An 81 yr old female presents to the ED with altered level of consciousness. All of the following except____ are possible causes for this condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: peripheral arterial disease. Altered level of consciousness in an 81-year-old female is unlikely to be directly caused by peripheral arterial disease. Instead, hypoglycemia, pneumonia, and hypotension from dehydration are common causes of altered mental status in the elderly. Hypoglycemia can lead to brain dysfunction, pneumonia can cause low oxygen levels affecting brain function, and dehydration-induced hypotension can reduce blood flow to the brain. Therefore, peripheral arterial disease is not typically a direct cause of altered consciousness in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Complicated medication regimens. Older adults often have multiple medical conditions requiring several medications, leading to confusion and difficulty in following complex regimens. This complexity increases the likelihood of medication nonadherence. Lack of health literacy (A) may contribute but is not the primary factor. High cost of medications (B) and limited access to healthcare providers (C) are important barriers, but they are not as directly linked to nonadherence as the complexity of medication regimens.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it directly addresses the older woman's emotional response to the instructions, showing empathy and understanding. By asking how she feels, the nurse can uncover any concerns or fears she may have, leading to effective communication and tailored support. Moving on to medication (A) ignores the woman's distress, potentially worsening the situation. Instructing the interpreter to repeat instructions (C) may not address the underlying issue. Having the woman repeat instructions (D) does not acknowledge her emotional state and may not resolve her tension.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because gerontological nursing focuses on promoting health and maximizing independence in older adults. This statement aligns with the core principles of gerontological nursing, which emphasize holistic care and quality of life for elderly individuals. Choice A is incorrect because nurses have been involved in caring for older adults for a long time. Choice B is incorrect because gerontological care was not the second specialty certified by the ANA. Choice D is incorrect because ANA certification is not limited only to research positions in gerontological nursing.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disengagement theory. This theory suggests that as people age, they naturally withdraw or disengage from societal roles and responsibilities. Mandatory retirement at age 65 aligns with this theory as it reflects the societal expectation of older individuals stepping back from work roles. Role theory (A) focuses on how individuals adapt to various social roles throughout their lives, not specifically related to retirement. Age-stratification theory (C) emphasizes how age impacts societal structures and opportunities, not retirement policies. Social exchange theory (D) focuses on relationships and interactions based on the exchange of resources, not specifically related to retirement age policies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a high-intensity lamp can provide better lighting for reading, addressing the difficulty the patient experiences in the evening. This intervention can improve visibility and reduce strain on the eyes. Option B is incorrect as arcus senilis is a common age-related condition but not a direct cause of difficulty reading. Option C is incorrect as simply increasing the power of fluorescent lights may not address specific visual needs for reading. Option D is incorrect as examining the retinas may not directly address the patient's difficulty in reading and is not the most appropriate initial intervention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because loss of vision in one eye is not a typical sign or symptom of Parkinson's disease. A, B, and D are all common signs of Parkinson's disease. A - Mask-like facial expressions result from decreased facial muscle movement. B - Shuffling gait is a characteristic walking pattern in Parkinson's patients. D - Tremors without intention (at rest) are a classic symptom of Parkinson's disease due to disrupted brain signals. Therefore, C is the odd one out as it is not directly associated with Parkinson's disease manifestations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Certainly! Regular strength training exercises are crucial for improving strength and overall function in older adults with frailty. Strength training helps build muscle mass, improve balance, and increase mobility, leading to enhanced functional abilities. It also helps prevent falls and maintain independence. High-protein diet (A) supports muscle health but alone is not sufficient. Medication management (B) is important but not the primary factor for physical function. Limiting physical activity (D) can worsen frailty by causing deconditioning and loss of muscle strength.

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.