In geriatric nursing, which factor is most important in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation after a stroke?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Family support and involvement. This is crucial in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation after a stroke because a supportive and involved family can provide emotional support, encouragement, and assistance with activities of daily living. This positively impacts the patient's motivation, compliance with treatment, and overall well-being, leading to better rehabilitation outcomes. A: Age of the patient - While age can be a factor in stroke recovery, it is not the most important factor as older patients can still make significant progress with proper rehabilitation and support. C: Number of medications prescribed - While medication management is important in stroke recovery, it is not the most crucial factor for rehabilitation effectiveness. D: Patient’s previous health conditions - While previous health conditions can impact stroke recovery, the level of family support and involvement plays a more significant role in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation after a stroke.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alzheimer's disease. It is the most common type of dementia in older adults, accounting for around 60-80% of cases. Alzheimer's is characterized by the presence of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. Vascular dementia (B) is caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, Lewy body dementia (C) is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, and Frontotemporal dementia (D) affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behavior and personality. However, in older adults, Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia due to its widespread impact on memory and cognition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Loneliness in older adults can lead to increased stress, inflammation, and unhealthy behaviors, all of which can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and depression. Social isolation can also impact mental health. Choice A is incorrect as loneliness does impact health. Choice C is incorrect as loneliness typically weakens immune function. Choice D is incorrect as loneliness affects both mental and physical health.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dementia. Older adults often experience cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes that can be mistaken for symptoms of depression. Dementia is a common condition in the elderly that can be misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, and changes in sleep patterns. Chronic fatigue syndrome (A), anemia (C), and sleep apnea (D) may also present with symptoms of fatigue and sleep disturbances, but they are less likely to be confused with depression in older adults compared to dementia.