What is the most common cause of incontinence in older adults?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medications and polypharmacy. In older adults, incontinence is commonly caused by medications that affect bladder control, such as diuretics, sedatives, and anticholinergics. Polypharmacy can worsen this by increasing the likelihood of drug interactions. Chronic urinary tract infections (A) can cause incontinence but are less common in older adults. Neurological disorders (B) like dementia or stroke can also lead to incontinence but are not the most common cause. Poor hydration (D) can exacerbate incontinence but is not the primary cause.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because regular physical activity and joint mobility exercises help improve joint flexibility, reduce pain, and increase strength. This intervention can enhance overall physical function and quality of life for older adults with arthritis. Complete bed rest (A) can lead to muscle weakness and joint stiffness, worsening arthritis symptoms. Increased use of opioid painkillers (C) can have adverse side effects and may not address the root cause of arthritis. Strictly limiting daily activities (D) can lead to decreased mobility and functional decline in older adults.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ensuring early mobilization and reorientation. Delirium in hospitalized older adults is often caused by factors like immobility and disorientation. Early mobilization helps maintain physical and cognitive function, reducing the risk of delirium. Reorientation techniques help patients stay connected to reality, preventing confusion. Limiting visitors (A) can lead to social isolation, exacerbating delirium. Reducing physical restraints (B) is important but not as effective as promoting mobility. Providing a calm environment (C) is beneficial but may not address the underlying causes of delirium.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Identifying goals of care through open conversations with the patient and family. This is crucial because palliative care for older adults should be person-centered and align with their preferences and values. By engaging in open conversations, healthcare providers can understand the individual's goals, values, and wishes, allowing for care to be tailored accordingly. This approach emphasizes holistic care beyond just managing pain and considers the patient's emotional, spiritual, and social needs. Incorrect choices: A: Focusing primarily on managing pain with medications overlooks the importance of addressing other aspects of care. C: Avoiding advanced medical treatments is not always appropriate as each situation should be assessed individually. D: Prescribing hospice care immediately may not be necessary or desired by the patient, as it depends on their specific needs and preferences.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Determine whether there are medication duplications. This is the first intervention the nurse should take because medication duplications can lead to potential drug interactions and adverse effects. By identifying duplicate medications, the nurse can prevent harm to the client. Choice B: Starting to educate the client on proper medication adherence may be important, but it is not the first priority in this scenario. Choice C: Monitoring the client's blood pressure closely is not directly related to the issue of multiple medications and should not be the first intervention. Choice D: Asking the client to stop taking some medications without proper assessment and consultation with a healthcare provider can be risky and may not address the issue of medication duplications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Intermittent claudication, defined as pain in the lower extremities with walking that improves with rest, is a classic symptom of moderate to severe PAD. This occurs due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during exercise. Other choices are incorrect: A is typically associated with syncope or fainting; B is more indicative of cardiovascular or pulmonary issues; and C is more commonly seen in mesenteric ischemia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Depression. Depression is a strong predictor of functional decline in older adults because it can lead to decreased motivation, social withdrawal, and physical symptoms that affect daily activities. Depression is also associated with cognitive impairment, which can further impact functioning. Being physically active (A) and high socioeconomic status (B) are generally positive factors for maintaining function. Advanced age (C) alone is not a strong predictor of functional decline compared to depression.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides inaccurate information. Osteoarthritis commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, not the hands, elbows, and shoulders as stated. The other choices are incorrect due to the following reasons: A: Correct - describes osteoarthritis B: Incorrect - describes rheumatoid arthritis D: Incorrect - describes risk factors for osteoarthritis, not rheumatoid arthritis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because learning advanced knitting techniques adds to the existing knowledge base of older women. This activity stimulates cognitive functioning, enhances problem-solving skills, and fosters creativity. It also helps maintain mental acuity and memory. Choice A is incorrect because although knitting may involve hand movements, it primarily benefits cognitive functions. Choice B is incorrect as the primary focus is on individual learning rather than group cohesion. Choice C is incorrect as the main purpose of the activity is intellectual growth rather than social interaction.