Which change in the skin is abnormal in an older person?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a red, swollen 3-day-old wound in an older person indicates delayed wound healing, which is abnormal. The skin's ability to heal slows down with age due to decreased collagen production and compromised immune response. Thinner and more fragile skin (choice A) are typical changes in older individuals but not necessarily abnormal. Greater number of freckles (choice C) is a common age-related change due to accumulated sun exposure. Loss of hair on the extremities (choice D) can occur with aging but is not necessarily abnormal unless it is sudden and widespread.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because older adults are indeed the fastest growing population using computers and the Internet due to increasing digital literacy and accessibility. Choice B is incorrect as research shows older adults are increasingly using social networking sites. Choice C is incorrect as many older adults do perceive the Internet as a valuable resource. Choice D is also incorrect as older adults are utilizing the Internet to connect with their healthcare providers more frequently.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer B: "Channeling Your Inner Strength Toward Wellness" 1. Focuses on a positive approach to aging by emphasizing inner strength and wellness. 2. Aligns with the ALF's philosophy of viewing aging from a health perspective. 3. Encourages residents to take an active role in their well-being and empowers them. 4. Promotes a holistic view of health by addressing physical, mental, and emotional aspects. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: "The Many Chronic Illnesses of Aging" - Focuses on negative aspects and does not promote a proactive approach to health. C: "Maximizing Function As You Age" - While important, it may not fully capture the holistic nature of health and wellness. D: "Conserving Your Strength As You Age" - Does not emphasize active engagement in promoting wellness and may promote a passive approach.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, dramatic loss of melanin. Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin color and does not play a role in the development of pressure ulcers. Shearing, decreased body weight, and malnutrition (decreased serum albumin) are all known risk factors for pressure ulcers in the elderly. Shearing can lead to tissue damage, decreased body weight can indicate poor nutrition and muscle wasting, and malnutrition can impair wound healing and skin integrity. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it does not contribute to the likelihood of an elderly person developing a pressure ulcer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: administer the lowest dose of 2 mg. In older adults, especially the elderly, it is essential to start with the lowest effective dose of medication to minimize the risk of adverse effects. This approach follows the principle of "start low and go slow" when administering medications to older adults due to age-related changes in drug metabolism and increased sensitivity to medications. Administering the lowest effective dose helps to reduce the risk of potential complications such as respiratory depression, sedation, and falls. Choice A (administer the highest dose of 6 mg) is incorrect because starting with the highest dose can increase the risk of adverse effects in older adults. Choice C (avoid the narcotic because of the risk of addiction) is incorrect as it is important to manage pain effectively in post-operative patients, and opioids can be safely used under proper supervision. Choice D (administer the dose only when the client asks for the medication 2 times) is incorrect as pain management should be

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: The thymus gland is responsible for producing T-cells, crucial for immune responses. As individuals age, the thymus gland shrinks and becomes less efficient, reducing the production of new T-cells. This decline in T-cell production weakens the immune response in older adults, making them more susceptible to infections. Therefore, choice B is correct. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Aging does not increase the production of white blood cells. In fact, the immune system may weaken with age due to a decline in key immune cells. C: Aging does not improve the body's ability to recognize and fight off pathogens. Instead, it often leads to a decline in immune function. D: While some inflammatory responses may increase with age, excessive inflammation can actually be harmful and contribute to age-related diseases, rather than providing protection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because antibiotics are not standard therapy for congestive heart failure in the elderly. The rationale is that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not heart failure. A: ACE inhibitors are standard therapy as they help dilate blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart. C: Diuretics help reduce fluid buildup in the body, which is beneficial for managing CHF symptoms. D: Beta blockers are used to reduce the heart's workload and help manage the stress response, making them standard therapy for CHF.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Standards of gerontological nursing practice, as the ANA Scope and Standards of Gerontological Nursing (2010) specifically outlines the accepted standards and guidelines for gerontological nursing practice. This document does not focus on skills and knowledge (Choice A), levels of practice (Choice B), or certification requirements (Choice C), but rather on setting the standards and expectations for gerontological nursing care. It is essential for nurses to adhere to these standards to provide high-quality care to older adults.