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: Increasing protein intake. Protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and strength in older adults, aiding in the prevention and management of malnutrition. Protein also supports immune function and wound healing. Reducing calorie intake (A) can exacerbate malnutrition, as older adults need adequate nutrition. Avoiding all fats (C) is not recommended as healthy fats are essential for brain health and nutrient absorption. Limiting hydration (D) can lead to dehydration and worsen malnutrition. In summary, increasing protein intake is the most important factor in managing malnutrition in older adults due to its vital role in maintaining overall health and preventing muscle loss.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a decrease in alveolar elasticity is not a physical change that directly leads to an increasing incidence of hypertension in the older adult. Arterial stiffening and loss of elasticity (choice A) can lead to increased blood pressure. Changes in renal regulation of sodium and water (choice B) can impact fluid balance and blood pressure. Increasing body weight (choice D) can contribute to hypertension through increased strain on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, a decrease in alveolar elasticity is not directly related to hypertension in the same way as the other choices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, regular exercise to improve strength and balance. This is the most effective strategy for preventing falls in older adults because it helps increase muscle strength, improve balance, and enhance coordination, reducing the risk of falls. Exercise also improves overall mobility and flexibility, which are essential for preventing falls. Installing bed alarms (A) may alert staff after a fall but does not prevent falls. Using medications to sedate the patient (B) can increase the risk of falls due to dizziness and impaired balance. Restricting movement (D) can lead to muscle weakness and loss of balance, increasing the risk of falls.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because social aging refers to changes in a person's roles and relationships as they age. Retiring from a job is a significant social change that typically accompanies aging. This indicates a shift in the man's social status and activities, which aligns with the concept of social aging. B, C, and D are incorrect because taking multiple medications, using a walker, and celebrating a 65th birthday are not direct indicators of social aging. While these factors may be related to aging, they do not specifically address the social aspects of aging, which is the focus of the question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because storytelling allows older clients to recall and share past experiences, promoting reminiscence. Storytelling evokes memories and encourages clients to reflect on their lives. Playing cards, painting, and watching movies do not necessarily prompt reminiscence as effectively as storytelling does. Playing cards and painting are activities that may not directly stimulate reminiscence, and watching movies may not engage clients in personal reflection as much as storytelling does.

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: 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: A, B, C

Rationale: The correct answers are A, B, and C. A cultural assessment is important in healthcare settings to understand the patient's beliefs, values, and practices related to health and illness. A) Culture guides decision making about health, illness, and preventive care because beliefs and practices vary among cultures. B) Culture provides direction for individuals on how to interact during health care encounters as communication styles and expectations differ based on culture. C) Culture impacts attitudes toward aging as perceptions of aging, care for the elderly, and end-of-life decisions are influenced by cultural beliefs. D is incorrect because individuals within the same culture may still have diverse reactions in similar situations due to personal differences and experiences.