Question 1

Which of the following statements is true about fluid intake for older adults?

Accepted Answer

A)   An older adult's daily total volume should be 1000 to 1500 mL.
B)   Coffee is a suitable beverage for maintaining hydration.
C)   Sports drinks should not be consumed, because they contain too much sugar.
D)   The amount of fluid offered with medication administration should be standardized (at least 100 mL)  for an older adult. D

Question 2

The nurse assesses an older male resident in a nursing home for urinary incontinence and determines that he is unaware of the problem. Which recommendation should the nurse implement?

Accepted Answer

A)   Limit the resident's oral fluid intake.
B)   Provide scheduled (timed)  toileting.
C)   Apply an absorbent undergarment.
D)   Encourage frequent rest periods. B

Question 3

Which one of the following increases the risk for chronic dehydration in older adults?

Accepted Answer

A)   Overuse of diuretics
B)   Poor cognitive function
C)   Dry mucous membranes
D)   Fluid loss from vomiting B

Question 4

Which one of the following is part of a program for addressing bowel incontinence in an older adult?

Accepted Answer

A)   Place the older adult on the toilet or commode first thing upon wakening.
B)   Provide a diet containing 2 g of fibre and 1000 mL of water each day.
C)   Expect a rapid and full recovery of continence of the bowel.
D)   Provide patient teaching about exercises to strengthen abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.

Question 5

Which type of incontinence is characterized by a large residual urine volume?

Accepted Answer

A)   Urge incontinence
B)   Stress incontinence
C)   Overflow incontinence
D)   Functional incontinence

Question 6

An older female adult tells the nurse practitioner that she fears her family will place her in a nursing home because she developed stress incontinence. Which recommendation should the nurse implement?

Accepted Answer

A)   Tell her to eliminate the use of caffeinated beverages.
B)   Coordinate a family conference with the older adult.
C)   Recommend exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.
D)   Schedule voiding for every two hours around the clock.

Question 7

The nurse evaluates the urinalysis (UA) of an older female patient who has an indwelling urinary catheter. The UA report shows gross contamination of the urine. Which one of the following actions should the nurse implement first?

Accepted Answer

A)   Provide perineal hygiene.
B)   Provide urinary catheter care.
C)   Check the duration of catheterization.
D)   Obtain a urine specimen from a sterile port.

Question 8

The nurse wants to begin helping an older adult, who is overweight and has urinary incontinence, with healthy bladder behaviour skills. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Accepted Answer

A)   Begin low-calorie diet for weight management.
B)   Schedule voiding at two- to four-hour intervals.
C)   Instruct the older adult to practise abdominal exercises.
D)   Reduce the time between an urge to void and voiding.

Question 9

Which one of the following signs and symptoms is characteristic of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in an older adult?

Accepted Answer

A)   Fever
B)   Dysuria
C)   Anorexia
D)   Flank pain

Question 10

The most important aspect of care for the nurse to maintain when assisting an older adult with urinary incontinence is which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Ensure the availability of protective rubber garments.
B)   Use indwelling urinary catheters.
C)   Use smooth muscle relaxants.
D)   Maintain a respectful and positive attitude about resolving the underlying problem.

Question 11

Which of the following is a true statement about dehydration in an older adult?

Accepted Answer

A)   Urine flow gradually decreases in an older adult.
B)   Older adults generally need less fluid than younger people, because of their lower body water content.
C)   Urine specific gravity and skin turgor can be used to diagnose dehydration in older adults and in younger people.
D)   Multiple physiological changes of aging place older adults at greater risk of dehydration than middle-aged persons or children.

Question 12

An older adult who is on bedrest has tachycardia and dry mucous membranes, and decreased urinary output after surgery. Which of the following situations is the nurse's priority for preventive care because of the patient's fluid volume status?

Accepted Answer

A)   Bowel obstruction
B)   Delirious behaviour
C)   Thromboembolic events
D)   Delayed wound healing

Exam 9: Hydration and Continence