The home care nurse is performing an environmental assessment in the home of an older adult. Which of the following requires immediate nursing action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unsecured scattered rugs. This requires immediate nursing action as it poses a significant fall risk for the older adult. Rugs can cause tripping hazards, leading to potential injuries. The nurse should secure or remove the rugs to ensure the safety of the patient. Summary of other choices: B: Operable smoke detector - While important for safety, it does not require immediate nursing action as it is already in working condition. C: Prefilled medication cassette - This is not an immediate safety concern and can be addressed during routine medication management. D: Unsecured scattered rugs (repeated) - This choice is the same as the correct answer, so it is incorrect.

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.

Correct Answer: C, D, E

Rationale: The correct answers are C, D, and E. C is crucial as it allows for effective communication, D involves observing nonverbal cues, and E emphasizes the need for clear and concise language. A is incorrect as the nurse should address the client directly, not just the interpreter. B is incorrect as using technical terms may hinder understanding.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical therapy. CBT helps older adults manage pain through changing thought patterns and behaviors, improving coping skills. Physical therapy helps maintain mobility and reduce pain. Both approaches address the physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain, leading to better quality of life. Complete bed rest (A) can worsen pain and lead to muscle weakness. Unsupervised use of opioids (B) can be dangerous, leading to addiction and other health issues. Isolation and minimal social interaction (D) can contribute to depression and exacerbate pain.

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.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Malnutrition and dehydration. Malnutrition and dehydration are major risk factors for pressure ulcers in older adults because they can lead to poor skin integrity, reduced tissue resilience, and impaired wound healing. Lack of sleep (choice A) may contribute to overall health issues but is not a direct risk factor for pressure ulcers. Excessive physical activity (choice C) can increase the risk of injury but does not directly cause pressure ulcers. High blood pressure (choice D) is a risk factor for cardiovascular issues but is not specifically linked to the development of pressure ulcers.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased manual dexterity and inability to hold a toothbrush. As people age, they may experience decreased hand strength and motor skills, making it difficult to hold and manipulate objects like a toothbrush. This can lead to a decline in oral hygiene practices. Malocclusion of teeth (B) does not directly impact the ability to brush teeth. Decrease in taste acuity (C) may affect appetite but not tooth brushing habits. Lack of dental insurance (D) is a financial barrier and may affect access to dental care, but it does not directly impact the physical ability to brush teeth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gerontological nursing certification indicates that a nurse has advanced knowledge and skills specifically related to the care of older adults. This is accurate because gerontological nursing certification is a voluntary certification that demonstrates a nurse's specialized expertise in caring for the elderly population. Nurses who obtain this certification have undergone additional training and education in gerontological nursing, making them more competent in addressing the unique needs of older adults. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: All nurses in long-term care must obtain gerontological certification after completing their initial training - This is false as gerontological certification is not mandatory for all nurses in long-term care. C: Certification in gerontology is only necessary for nurses working in rehabilitation centers - This is incorrect as gerontological certification is beneficial for nurses caring for older adults in various settings, not just rehabilitation centers. D: Only nurses with a master's degree can achieve certification in gerontology - This is not true as nurses with