A nurse plans an educational program for staff of a home health agency specializing in care of the elderly. Which topic is the highest priority to include?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pain assessment techniques for older adults. This is the highest priority as pain management is crucial in the care of the elderly to ensure their comfort and well-being. By assessing pain accurately, appropriate interventions can be implemented. - Choice B (Psychosocial stimulation): While important, it is not as critical as addressing pain, which directly impacts the individual's physical comfort. - Choice C (Psychiatric advance directives): Important for mental health planning but not as immediately essential as pain assessment in day-to-day care. - Choice D (Managing disinhibition in dementia): Important but secondary to addressing pain, which has a more immediate impact on the individual's quality of life. Prioritizing pain assessment ensures holistic care for elderly patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Identify two alternative methods of coping with loneliness and isolation. Rationale: 1. The nursing diagnosis is Ineffective coping related to feelings of loneliness and isolation, indicating the patient struggles with coping mechanisms. 2. The desired outcome is for the patient to identify alternative coping methods, which directly addresses the ineffective coping issue. 3. By identifying two alternative methods, the patient demonstrates an understanding of healthier coping strategies. 4. This outcome focuses on addressing the root cause of the behavior (loneliness and isolation) rather than just surface-level expressions or behaviors. Summary: A: Appropriately expressing angry feelings does not directly address coping mechanisms related to loneliness and isolation. B: Verbalizing positive things about oneself is beneficial but does not address the core issue of ineffective coping. C: Verbalizing the importance of a balanced diet is important but does not directly address coping with loneliness and isolation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because assessing lung sounds and extremities is crucial after significant weight gain in a patient with anorexia nervosa to monitor for potential complications like refeeding syndrome. Praise in choice A may reinforce unhealthy behaviors. Choice C suggesting an exercise program may be harmful. Choice D could lead to excessive weight gain.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assessing the level of consciousness and normal body functions. After electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it is crucial to monitor the patient's level of consciousness and ensure all body functions are normal to detect any potential complications immediately. This includes assessing vital signs, neurological status, respiratory function, and cardiovascular stability. Monitoring for the return of full range of motion (A) is not a priority immediately post-ECT. Assessing memory impairment (B) may be important but is not the immediate priority. Making positive comments (C) is helpful for emotional support but does not address the critical need to assess physical status.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lamotrigine (Lamictal). All the drugs listed are commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy and mood disorders. Lamotrigine is often prescribed alongside divalproex, carbamazepine, and gabapentin as a mood stabilizer and antiepileptic medication. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and preventing seizures. Clonazepam (A) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and seizures, not in the same class as the other drugs. Risperidone (C) and Aripiprazole (D) are antipsychotics used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, not primarily for epilepsy.