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:

Rationale: Correct Answer: Regular physical activity and healthy diet Rationale: 1. Regular physical activity helps maintain cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and balance in older adults, reducing the risk of falls and chronic diseases. 2. A healthy diet provides essential nutrients for overall health and helps prevent conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 3. Both components are key in primary prevention by promoting overall well-being, reducing the risk of age-related health issues, and enhancing quality of life. Incorrect Choices: A: Annual health screenings - While important for early detection, screenings alone do not prevent health issues. B: Social isolation prevention programs - Important for mental health, but not primary prevention. C: Routine medication management - Important for managing existing conditions, not primary prevention. D: Memory enhancement exercises - Beneficial for cognitive health but not primary prevention for physical health issues in older adults.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Ingesting excessive acetaminophen can lead to liver damage, not renal failure. Diabetes mellitus, prostate hypertrophy causing urinary obstruction, and heart failure are known to cause renal failure due to their effects on kidney function. Diabetic nephropathy can damage the kidneys over time, prostate hypertrophy can obstruct urine flow and lead to kidney damage, and heart failure can result in decreased blood flow to the kidneys, causing renal failure. Thus, D is the correct answer as it does not directly cause renal failure, unlike the other choices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Acknowledge patient's concern. Step 2: Educate on normal aging changes affecting cognitive function. Step 3: Reassure patient that slight delays in tasks are common. Step 4: Encourage healthy habits to support cognitive function. Step 5: Emphasize the importance of monitoring any significant changes. Summary: Choice A is correct as it addresses the concern, educates on normal aging changes, reassures the patient, and provides guidance on monitoring. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they either suggest immediate evaluation without considering normal aging changes or provide inaccurate information about brain function in aging.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pneumonia. Older adults are more susceptible to pneumonia due to weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions. Pneumonia can lead to severe complications, requiring hospitalization. Osteoarthritis (A) primarily affects joints and does not typically lead to hospitalization. Stroke (B) and heart failure (D) are serious conditions but may not be as common for hospitalization as pneumonia in older adults. Pneumonia's impact on the respiratory system and its ability to progress rapidly make it the most common reason for hospitalization in this population.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 90 y.o woman with advanced Parkinson's dz. Older adults with advanced Parkinson's disease are more vulnerable to abuse due to their physical and cognitive impairments. They may be dependent on caregivers, making them easy targets for abuse. The other choices do not indicate significant vulnerability to abuse. Choice A is a common demographic but lacks specific vulnerability factors. Choice B with cataracts and Choice D with early Lyme disease do not inherently increase the risk of abuse.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: kidney stones. Intra-renal renal failure refers to damage within the kidney itself. Kidney stones mainly affect the urinary tract rather than directly causing damage within the kidney. A: certain aminoglycoside antibiotics can cause intra-renal renal failure by damaging the kidney tubules. B: glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidney, leading to intra-renal renal failure. D: diabetic or hypertensive nephrosclerosis can cause intra-renal renal failure due to long-term damage to the kidney's blood vessels and structures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because gerontological nursing focuses on promoting health and maximizing independence in older adults. This statement aligns with the core principles of gerontological nursing, which emphasize holistic care and quality of life for elderly individuals. Choice A is incorrect because nurses have been involved in caring for older adults for a long time. Choice B is incorrect because gerontological care was not the second specialty certified by the ANA. Choice D is incorrect because ANA certification is not limited only to research positions in gerontological nursing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates empathy, collaboration, and a patient-centered approach. By asking how to work together, the nurse acknowledges the daughter's concerns and fosters a collaborative relationship. This approach respects the daughter's role in her mother's care and encourages open communication. Choice A is incorrect as it uses a threatening tone and may alienate the daughter, leading to a breakdown in communication. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the daughter's cultural values, which are important in providing holistic care. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests that the daughter is incapable of caring for her mother, which can be disempowering and offensive.