How does dehydration impact older adults more than younger adults?

Questions 44

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basic geriatric nursing 8th edition test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

How does dehydration impact older adults more than younger adults?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because older adults have reduced kidney function, which impairs their ability to concentrate urine and retain water. Additionally, they may have a diminished thirst sensation, making them less likely to drink enough fluids. This combination of factors makes older adults more vulnerable to dehydration compared to younger adults. Choice A is incorrect because older adults actually have a lower percentage of body water due to age-related changes in body composition. Choice C is incorrect as dehydration can indeed have a more significant impact on older adults due to their physiological changes. Choice D is incorrect as older adults are actually more prone to dehydration due to various age-related factors.

Question 2 of 9

A family member asks if vitamin C will prevent aging. The nurse considers which theory?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Free radical theory. Vitamin C is thought to prevent aging by combatting free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Immunological theory (B) focuses on the role of the immune system in aging. Oxidative stress theory (C) is related to free radical theory but does not specifically address the role of vitamin C. Telomere theory (D) pertains to the shortening of telomeres, which are protective structures at the end of chromosomes, but is not directly related to the role of vitamin C in preventing aging.

Question 3 of 9

Which physiological change in the brain is the reason the nurse allows more time for answering questions with older adults?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Atrophy of dendrites in the cerebral cortex. With aging, there is a natural decline in brain volume and synaptic connections, leading to reduced dendritic branching and synaptic density in the cerebral cortex. This affects processing speed and cognitive functions, requiring more time for older adults to respond to questions. Rationale: A: Increased secretion of cholinesterase is not a physiological change associated with aging that would require more time for answering questions. B: Decreased secretion of neurotransmitters may occur with aging but is not the primary reason for slower processing speed in older adults. C: Loss of spinal cord and brainstem neurons is not the main factor influencing older adults' response time to questions compared to atrophy of dendrites in the cerebral cortex.

Question 4 of 9

Which of the following is the leading cause of hospitalization for older adults in the United States?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumonia. Older adults are more susceptible to pneumonia due to weakened immune systems and other health conditions. Pneumonia can lead to severe complications requiring hospitalization. Stroke (B) affects a significant number of older adults but is not the leading cause of hospitalization. Diabetes (C) and Congestive heart failure (D) are prevalent in older adults but are not the primary reason for hospitalization. Pneumonia's severity and impact on older adults' health make it the leading cause of hospitalization.

Question 5 of 9

In which context are members of a cohort described when using the age-stratification theory to explain the effect of similar events, conditions, and circumstances?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Historical. In age-stratification theory, cohort members are described in historical context to explain shared experiences. This theory emphasizes that individuals born around the same time experience similar events shaping their lives. Historical context is crucial as it considers the societal, cultural, and economic factors influencing a specific generation. Choice B, Biological, is incorrect as age-stratification theory focuses on social aspects rather than biological ones. Choice C, Sociological, is broad and doesn't specifically address the historical aspect of cohort description. Choice D, Chronological, is incorrect as it simply refers to the order of events without considering the historical backdrop of a cohort's experiences.

Question 6 of 9

The home care nurse is visiting an older female client whose husband died 6 months ago. What behavior by the client indicates ineffective coping?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because neglecting personal grooming indicates a lack of self-care, which is a common sign of ineffective coping after the loss of a loved one. This behavior suggests the client may be struggling emotionally and unable to engage in basic self-care tasks. Looking at old pictures, participating in social activities, and visiting the husband's grave are all healthy coping mechanisms that can help the client process her grief and maintain connections with her late husband.

Question 7 of 9

Which of the following interventions has been shown to delay the onset of dementia in older adults?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consistent mental and physical activity. Engaging in mental and physical activities can help improve cognitive function, increase brain plasticity, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Regular stimulation of the brain through activities like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can help delay the onset of dementia. Physical activity also promotes overall brain health by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Strict dietary restrictions may have some benefits for overall health, but there is limited evidence to suggest that it directly delays the onset of dementia. C: Regular social isolation can actually increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, as social interaction is important for brain health. D: Pharmacologic interventions to control hypertension may be important for overall health, but they are not specifically shown to delay the onset of dementia in older adults.

Question 8 of 9

The gerontological nurse collaborates with the wound care team about an older patient who has an ulcer. How is this nurse demonstrating leadership in the care of older people?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Coordinating members of the health care team. This demonstrates leadership as the nurse is taking charge of organizing and communicating with various healthcare professionals to ensure the best care for the older patient. By collaborating with the wound care team, the nurse shows effective coordination and communication skills, which are crucial in managing complex cases in older adults. Assessing older adults effectively (choice A) is important but does not specifically address leadership in coordinating care. Facilitating access to eldercare programs (choice B) is important but does not directly demonstrate leadership in coordinating care. Empowering older adults to manage chronic illness (choice D) is important for patient education but does not directly show leadership in coordinating the healthcare team.

Question 9 of 9

A nurse in a long-term care facility is using the TimeSlips program with a group of cognitively impaired older adults. The nurse is using which of the following techniques?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the TimeSlips program involves providing a picture as a creative prompt for group members to collaboratively create a story. This technique stimulates imagination and communication in cognitively impaired individuals. Choice B is incorrect as recording responses is not specific to the TimeSlips method. Choice C is incorrect as complimenting contributions is not a core component of the TimeSlips program. Choice D is incorrect as reading back the story during the session does not align with the collaborative, creative process of TimeSlips.

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