Deck 13: Older Adulthood and Aging

Question 1

Considering Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, what is an activity associated with the psychosocial challenge facing an older adult?

A) Reentering a serious relationship or remaining single after the death of a spouse.
B) Coping with the physical changes associated with aging.
C) Making decisions related to career achievements and finances.
D) Reflecting on events and decisions made over one's lifetime.

Answer 1

Reflecting on events and decisions made over one's lifetime.

Question 2

What topics should the nurse incorporate into a discussion with an older adultconcerning lifestyle changes? Select all that apply.

A) Change in most body functions and abilities
B) General change in sociologic roles
C) Adaptation to acute emotional disorders
D) Change in employee or employer role
E) Increased amount of leisure time

Answer 2

Change in most body functions and abilities
General change in sociologic roles
Change in employee or employer role
Increased amount of leisure time

Question 3

What lifestyle changes should the nurse incorporate into a discussion with a group of older adults? Select all that apply.

A) Increased income potential
B) Change in residence
C) Change in parenting roles
D) Adaptation to possible changes in sexuality
E) Increased time for meditation and contemplation of life

Answer 3

Change in residence
Change in parenting roles
Adaptation to possible changes in sexuality
Increased time for meditation and contemplation of life

Question 4

When considering the older and aging population, what emotional issues should the nurse incorporate into a group discussion? Select all that apply.

A) Adaptation to prospect of death
B) Inevitable decline towards dependence
C) Re-evaluation of self-worth
D) Development of new coping mechanisms
E) Adaptation to loss of loved ones

Question 5

Which behaviors are associated with ageism? Select all that apply.

A) Study of characteristics associated with an aging population
B) Discrimination against elderly adults
C) Prejudice based on chronologic age
D) Study of medical problems associated with older adults
E) Negative labeling of the aging population

Question 6

Which major physical changes should the nurse identify as being related to the normal aging process? Select all that apply.

A) Decreased need for exercise
B) Decreased functioning of organs
C) Decreased reaction time
D) Decreased nutritional requirements
E) Decreased capacity for recovery from injury or illness

Question 7

Which potential physical changes should the nurse discuss with the older adult client? Select all that apply.

A) Decrease in visual acuity
B) Decrease in joint mobility
C) Decrease in fluid needs
D) Decreased sense of balance
E) Decrease auditory acuity

Question 8

An older adult couple tells the nurse that it is very important that they remain independent for as long as possible. Which assessment question will help provide the data necessary to identify any major barriers to their independence? Select all that apply.

A) "Have either of you ever been diagnosed with a chronic health problem?"
B) "Do you consider yourselves to be financial stable?"
C) "Do either of you identify with a specific religion?"
D) "Are your children involved in your lives?"
E) "Do either of you drive a car?"

Question 9

A nurse is working with community leaders to present a program discussing issues related to the growing population of older adults. What issue is the nurse's priority when considering measures to lower healthcare costs?

A) Financial planning
B) Urban transportation
C) Fitness programs
D) Nutrition counseling

Question 10

On which issues should the nurse focus to maximize resources within the older adult population? Select all that apply.

A) More flexible working schedules
B) Opportunities for volunteer work
C) Work-related earned benefits
D) Aggressive financial strategies
E) Adaptable retirement schedules

Question 11

The nurse and a social activist are discussing topics for a planned seminar on issues related to the growing population of older adults. Which issue is the priority when considering continued concerns of both the individual and society?

A) Healthcare training opportunities in the area of aging
B) Legal and ethical issues of the process of dying and death
C) Urban transportation systems
D) Use and benefit of the Internet

Question 12

What post-retirement activities should the nurse introduce when discussing the need to have joy, happiness and independence in one's life with an older couple? Select all that apply.

A) Volunteering at the local food pantry
B) Taking a class at the local college
C) Offering to share one's knowledge of gardening with others
D) Working part-time at a local small business
E) Spending time reflecting on past decisions

Question 13

What should the nurse consider as having the psychosocial priority for maintaining the independence of the older client?

A) Encourage volunteerism activities with the younger people who visit.
B) Move out of the assisted living facility to live alone.
C) Maintain mental stability and satisfactory relationships with family members.
D) Sustain optimal health, social responsibilities, and financial stability.

Question 14

An older client has just experienced the loss of a spouse. How can the nurse best help this client overcome the depression?

A) Tell the client to join the local community fitness center.
B) Explore with the client her beliefs about religion and spirituality.
C) Teach the client to explore local volunteer opportunities.
D) Encourage the client to explore continuing education programs at the local school.

Question 15

A 70-year-old couple is considering marriage and is concerned about whether they will be able to participate in sexual activities. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

A) "Both of you may have to adapt to possible changes in sexuality."
B) "Sexual activity is probably too demanding for older adults."
C) "Older men have erectile dysfunction while women maintain sexuality."
D) "Older adults are not interested in sexual activity."

Question 16

The nurse observes that an 88-year-old woman at an assisted living facility frequently shares stories about her military service during World War II. What action should the nurse take based on the client's behavior?

A) Refer the client for a geriatric psychiatric evaluation.
B) Listen and ask the client questions about World War II.
C) Distract the client and change the subject of the conversation.
D) Involve the client in the facility's social activities.

Question 17

Which statement should be included in a discussion about finances for the older adult client preparing for retirement?

A) Most older adults have to adjust to a fixed income.
B) Most older adults spend more money on clothing.
C) Most older adults find commuting expenses for preventive healthcare increase.
D) Older adults own their homes and the value has increased to assist in moving to new neighborhoods.

Question 18

An 83-year-old client has recently lost a spouse of 60 years. What assessment questions demonstrate the nurse's understanding of stressors that are likely to increase the client's risk of depression and limit independence? Select all that apply.

A) "Do you consider yourself to be physical healthy?"
B) "Are you affiliated with a specific church, synagogue, temple or mosque?"
C) "Are you concerned about your finances and being able to pay your bills?"
D) "Do you have family living nearby?"
E) "Do you see yourself marrying again?"

Question 19

An older adult client residing in an extended care facility is very depressed about the current phase of life. How can the nurse, according to Erikson, best help the client achieve psychosocial development?

A) Encourage reminiscence.
B) Assist the client to focus on necessary adjustments.
C) Accomplish the developmental task of developing trust with caregivers.
D) Achieve optimal successful transitions.

Question 20

A client living in an extended care facility wants to know how to live a healthier and a happier life in older adulthood. What healthcare goal should the nurse present?

A) Retain control over all major aspects of life.
B) Review past resolutions and decisions but without regret.
C) Take part in social activities as often as they are available.
D) Be as engaged and active with life as you possibly can.