basic geriatric nursing 8th edition test bank -Nurselytic

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diarrhea. Diarrhea is not a risk factor for developing pneumonia in elderly individuals. The rationale for this is that pneumonia is primarily caused by respiratory infections, not gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Neurological disease, heart failure, and COPD are all risk factors for pneumonia because they can weaken the immune system or impair lung function, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. These conditions can lead to aspiration, impaired cough reflex, or compromised lung function, increasing the likelihood of developing pneumonia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unsecured scattered rugs. This requires immediate nursing action as it poses a significant fall risk for the older adult. Rugs can cause tripping hazards, leading to potential injuries. The nurse should secure or remove the rugs to ensure the safety of the patient.

Summary of other choices:
B: Operable smoke detector - While important for safety, it does not require immediate nursing action as it is already in working condition.
C: Prefilled medication cassette - This is not an immediate safety concern and can be addressed during routine medication management.
D: Unsecured scattered rugs (repeated) - This choice is the same as the correct answer, so it is incorrect.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased manual dexterity and inability to hold a toothbrush. As people age, they may experience decreased hand strength and motor skills, making it difficult to hold and manipulate objects like a toothbrush. This can lead to a decline in oral hygiene practices. Malocclusion of teeth (
B) does not directly impact the ability to brush teeth. Decrease in taste acuity (
C) may affect appetite but not tooth brushing habits. Lack of dental insurance (
D) is a financial barrier and may affect access to dental care, but it does not directly impact the physical ability to brush teeth.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C - Difficulty walking and balance issues. Frailty in older adults is characterized by physical weakness, decreased muscle strength, and reduced functional capacity. Difficulty walking and balance issues are key indicators of frailty as they reflect a decline in physical capabilities. Increased muscle mass (
A) is not a sign of frailty but rather a positive indicator of strength. Unexplained weight gain (
B) may not necessarily be related to frailty. Improved cognitive function (
D) is unrelated to physical frailty.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, increasing the risk of falls in older adults. They can also impair balance and coordination. Older adults are more sensitive to these effects due to age-related changes in metabolism and increased risk of cognitive impairment. Beta-blockers (
A), statins (
C), and antihypertensives (
D) are generally safe in older adults and do not directly increase the risk of falls. Beta-blockers can sometimes cause dizziness but are more commonly associated with bradycardia. Statins are used to lower cholesterol levels and do not affect fall risk. Antihypertensives help lower blood pressure and can actually reduce the risk of falls by preventing conditions like orthostatic hypotension.