An older patient who was just diagnosed with a terminal disease states, "All my life I attended church, but I am still worried about what will happen after death." The nurse's best response is which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "The unknown may be frightening. Do you want to talk about this?" This response acknowledges the patient's fear and offers an opportunity for the patient to express their concerns. It shows empathy and encourages open communication. Choice B is incorrect because it assumes all religious people share the same belief, which may not be the case for this patient. Choice C is incorrect as it imposes experiences of others onto the patient, which may not align with their beliefs or feelings. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes the patient's feelings without giving them a chance to express themselves.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. In older adults, decreased thyroid function, known as hypothyroidism, can lead to a decrease in metabolism. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and slowed heart rate. A: Kidney - While the kidneys play a role in filtering waste and maintaining fluid balance, decreased kidney function typically does not directly impact metabolism. C: Brain - The brain plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, but it does not directly control metabolism. D: Skeleton - The skeleton provides structural support and protects organs but does not directly influence metabolism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To offer holistic care that allows older adults to live in the community. PACE aims to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to help seniors remain independent in their homes and communities. This includes medical, social, and behavioral services. Choice A is incorrect as PACE focuses on holistic care rather than just intensive medical treatment. Choice B is incorrect as PACE aims to prevent nursing home placement by supporting older adults to live at home. Choice D is incorrect as while PACE may help reduce healthcare costs through preventive and coordinated care, the primary goal is to support seniors in living in the community.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a peak flow meter is used to monitor and measure the peak expiratory flow rate, which helps determine if the client is developing asthma symptoms such as airway constriction. It provides feedback on the client's lung function, helping to assess asthma control and guide treatment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a peak flow meter is not used for administering medications, identifying allergy triggers, or limited to specific healthcare professionals.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: cerebral vascular disease. Microvascular changes in diabetes mainly affect small blood vessels in organs like the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy). Cerebral vascular disease involves larger blood vessels in the brain, not typically considered a result of microvascular changes in diabetes. Retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy are well-documented complications of uncontrolled diabetes due to damage to small blood vessels in these specific organs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because older adults often experience adverse drug reactions due to their slower renal and hepatic function. This leads to a decreased ability to clear drugs from the body efficiently, increasing the risk of drug accumulation and toxicity. Choice A is incorrect because aging typically results in slower drug metabolism, not faster. Choice B is also incorrect as older adults tend to take more medications, increasing the likelihood of drug interactions and adverse reactions. Choice D is incorrect because aging is associated with a decline in immune function, making older adults more susceptible to adverse drug reactions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, directly impacts balance and mobility in older adults. Muscle weakness from sarcopenia reduces stability and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. This affects functional independence as it limits the ability to perform daily activities safely. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as sarcopenia primarily affects muscle mass and strength, not body fat, lung capacity, or joint stiffness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the Gerontological Society of America, because it includes members from various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, biology, and medicine. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a holistic understanding of aging. The other choices focus specifically on nursing (B), aging (C), or higher education (D), and do not encompass a wide range of disciplines like choice A. This makes them more specialized and less likely to have a diverse membership across different fields.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because inhaling deeply before activating the inhaler ensures proper medication delivery to the lungs. This allows the medication to reach the affected areas efficiently. Choice A is incorrect because inhalers are often used preventatively, not just when short of breath. Choice C is incorrect as inhaling rapidly may not allow the medication to be effectively deposited in the lungs. Choice D is incorrect because using the inhaler excessively can lead to overuse and potential side effects.