Question 1

Which of the following is a true statement about nutrition for older adults?

Accepted Answer

A)   The older person should be encouraged to practise strict controls on cholesterol intake to ensure protection against heart disease.
B)   Transportation can be a critical factor in nutritional insufficiency in older adults.
C)   Ethnic cooking is a major concern for older adults, because it makes balanced nutrition difficult to maintain.
D)   There are no government programs to promote congregate dining among older adults. B

Question 2

Bowel function in the older adult can be a source of concern, and potentially serious problems may develop. What mechanical factors may contribute to constipation in the older adult?

Accepted Answer

A)   Inadequate toileting
B)   Abscess or ulcer of the anal sphincter
C)   Altered cognitive status
D)   Irregular defecation habits B

Question 3

Which of the following is a true statement about dental health in older adults?

Accepted Answer

A)   Most people can expect to lose most of their teeth by old age.
B)   Excessive saliva production is a common problem among older adults.
C)   Functional and cognitive limitations may contribute to poor oral hygiene.
D)   A little blood on the toothbrush is normal. C

Question 4

An older adult who has iron deficiency anemia complains of abdominal pain, fullness, and diarrhea over a period of 24 hours. Which patient data potentially indicate a systemic cause of this individual's constipation?

Accepted Answer

A)   Abdominal pain
B)   Feeling of fullness
C)   Loose, watery stools
D)   Iron deficiency anemia

Question 5

The nurse instructs the health care aide to feed an older adult. If the nurse is unable to observe feeding directly, which action should the nurse use to assess the older adult's risk for aspiration immediately following feeding?

Accepted Answer

A)   Note the food volume eaten by the older adult.
B)   Observe the older adult's skin colour.
C)   Inspect for pocketing.
D)   Monitor the older adult for bradypnea.

Question 6

The health care aides working at a long-term care facility need help to properly feed residents who require assistance with feeding. Which of the following plans should the nurse implement to ensure that the residents are fed properly?

Accepted Answer

A)   Instruct the health care aides to feed four people at a time.
B)   Draw on the availability of family members who are able to follow instructions.
C)   Ask some residents to self-feed for part of the mealtime.
D)   Feed the residents at different times (e.g., feed one group lunch at eleven A.M., and feed a second group lunch at twelve P.M.) .

Question 7

The following nursing interventions represent the four steps of a nutritional assessment. Which one would be the final step in the nutritional assessment?

Accepted Answer

A)   Measure the midpoint of the upper arm.
B)   Obtain blood for biochemical serum examination.
C)   Examine the lips, gums, oral cavity, and skin turgor.
D)   Obtain a detailed weight history.

Question 8

The nurse is trying to improve the nutritional status of older adults in a nursing home. Which one of the following recommendations should the nurse implement?

Accepted Answer

A)   Develop a seating chart for the main dining room, based on unit, to facilitate a more organized and efficient meal delivery.
B)   Replace the fluorescent lighting with candles at every table, to create a cozier, restaurant-like atmosphere.
C)   Provide nutritious food according to the older adults' expressed food preferences, with liberal use of seasonings.
D)   Distribute "nutritional liquid supplements" such as Ensure.

Question 9

An older female adult with alterations in her cognitive status has an increased temperature, poor appetite, and almost fell beside her bed. What should the nurse consider when caring for this older adult?

Accepted Answer

A)   The older adult may be experiencing loneliness.
B)   The older adult may be demonstrating signs of constipation.
C)   The older adult may be hungry and feeling weak.
D)   The older adult has a fever and is delirious.

Question 10

Which one of the following is a potential mechanical risk factor that may potentiate malnutrition in older adults?

Accepted Answer

A)   Memory loss
B)   Removal from usual cultural patterns
C)   Decreased or diminished vision or blindness
D)   Loneliness, isolation, or living alone

Question 11

When providing health teaching to an older adult, which of the following nutrition information should be recommended for the older adult's daily diet?

Accepted Answer

A)   A daily fibre intake of 15 g
B)   No more than 1500 mg/day sodium intake
C)   Five servings of meat per day
D)   Vitamin D intake of 600 to 800 IU/daily

Question 12

Which of the following recommendations for daily food intake is correct for older adults according to Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide?

Accepted Answer

A)   Seven servings of fruits and vegetables
B)   Five servings of meat and alternatives
C)   Four servings of milk and alternatives
D)   Ten servings of grain products

Question 13

An older adult who has difficulty using the dominant hand also has a gastrostomy tube. What should the nurse provide to prevent complications of the gastrostomy tube?

Accepted Answer

A)   Use foam swabs to brush teeth.
B)   Provide oral care every four hours.
C)   Supply a soft toothbrush and floss.
D)   Position the older adult at 90 degrees for tube feedings.

Exam 8: Nutritional Needs