An older patient worries that simple tasks, like balancing a checkbook, take longer. How should the nurse respond?

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because regular repositioning every 2 hours, along with the use of pressure-relieving devices, is the most effective intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in older adults with limited mobility. Repositioning helps to redistribute pressure, reducing the risk of tissue damage. Pressure-relieving devices like cushions or mattresses further help to alleviate pressure points. Choice A is incorrect because strict bed rest and minimal repositioning can actually increase the risk of pressure ulcers by concentrating pressure on specific areas. Choice B is incorrect as high-protein diets and supplements alone do not address the primary cause of pressure ulcers, which is prolonged pressure on the skin. Choice D is incorrect because leaving wounds uncovered can increase the risk of infection and hinder the healing process.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates empathy, collaboration, and a patient-centered approach. By asking how to work together, the nurse acknowledges the daughter's concerns and fosters a collaborative relationship. This approach respects the daughter's role in her mother's care and encourages open communication. Choice A is incorrect as it uses a threatening tone and may alienate the daughter, leading to a breakdown in communication. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the daughter's cultural values, which are important in providing holistic care. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests that the daughter is incapable of caring for her mother, which can be disempowering and offensive.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, EKG and serial enzymes for determination of an MI. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of nausea and sudden onset shortness of breath raise concern for a possible myocardial infarction (MI). Conducting an EKG and serial enzymes helps in diagnosing an MI by assessing for cardiac ischemia or injury. Upper endoscopy (choice A) is not indicated for these symptoms. A CT of the head (choice B) is unnecessary as the symptoms are suggestive of a cardiac issue, not a neurological one. Liver function studies (choice C) do not align with the presenting symptoms and are not a priority in this acute setting. Conducting an EKG and serial enzymes is the most appropriate initial workup to assess for a possible MI in this elderly patient with concerning symptoms.

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: 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: 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: 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.