How should gerontological nurses address the issue of polypharmacy in older adults?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because regularly reviewing and adjusting medications can help minimize adverse effects of polypharmacy in older adults. This approach ensures that the medications are appropriate, necessary, and not causing harm. A: Encouraging herbal supplements is not a recommended approach as they can interact with prescription medications. B: Prioritizing over-the-counter medications may not address the complexities of polypharmacy and can still contribute to drug interactions. D: Limiting patient discussions about medications can lead to misunderstandings and non-adherence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Mezey and Fulmer (2002) justify gerontological nursing research by emphasizing that it positively influences outcomes from nursing care. This is supported by evidence showing how research in gerontological nursing can lead to improved quality of care for older adults. Other choices are incorrect: A is not directly supported by the justification provided by Mezey and Fulmer (2002), C is too specific and not the main focus of their justification, and D is not mentioned in the justification and does not address the impact of research on nursing care outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Primarily in the last 30 years. This is because advancements in research methodologies, technology, and increased awareness of aging population's health needs have led to a significant increase in research rigor and scope in the past few decades. Choice B is too broad and vague. Choice C is incorrect as research on older adults' health outcomes predates the establishment of Medicare. Choice D is too limited in scope, as research on older adults' health outcomes has been ongoing for more than just the last decade.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Continuity theory. This theory suggests that as individuals age, they strive to maintain a sense of consistency in their activities, interests, and relationships. In this scenario, both the older woman and man are adapting their lifestyles to maintain a sense of continuity with their past selves. The woman continues to engage in social activities, reflecting her outgoing nature, while the man maintains his solitary habits but explores new interests, such as creative writing, to fulfill his need for personal growth. A: Activity theory focuses on the idea that continued engagement in activities leads to a higher quality of life in old age. While the older woman's active engagement aligns with this theory, the older man's solitary activities do not fully support this concept. C: Social exchange theory emphasizes the balance of costs and benefits in social relationships. This theory is not directly applicable to the scenario as it does not address the individuals' personal activities and interests. D: Disengagement theory suggests that older adults gradually withdraw

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.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Biomedical. Biomedical health belief system focuses on treating diseases and conditions by repairing or replacing specific body parts through medical interventions such as surgeries, medications, and therapies. This approach is based on scientific evidence and aims to address the physical aspects of health. Incorrect choices: A: Holistic - Holistic health belief system emphasizes treating the whole person, including physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, rather than focusing solely on repairing specific body parts. C: Personalistic - Personalistic health belief system attributes illnesses to external factors such as curses or supernatural forces, rather than treating specific body parts. D: Magicoreligious - Magicoreligious health belief system relies on magical or religious rituals to heal illnesses, rather than repairing body parts through medical interventions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because regularly reviewing and adjusting medications can help minimize adverse effects of polypharmacy in older adults. This approach ensures that the medications are appropriate, necessary, and not causing harm. A: Encouraging herbal supplements is not a recommended approach as they can interact with prescription medications. B: Prioritizing over-the-counter medications may not address the complexities of polypharmacy and can still contribute to drug interactions. D: Limiting patient discussions about medications can lead to misunderstandings and non-adherence.