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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Circulatory problems related to age and a chronic illness. Severe edema, hair loss on the legs, and foot ulcerations are indicative of poor circulation, often seen in conditions like peripheral artery disease. Age and chronic illnesses can contribute to circulatory issues. A diet low in protein (choice A) would not directly cause these symptoms. Exposure to cold (choice B) would not explain the specific symptoms mentioned. Frequent falls (choice C) do not align with the symptoms provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Integration of gerontological content throughout the curriculum. This is because integrating gerontological content throughout the curriculum ensures that nursing students are exposed to and learn about caring for older adults in various courses, rather than just in a standalone course. This approach better prepares students to provide holistic care to older adults in different clinical settings. A: Provision of a free-standing course in gerontology within the curriculum may limit exposure to gerontological content and may not provide a comprehensive understanding of caring for older adults. C: Requiring gerontological certification for all students before completion of a BSN program is not mentioned in the document and may not be feasible or necessary for all nursing students. D: While structured clinical experiences with older adults across the continuum of care are essential, this alone may not ensure that students receive a comprehensive education in gerontological care if the content is not integrated throughout the curriculum.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C - Difficulty walking and balance issues. Frailty in older adults is characterized by physical weakness, decreased muscle strength, and reduced functional capacity. Difficulty walking and balance issues are key indicators of frailty as they reflect a decline in physical capabilities. Increased muscle mass (A) is not a sign of frailty but rather a positive indicator of strength. Unexplained weight gain (B) may not necessarily be related to frailty. Improved cognitive function (D) is unrelated to physical frailty.

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.

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

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because nursing interventions can focus on enhancing the client's quality of life, comfort, and emotional well-being even in the face of terminal illness. Nurses can provide support, educate the client and family, manage symptoms, and empower the client to find meaning and purpose in their life. This approach contributes to a higher level of wellness by addressing holistic needs beyond just medical interventions. Incorrect choices: A: Wellness can be achieved through various means, not just aggressive medical interventions. B: Wellness is still achievable in terms of emotional, social, and spiritual well-being even with a terminal illness. C: Wellness involves physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects beyond just the absence of disease.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs. Clients taking immunosuppressant medications have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to developing active tuberculosis. This is due to the fact that the immune system is less able to fight off the bacteria causing tuberculosis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because tuberculosis is not spread by persons with positive skin tests and no symptoms, it is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) not a virus related to HIV, and it typically causes weight loss and not weight gain in the early stages.