The nurse at a nursing home wants to help decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the residents. Which should the nurse do to implement this goal?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because assisting residents with ambulation to meals promotes physical activity, which is known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and promotes the growth of new brain cells. Keeping curtains open (choice A) may offer natural light but does not directly reduce the risk of AD. Offering beads for stringing (choice B) and showing movies (choice C) may provide cognitive stimulation but do not address the physical activity needed to decrease the risk of AD.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Regular review and adjustment of medications by healthcare providers. This approach is the best because it involves healthcare professionals regularly assessing the appropriateness of each medication, adjusting dosages, and eliminating unnecessary drugs to minimize potential adverse effects and drug interactions in older adults. This proactive management strategy ensures that the patient's medication regimen is optimized for their specific health needs, reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy. Choice A (Regular use of over-the-counter medications) is incorrect as it does not address the issue of polypharmacy and may actually contribute to it. Choice B (Reducing the number of medications based on patient preferences) is not the best approach as patient preferences alone may not always align with the most effective and safe medication regimen. Choice D (Relying solely on herbal supplements) is also incorrect as herbal supplements can interact with prescribed medications, leading to potential complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Decreased hearing in older individuals can lead to increased danger as they may not be able to hear important warning sounds like smoke or security alarms. This can compromise their safety and well-being. A is incorrect because decreased hearing may lead to increased stressful interactions due to difficulties in communication. C is incorrect because decreased hearing can actually increase danger when driving or walking in traffic as the individual may not be able to hear car horns or other traffic sounds, leading to potential accidents. D is incorrect because decreased hearing can contribute to an increased risk of falls due to decreased awareness of environmental sounds and hazards.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it highlights a common issue in nursing education where gerontological nursing content is often underrepresented, with less than 25% of the curriculum dedicated to geriatric care. This is accurate as many nursing programs prioritize other areas over gerontology. A is incorrect as gerontological nursing integration has historically been lacking in nursing curricula. B is incorrect because undergraduate programs often lack extensive coverage of gerontological nursing compared to other specialties like psychiatric nursing. D is incorrect as accreditation does not guarantee specific proportions of gerontological nursing content in the curriculum. Thus, choice C is the most accurate statement regarding gerontological nursing education.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Free radical theory. This theory states that aging is caused by the accumulation of damage from free radicals in the body, which can be countered by antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Thus, the nurse considering the importance of a diet high in fruits and vegetables aligns with the free radical theory. Incorrect choices: A: Oxidative stress theory focuses on the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, not specifically on fruits and vegetables. B: Immunological theory relates to the immune system's role in aging, not directly linked to diet. D: Telomere theory concerns the role of telomeres in aging, not directly related to the benefits of fruits and vegetables.

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: The correct answer is B, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with physical therapy. This intervention is effective in managing chronic pain in older adults because it addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of pain. CBT helps individuals change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to pain, leading to improved pain management. Physical therapy can help improve physical function and reduce pain through exercises and techniques. A: Increased use of narcotic medications may provide short-term relief but can lead to dependence and other negative side effects in older adults. C: Isolation can worsen mental health and exacerbate pain symptoms due to lack of social support and interaction. D: Surgery is not suitable for all types of chronic pain in older adults and should only be considered as a last resort after conservative interventions have been tried. In summary, B is the most effective intervention as it addresses both psychological and physical aspects of chronic pain in older adults, unlike the other options which may have limitations or negative consequences.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because facing the patient rather than the interpreter promotes direct communication and builds trust. This approach allows for better non-verbal communication cues to be exchanged between the nurse and the patient. Conversely, choice A is incorrect as interpreters are vital for accurate communication even if the nurse speaks the same language. Choice B is incorrect because using technical terms or metaphors may confuse the interpreter and patient. Choice C is incorrect as using family members as interpreters can compromise confidentiality and accuracy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because assisting residents with ambulation to meals promotes physical activity, which is known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and promotes the growth of new brain cells. Keeping curtains open (choice A) may offer natural light but does not directly reduce the risk of AD. Offering beads for stringing (choice B) and showing movies (choice C) may provide cognitive stimulation but do not address the physical activity needed to decrease the risk of AD.