The nurse is admitting a patient to a long-term care facility. During the admission, the patient verbalizes a concern about getting dementia now that he is in a nursing home. In which activities should the nurse encourage the patient to participate to maintain brain health?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Physical exercise. Engaging in physical exercise has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, promote the growth of new brain cells, and enhance cognitive function. This helps maintain brain health and may reduce the risk of developing dementia. Other choices are not as directly related to brain health. B: Stimulating mental activity is important but not as effective as physical exercise in preventing dementia. C: Socialization is beneficial for overall well-being but does not have a direct impact on brain health. D: Crossword puzzles are a form of mental stimulation, but physical exercise has a greater impact on brain health.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Facilitate family rituals related to death and dying. In end-of-life care, it is essential to support the older adult and their family in their cultural and spiritual practices to promote comfort and closure. This intervention aligns with the goals of long-term care by addressing the psychological and emotional needs of the patient and family. Providing a basin and towels (B) focuses on physical self-care, which may not be a priority in end-stage disease. Decreasing analgesic dose (A) can compromise pain management and quality of life. Informing family members about strict visiting hours (C) can hinder emotional support and connection during this critical time.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the Nurse Competence in Aging (NCA) initiative focuses on developing resources for nurses to access evidence-based information on topics related to the care of older adults. This is evident in the initiative's goal to enhance the knowledge and skills of nurses caring for older adults. The other choices are incorrect because A is not specific to the NCA initiative, C pertains to scholarships rather than resources for accessing information, and D is incorrect as the NCA initiative did not develop the first certification in gerontological nursing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are a common cause of delirium in hospitalized older adults due to their impact on the central nervous system. UTIs can lead to systemic inflammation and affect cognitive function, resulting in delirium. Other choices like medication side effects, sleep deprivation, and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to delirium but are not as common or direct as UTIs in this population.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Maintaining cognitive function is crucial for adapting to changes and problem-solving in older age. Step 2: Social engagement helps combat loneliness and promotes mental well-being. Step 3: Both factors contribute to a higher quality of life and overall well-being in older individuals. Summary: A is incorrect as chronic diseases are common in aging. C is incorrect due to over-reliance on medical interventions. D is incorrect as independence doesn't necessarily equate to successful aging.