ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 37 : Mental Health Assessment of Older Adults Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a 76-year-old patient with a hearing deficit caused by presbycusis. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do when communicating with the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Presbycusis, age-related hearing loss, primarily affects high-frequency sounds, making lower-pitched tones easier to hear. Using lower-pitched tones (option
D) is most appropriate, as it accommodates the patient?s hearing deficit. Higher volume (option
A) may help but can distort sound if too loud. Addressing family members (option
B) excludes the patient and is inappropriate. Sign language (option
C) is irrelevant unless the patient is trained in it, which is not indicated.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 78-year-old client who is taking an anticholinergic medication and complains of dry mouth. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chewing hard candies, especially sugar-free ones, stimulates saliva production, which helps alleviate dry mouth caused by anticholinergic medications. Mouthwash (option
B) may not address dryness and could irritate the mouth if alcohol-based. Seasonings (option
C) do not relieve dry mouth. Decaffeinated beverages (option
D) may help with hydration but are less effective than stimulating saliva.
Question 3 of 5
An elderly client tells the nurse that she had been constipated for the last few days and decided to use an over-the-counter fiber laxative that is dissolved in water. When reviewing the use of this laxative with the client, which of the following would the nurse include as a possible side effect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fiber laxatives, such as psyllium, increase bulk in the stool and can cause flatus (gas) as a common side effect due to fermentation in the gut. Diarrhea (option
A) may occur with overuse but is less common. Nausea (option
B) and stomach pain (option
D) are less directly associated with fiber laxatives compared to flatus.
Question 4 of 5
An 80-year-old client visits the mental health clinic with her daughter. During the assessment process, the client tells the nurse that she is taking an antidepressant, an antibiotic, and an occasional aspirin. Which question would be most important for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Grapefruit juice can interact with many medications, including some antidepressants and antibiotics, by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, potentially leading to increased drug levels and toxicity. Orange, tomato, and grape juices (options B, C,
D) do not have significant interactions with these medications, making grapefruit juice the most critical to assess.
Question 5 of 5
While caring for an 88-year-old client suspected of having dementia, the nurse assesses the client for a common delusional thought. Which of the following would the nurse interpret as a common delusion?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In dementia, a common delusion is the belief that personal belongings are being stolen, often by familiar people like roommates or caregivers, as in option D. Grandiose delusions (option
A) or paranoid delusions about the government (option
C) are less common in dementia and more associated with other disorders like schizophrenia. Option B is less typical and more fantastical.