A nurse is caring for a 70 yr old client with pain related to osteoarthritis. The pain is relatively constant. The client is prescribed pharmacological treatment for the pain. In suggesting alternative therapies to the client, the nurse would consider their effectiveness to be:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Greater when used in conjunction with pharmacological therapy. This is because combining alternative therapies with pharmacological treatment can often provide a synergistic effect, resulting in better pain management outcomes. Alternative therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or mindfulness techniques can complement the effects of medications, leading to improved pain relief. Options A and D are incorrect as age alone does not determine the effectiveness of alternative therapies. Option C is also incorrect as combining therapies can enhance overall pain management strategies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are a common cause of delirium in hospitalized older adults due to their impact on the central nervous system. UTIs can lead to systemic inflammation and affect cognitive function, resulting in delirium. Other choices like medication side effects, sleep deprivation, and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to delirium but are not as common or direct as UTIs in this population.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pneumonia. Older adults are more susceptible to pneumonia due to weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions. Pneumonia can lead to severe complications, requiring hospitalization. Osteoarthritis (A) primarily affects joints and does not typically lead to hospitalization. Stroke (B) and heart failure (D) are serious conditions but may not be as common for hospitalization as pneumonia in older adults. Pneumonia's impact on the respiratory system and its ability to progress rapidly make it the most common reason for hospitalization in this population.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Ageism is defined as prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on their age. 2. Choice A accurately defines ageism by highlighting the prejudicial nature and stereotyping of older adults. 3. Choices B and C are incorrect as ageism can occur against any age group, not just those over 65 or younger people in healthcare. 4. Choice D is incorrect as ageism involves negative stereotypes, not positive ones like assuming all older adults are wise.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Physical exercise. Engaging in physical exercise has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, promote the growth of new brain cells, and enhance cognitive function. This helps maintain brain health and may reduce the risk of developing dementia. Other choices are not as directly related to brain health. B: Stimulating mental activity is important but not as effective as physical exercise in preventing dementia. C: Socialization is beneficial for overall well-being but does not have a direct impact on brain health. D: Crossword puzzles are a form of mental stimulation, but physical exercise has a greater impact on brain health.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Facilitate family rituals related to death and dying. In end-of-life care, it is essential to support the older adult and their family in their cultural and spiritual practices to promote comfort and closure. This intervention aligns with the goals of long-term care by addressing the psychological and emotional needs of the patient and family. Providing a basin and towels (B) focuses on physical self-care, which may not be a priority in end-stage disease. Decreasing analgesic dose (A) can compromise pain management and quality of life. Informing family members about strict visiting hours (C) can hinder emotional support and connection during this critical time.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Acknowledge patient's concern. Step 2: Educate on normal aging changes affecting cognitive function. Step 3: Reassure patient that slight delays in tasks are common. Step 4: Encourage healthy habits to support cognitive function. Step 5: Emphasize the importance of monitoring any significant changes. Summary: Choice A is correct as it addresses the concern, educates on normal aging changes, reassures the patient, and provides guidance on monitoring. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they either suggest immediate evaluation without considering normal aging changes or provide inaccurate information about brain function in aging.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Asian and Pacific Island Americans. This group has the highest life expectancy in the US due to various factors such as healthy dietary habits, lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, access to quality healthcare, and strong social support systems. They also tend to engage in regular physical activity and have lower rates of obesity and chronic diseases compared to other racial or ethnic groups. In contrast, choices A, B, and C have lower life expectancies due to factors such as higher rates of poverty, inadequate healthcare access, systemic racism, and higher prevalence of chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stand on one foot at a time while supported. This exercise helps improve balance by challenging the proprioceptive system. By standing on one foot while supported, the older adult can gradually strengthen their muscles and improve their balance. Other choices like exercising with light weights may not specifically target balance, training with sit-ups focuses more on core strength, and working out in a swimming pool may provide buoyancy but may not directly address the balance concern.