inevitable outcome of aging.
C) Delirium is easily distinguished from irreversible dementia.
D) Intoxication from therapeutic drugs is a common cause of senile dementia.

Question 12

For older adults,a number of health-related concerns should be addressed.The nurse incorporates this information to meet the needs of the older adult patient.Which of the following statements accurately reflects data that the nurse should use in planning care?

A) Approximately 50% of adults older than 65 years have two chronic health problems.
B) Cancer is the most common cause of death among older adults.
C) The nutritional needs of older adults are affected by older adults' levels of activity and by clinical conditions.
D) Adults older than 65 years make up the lowest percentage of users of prescription medications.

Question 13

A patient has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.When teaching the family about the prognosis,what must the nurse explain?

A) The disease usually progresses gradually, with a deterioration of function.
B) Many individuals can be cured if the diagnosis is made early.
C) Diet and exercise can slow the process considerably.
D) Few patients live more than three years after the diagnosis.

Question 14

The nurse works with older adult patients in a wellness-screening clinic on a weekly basis.Which of the following is the best statement made by the nurse to patients in the older adult age group?

A) "Your shoulder pain is normal for your age."
B) "Regular exercise will maintain and strengthen your functional ability."
C) "Don't worry about taking that combination of medications because your doctor has prescribed them."
D) "Why don't you begin walking three to four kilometres per day, and we'll evaluate how you feel next week?"

Question 15

The nurse recognizes that factors associated with aging influence the musculoskeletal system.Which one of the following statements does the nurse recognize as being correct?

A) Older men have a greater problem with osteoporosis.
B) Muscle fibres increase in size and become tight.
C) Exercise reduces the loss of bone mass.
D) Muscle strength does not diminish as much as muscle mass does.

Question 16

Which one of the following nutritional deficiencies is most common for an older adult with reduced financial resources living in a remote rural community?

A) Fat
B) Salt
C) Protein
D) Carbohydrate