ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 37 : Mental Health Assessment of Older Adults Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a group of colleagues about suicide and the older adult population. Which of the following would the nurse include in this presentation? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C,E
Rationale: Depression (
C) is the greatest risk factor for suicide in older adults, as it significantly increases vulnerability. Recent behavior changes and loss of support (E) are critical to assess, as they signal increased risk. Option A is incorrect, as older adults have higher suicide rates than middle-aged adults. Option B is false, as White men, not African American men, are at higher risk. Option D is incorrect, as White men, not women, have the highest suicide rates in this group.
Question 2 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about age-related changes occurring in cognition and intellectual performance. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as a normal cognitive change?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Slowed information processing (option
B) is a normal age-related cognitive change, as processing speed declines with aging but does not impair overall function significantly. Disorientation to time (
A), diminished executive functioning (
C), and restricted judgment (
D) are more indicative of pathological conditions like dementia, not normal aging.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing an older adult client. Which of the following would the nurse interpret as most indicative of mental health and wellness?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Interacting with others in the environment (option
B) is most indicative of mental health and wellness, as it reflects social engagement, a key component of psychological well-being. Keeping social contacts to a minimum (
A) or relying solely on family (
C) suggests isolation or dependence, which are less healthy. Bereavement (
D) is a normal response but not an indicator of wellness.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory to assess an older adult client who is exhibiting behavior problems related to dementia. When using this tool, which of the following would the nurse assess? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C,F
Rationale: The Neuropsychiatric Inventory assesses behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia, including dysphoria (
A), apathy (
C), and anxiety (F). Inhibition (
B) is not a standard domain, though disinhibition is. Level of orientation (
D) and memory (E) are cognitive functions assessed by other tools, not the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, which focuses on behavioral symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse has used the Geriatric Depression Scale (short form) to assess an older adult client for depression. Which score would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is mildly depressed?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Geriatric Depression Scale (short form) has 15 questions, with scores of 5?8 indicating mild depression and 9?15 indicating moderate to severe depression. A score of 8 (option
C) falls within the mild depression range. Scores of 3 and 5 (options A and
B) are below the threshold, and 13 (option
D) indicates moderate to severe depression.