Deck 6: Biological Theories of Aging and Physical Changes of Aging

Question 1

An older adult is reading a large-print magazine and states that reading is difficult for her in the evening. Which following intervention should the nurse implement?

A) Put a high-intensity lamp at the head of her bed.
B) Explain to her that the grey-yellow ring around her cornea, arcus senilis, is interfering with visual acuity.
C) Put more powerful tubes in the fluorescent room lights.
D) Examine her retinas for signs of damage.

Answer 1

Put a high-intensity lamp at the head of her bed.

Question 2

The nurse cares for an older adult who appears to be malnourished and short of breath and has an infection in a large wound on his coccyx. Which intervention is the nurse's priority?

A) Monitor temperature and leukocytes.
B) Provide assistance with meal planning.
C) Provide high-quality protein in the diet.
D) Maintain oxygen saturation above 95%.

Answer 2

Maintain oxygen saturation above 95%.

Question 3

An older adult has been diagnosed with a nutrition imbalance. Which age-associated intestinal problem should the nurse be aware of when planning goals and interventions to improve this older adult's nutritional status?

A) Older adults have less intrinsic factor secretion.
B) Older adults have short, broad, small intestinal villi.
C) Older adults have decreased gastric smooth muscle.
D) Older adults have decreased large intestinal motility.

Answer 3

Older adults have short, broad, small intestinal villi.

Question 4

An older adult male who spray-paints houses for a living has had a myocardial infarction (MI). Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent adverse health effects from his occupational history?

A) Provide low-cholesterol diet meals.
B) Avoid substances that are hepatotoxic.
C) Promote coughing and deep breathing.
D) Analyze the electrocardiogram's rhythm.

Question 5

Common health promotion advice for older adults is to not smoke, or to stop smoking. What other health teaching should the nurse provide to promote healthy lungs in an older adult?

A) Obtain annual influenza immunization.
B) Maintain adequate intake of fluids.
C) Ensure regular intake of vitamin D.
D) Maintain a healthy weight.

Question 6

Which theory of aging suggests that the adverse physical effects of aging result from gradual loss of control mechanisms in the pituitary and hypothalamus?

A) Free radical theory
B) Programmed theory
C) Stochastic theory
D) Neuroendocrine theory

Question 7

Which change in the skin is abnormal in an older person?

A) Thinner and more fragile skin
B) A red, purulent, swollen three-day-old wound
C) Mottled pigmentation and greater number of freckles
D) Loss of hair on the extremities

Question 8

The nurse designs a group exercise program at an older adult centre. Which room should the nurse choose for the program?

A) A room with a beautiful hardwood floor tastefully appointed with throw rugs
B) A spacious room with no windows but with fluorescent lighting and a natural stone floor
C) A room with an old hardwood floor and large windows overlooking a garden area
D) An end room with a linoleum floor and a fan for ventilation to compensate for the room's broken air conditioner

Question 9

During a nursing assessment, an older adult tells the nurse about increasing loss of balance. Which patient teaching should the nurse implement to address musculoskeletal reasons for the loss of balance?

A) Exercise with light weights.
B) Stand on one foot at a time.
C) Train with the use of sit-ups.
D) Work out in a swimming pool.

Question 10

The nurse administers an antibiotic and naproxen, an anti-inflammatory medication, to an older female adult. Which laboratory test result should the nurse monitor to gauge if this older adult's kidneys are able to metabolize the medication?

A) Urine creatinine
B) Indirect bilirubin
C) Serum creatinine
D) White blood cells

Question 11

Decreased functioning of which physical structure is likely to result in decreased metabolism in older adults?

A) Kidney
B) Thyroid gland
C) Brain
D) Skeleton

Question 12

An older adult who recently had surgery complains of pain at level of 3 out of 10 and constipation during the postoperative primary care visit. Which intervention should the nurse implement to first facilitate elimination in this older adult?

A) Encourage use of a laxative.
B) Review medication list.
C) Promote fibre in the diet.
D) Suggest added fluid intake.

Question 13

Which age-related change contributes to anorexia and weight loss in the older adult?

A) Excessive saliva
B) Fewer taste buds
C) Wearing dentures
D) Softened tooth enamel