Review Questions

A nurse is caring for an older adult who has recently retired from a career as a dental hygienist. The patient is exhibiting signs of sadness, loneliness, and depression. The nurse recognizes the patient is experiencing an effect of what type of developmental change?

The nurse observes a patient in the long-term care facility is experiencing a reduced appetite. The patient states that food does not taste good and lacks flavor. The nurse associates these changes with what expected physiological change of older adulthood?

What developmental transition in older adulthood directly relates to relationships with family members and others in the community?

What description provides an example of role reversal in older adulthood?

An older patient tells the nurse about her diminished sense of hearing. What should the nurse say to explain hearing changes from aging?

A nurse is caring for an older adult whose husband recently died from colon cancer. The patient is expressing concerns about her financial situation and the choices she and her husband have made over the years. She is also exhibiting signs of sadness and loneliness. The nurse knows that the patient is working through what task in Erikson’s psychosocial theory?

The nurse observes that a patient in the long-term care facility seems withdrawn. Several of the other staff members mention that she does not come to the dining room for meals or other activities. The nurse creates a plan to encourage the patient to join at least one meal per day and two weekly activities in the community area. The nurse uses her knowledge of what theory of aging to create a care plan for this patient?

In what theory of aging can older adults move from one level to another depending on specific health and disease circumstances?

In addition to the ADEA, what legislation aims to reduce the negative effects of ageism and minimize age stratification?

What patient profile describes the idea of role replacement as described in the disengagement theory?

A nurse working in home health notices that one of her patients relies on walls, furniture, and counters to stabilize herself as she moves through her home. The nurse determines the patient is experiencing dizziness after starting a new blood pressure medication. The nurse knows the patient is having trouble with mobility and is at high risk for what health risk?

A patient tells the nurse that he is taking various herbal and nutritional supplements to “enhance” his health. Since the patient also takes multiple prescription medications, the nurse understands the patient is at risk for what health risk?

The nurse is caring for an older adult who states she is concerned that she has dementia because she is having trouble finding words on occasion and lost her keys last week. The nurse understands the patient is showing signs of what psychological health risk?

A nurse is concerned about a patient who recently moved into an assisted living facility. The patient had to give up her pet and her home during the move. She also tells the nurse that it is now difficult for her daughter to drive her to her weekly card game. The nurse knows that in addition to loneliness and grief, the patient is also at risk for what psychological health risk?

A hospitalized older adult patient who was previously alert and oriented is now confused about place and time. The patient also attempted to leave the hospital and had a near-miss fall. The nurse understands that this patient may be experiencing what acute disorder?

During a routine wellness checkup for a 68-year-old female, the nurse notices she has never had colon cancer screening. What is the best course of action for the nurse?

A nurse performs an IADL assessment on a home care patient. The patient begins explaining the self-care activities that she is able to do independently. What is the best question to ask in relation to the IADLs?

An emergency room nurse is assessing an older patient with suspected UTI. The daughter is present during the exam and is answering most of the questions. The patient keeps wondering where they are and requesting breakfast although it is 5 p.m. The daughter states, “my mom is usually so sharp, she never seems confused like this.” The nurse knows the patient is at risk for what health risk?

A nurse in a primary care office is interviewing an older adult during a follow-up visit. The patient states that the medication prescribed for insomnia during his last visit seems to have made his headaches worse. The nurse sees that this patient has already tried several other medications for insomnia and has had chronic headaches for five years. The nurse can anticipate a referral to what specialty service?

The nurse is interviewing a patient being seen in an orthopedic office for follow-up on a broken wrist from a fall. The patient reports being very sleepy during the day and having difficulty getting their usual daily tasks done, but their arm is not hurting at all. The nurse discovers the patient takes the prescribed pain medication every four hours regardless of pain level, rather than as needed. What action can the nurse anticipate after discussing the patient’s symptoms with the provider?