Deck 2: Theories of Aging

Question 1

A 62-year-old female client has recently been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.The client has cried often throughout the day and finally confides in the nurse that, "I am going home to be with my Lord." The nurse's best response is:

A)"There is no reason to believe the end is near."
B)"Do you want me to call your family?"
C)"Would you like to see the chaplain?"
D)"I think this is the time for us to pray together."

Answer 1

"Would you like to see the chaplain?"

Question 2

A 72 year old who reports being, "healthy enough to cut my own fire wood," is being assessed prior to outpatient surgery.The nurse recognizes which assessment observation as a possible result of the wear-and-tear theory?

A)Swollen finger joints
B)Red, watery eyes
C)Grimacing when raising left arm
D)Bilaterally bruising on the forearms

Answer 2

Grimacing when raising left arm

Question 3

The nurse is using the Eight Stages of Life theory to help an older adult client assess the developmental stage of personal ego differentiation.The nurse does this by assisting the client to:

A)determine his feelings regarding the effects of aging on his physical being.
B)describe his feelings regarding what he expects the future to hold for him.
C)identify aspects of his work, recreation, and family life that provide him with a sense of self-worth and pleasure.
D)elaborate on his feeling about the prospect of his personal death.

Answer 3

identify aspects of his work, recreation, and family life that provide him with a sense of self-worth and pleasure.

Question 4

A 76-year-old client is recovering from a mild cerebral vascular accident (stroke).The home care nurse notes that he is talking about updating his will and planning funeral arrangements with his partner.Which of the following responses is most appropriate for the nurse to make?

A)"You seem to be very preoccupied with dying."
B)"Is there anything I can do to help you?"
C)"Are you worried about dying before you get your affairs in order?"
D)"Let's focus on how you are recovering rather than on your dying."

Question 5

To provide effective care to the older adult, the nurse must understand that:

A)older adults are not a homogeneous sociologic group.
B)little variation exists in cohort groups of older adults.
C)health problems are much the same for similar age groups of older adults.
D)withdrawal by an older adult is a normal physiologic response to aging.

Question 6

A 71-year-old widower is hospitalized for dehydration.During his admission interview, he repeatedly talks about how he wishes he were as energetic and strong as he was when he was younger.In planning the care for an older adult client, the nurse will best promote health and wellness by:

A)encouraging independent living and self-care.
B)scheduling regular cardiac and respiratory focused health screenings.
C)effectively delivering health-related educational information.
D)promoting a nutritious diet and an age-appropriate exercise routine.

Question 7

The practitioner who believes in the Free Radical Theory of Aging is likely to recommend that the older adult:

A)avoid excessive intake of zinc or magnesium.
B)supplement his or her diet with vitamins C and E.
C)increase intake of complex carbohydrates.
D)avoid the use of alcohol or tobacco.

Question 8

Knowing the difference between normal age-related changes and pathologic findings is very important.Which finding should the nurse identify as pathologic in a 72-year-old client?

A)Two hospitalizations in 6 months for respiratory infections
B)Patient reports of sleeping only of 5 to 6 hours each night
C)Thinning hair and brittle nails
D)Dry, tissue-paper-like skin

Question 9

Your 68-year-old client's husband died recently.She is a retired nurse who cared for her husband during an extended illness.After 45 years of marriage, a client loses her husband to a sudden illness.She is now depressed and withdrawn and has verbalized feelings of uselessness.The nurse is most therapeutic when:

A)encouraging her to take up a hobby such as gardening that will occupy some of her time.
B)explaining that volunteering would be an excellent outlet for her.
C)assuring her that her feelings of sadness will pass with time.
D)asking her to share some of her cherished memories of her husband.

Question 10

A nurse is responsible for the care of 20 older adults in a unit of an assisted living facility.In order to best address the needs and wants of the entire unit's population, the nurse:

A)strictly adhered to facility policies so that all clients will be treated equally.
B)encourages specific age cohorts to gather in the dayroom because they share similar interests.
C)has the unit vote on which television programs will be watched each evening.
D)schedules the clients' bathing times according to their individual preference.