Deck 2: Gerontological Nursing History, Education, and Roles

Question 1

Gerontological nurses may be generalists or specialists. In order to prepare a nurse generalist, which of the following nursing practices experience would be the most meaningful and helpful?

A) Working with older adults experiencing chronic health conditions found in acute care settings
B) Working with older adults across the continuum of care
C) Working with older adults in long-term care facilities, because this is where most older adults reside
D) Working with older adults in home care, because the goal is to keep them in their homes as long as possible

Answer 1

Working with older adults across the continuum of care

Question 2

The gerontological nurse collaborates with the wound care team about an older adult who has an ulcer. How is this nurse demonstrating leadership in the care of an older person?

A) The nurse is screening and assessing older persons effectively.
B) The nurse is facilitating access to older person care programs.
C) The nurse is coordinating members of the health care team.
D) The nurse is empowering older persons to manage chronic illness.

Answer 2

The nurse is coordinating members of the health care team.

Question 3

Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding gerontological nursing education?

A) Gerontological nursing content has long been integrated into the curriculum of the typical school of nursing.
B) Undergraduate nursing programs cover gerontological nursing extensively in dedicated courses, comparable to the coverage of psychiatric nursing.
C) Issues most lacking in gerontological nursing education include faculty not being supportive and students lacking interest in this area of nursing.
D) Accreditation of a nursing program guarantees that appropriate amounts of gerontological nursing content are included in the curriculum.

Answer 3

Issues most lacking in gerontological nursing education include faculty not being supportive and students lacking interest in this area of nursing.

Question 4

Which of the following statements best identifies gerontological nursing?

A) Nurses have only recently become involved in the care of the older adult.
B) Gerontological care, while important, is the smallest specialty group within the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA).
C) The purposes of gerontological nursing include promotion of health and support for maximal function.
D) Canadian Nurses Association certification is available only for gerontological nurses in research positions.

Question 5

Mrs. Jaciuk, 70 years of age, was admitted to the hospital after a recent fall in her home. Her left cheek is bruised and she complains that her left leg is very sore. After assessment and undergoing a CT scan of her head and an X-ray of her left leg, the physician is ready to discharge her home because there is no evidence of a fracture. Mrs. Jaciuk starts to cry when the nurse enters the room and she begs the nurse to allow her to stay, because she has no one at home and she fears she may fall again. What should the nurse consider when addressing Mrs. Jaciuk?

A) Allow Mrs. Jaciuk to express her feelings.
B) Understand that hospitals are dangerous places for older persons.
C) Speak with the physician and request that Mrs. Jaciuk be allowed to stay another day.
D) Instruct Mrs. Jaciuk about fall prevention, based on the Registered Nurses' Association (RNAO) Best Practice Guideline.

Question 6

A nursing home executive interviews RNs to fill a full-time position for direct patient care, to maintain the standards of older adult care. Which nurse should the nursing home hire?

A) A nurse from a certified university
B) A certified gerontological nurse
C) A nurse with 15 years of experience
D) A gerontological nurse practitioner

Question 7

What was the first formal action the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (CGNA) took in relation to gerontological nursing?

A) The CGNA established the first provincial gerontological nursing association.
B) The CGNA established gerontological nursing standards.
C) The CGNA created the Canadian Association of Older Adults.
D) The CGNA formed the Canadian Association of Gerontology.

Question 8

Leadership in long-term care settings requires balancing the needs of the residents with the well-being of the staff. The turnover rate of Health Care Aides (HCAs) in long-term care facilities is almost 100%. You are working in a long-term care facility and have identified that whenever a particular HCA is unhappy with an assignment, the entire unit has a bad day. Which action should the unit nurse take first to correct this situation?

A) Meet with the HCA to find out why the HCA is so unhappy.
B) Place the HCA on probation for the negative behaviour.
C) Discuss with the HCA the perceived attitude and the way it affects the unit.
D) Suspend the HCA until the behaviour improves.

Question 9

A male older adult is transferred to a hospice facility with end-stage disease. Which of the following is a suitable nursing intervention for this older adult and his family, according to the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association's Standards of Practice?

A) Decrease the analgesic dose to prevent sedation.
B) Provide a basin and towels for morning self-care.
C) Inform family members about strict visiting hours.
D) Facilitate family rituals related to death and dying.

Question 10

Which one of the following Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association Standards of Practice recognizes that certain behaviours are not necessarily related to pathology, but instead may be related to the circumstances within the physical or social environment surrounding older persons?

A) Physiological health
B) Relationship care
C) Responsive care
D) Health system