All of the following except___ are considered standard therapy for an elderly person with congestive heart failure (CHF).

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Question 1 of 9

All of the following except___ are considered standard therapy for an elderly person with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because antibiotics are not standard therapy for congestive heart failure in the elderly. The rationale is that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not heart failure. A: ACE inhibitors are standard therapy as they help dilate blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart. C: Diuretics help reduce fluid buildup in the body, which is beneficial for managing CHF symptoms. D: Beta blockers are used to reduce the heart's workload and help manage the stress response, making them standard therapy for CHF.

Question 2 of 9

How does aging affect the immune response in older adults, making them more susceptible to infections?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: The thymus gland is responsible for producing T-cells, crucial for immune responses. As individuals age, the thymus gland shrinks and becomes less efficient, reducing the production of new T-cells. This decline in T-cell production weakens the immune response in older adults, making them more susceptible to infections. Therefore, choice B is correct. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Aging does not increase the production of white blood cells. In fact, the immune system may weaken with age due to a decline in key immune cells. C: Aging does not improve the body's ability to recognize and fight off pathogens. Instead, it often leads to a decline in immune function. D: While some inflammatory responses may increase with age, excessive inflammation can actually be harmful and contribute to age-related diseases, rather than providing protection.

Question 3 of 9

Which of the following considerations is most likely to be true when working with an interpreter?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because facing the patient rather than the interpreter promotes direct communication and builds trust. This approach allows for better non-verbal communication cues to be exchanged between the nurse and the patient. Conversely, choice A is incorrect as interpreters are vital for accurate communication even if the nurse speaks the same language. Choice B is incorrect because using technical terms or metaphors may confuse the interpreter and patient. Choice C is incorrect as using family members as interpreters can compromise confidentiality and accuracy.

Question 4 of 9

Which of the following can occur as a result of decreased hearing in the older person?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Decreased hearing in older individuals can lead to increased danger as they may not be able to hear important warning sounds like smoke or security alarms. This can compromise their safety and well-being. A is incorrect because decreased hearing may lead to increased stressful interactions due to difficulties in communication. C is incorrect because decreased hearing can actually increase danger when driving or walking in traffic as the individual may not be able to hear car horns or other traffic sounds, leading to potential accidents. D is incorrect because decreased hearing can contribute to an increased risk of falls due to decreased awareness of environmental sounds and hazards.

Question 5 of 9

Which of the following is the most effective strategy to reduce the risk of falls in older adults?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Installing safety bars and removing tripping hazards. This strategy addresses environmental factors that contribute to falls in older adults. Safety bars provide support, while removing tripping hazards reduces the risk of accidents. Restricting mobility (choice A) can lead to muscle weakness and increase fall risk. Increasing medication dosages (choice C) can cause side effects like dizziness, increasing fall risk. Providing frequent sedation (choice D) can impair alertness and balance, also increasing fall risk. Thus, choice B is the most effective strategy to reduce falls by modifying the physical environment.

Question 6 of 9

The nurse in an assisted living facility (ALF) is preparing a lecture on aging for the residents. The philosophy of the ALF is to approach aging from the viewpoint of health. Based on this philosophy, the nurse includes which of the following topics?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer B: "Channeling Your Inner Strength Toward Wellness" 1. Focuses on a positive approach to aging by emphasizing inner strength and wellness. 2. Aligns with the ALF's philosophy of viewing aging from a health perspective. 3. Encourages residents to take an active role in their well-being and empowers them. 4. Promotes a holistic view of health by addressing physical, mental, and emotional aspects. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: "The Many Chronic Illnesses of Aging" - Focuses on negative aspects and does not promote a proactive approach to health. C: "Maximizing Function As You Age" - While important, it may not fully capture the holistic nature of health and wellness. D: "Conserving Your Strength As You Age" - Does not emphasize active engagement in promoting wellness and may promote a passive approach.

Question 7 of 9

Which of the following cases seen by a nurse working in the ED identifies a situation that suggests a case of elder mistreatment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Choice B is the correct answer because dime-sized burned areas on the upper inner thigh can be indicative of elder mistreatment, such as neglect or abuse. 2. Burns in unusual areas like the inner thigh raise suspicion as they are not commonly accidental. 3. Elderly individuals may be unable to defend themselves or report abuse, making it crucial for healthcare providers to recognize potential signs. 4. Choices A, C, and D do not directly suggest elder mistreatment but may indicate other health issues or accidents. Summary: Choice B is correct as it presents a specific sign of potential elder mistreatment, while the other choices do not exhibit clear indicators of abuse or neglect.

Question 8 of 9

Which of the following best describes the role of a nurse in managing polypharmacy in elderly patients?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Conducting regular reviews allows nurses to assess the necessity and appropriateness of each medication, addressing potential drug interactions, duplications, and side effects in elderly patients. Step 2: This proactive approach helps prevent polypharmacy-related complications and ensures optimal medication management. Step 3: Ensuring medications are taken exactly as directed (A) may not address the root cause of polypharmacy. Recommending over-the-counter medications (C) without proper evaluation can worsen the issue. Administering medications only during hospital stays (D) is not a comprehensive solution outside of the hospital setting.

Question 9 of 9

When considering end-of-life care, which of the following is most crucial for the gerontological nurse to evaluate?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The patient's advanced directives and wishes. This is crucial in end-of-life care as it ensures that the patient's preferences and values are respected. By evaluating the advanced directives and wishes, the nurse can provide care that aligns with the patient's goals and desires. This promotes autonomy and dignity in the patient's end-of-life experience. Choice A (Patient's financial situation) is not as crucial as the patient's wishes in end-of-life care, as financial considerations should not dictate the quality of care provided. Choice B (The family’s expectations) is important, but the patient's wishes should take precedence as it is their care and preferences that should be the primary focus. Choice D (The patient's history of medication use) is relevant for overall care but not as crucial in end-of-life care as honoring the patient's wishes and directives.

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