Which condition is often misdiagnosed as depression in older adults?

Questions 44

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basic geriatric nursing test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

Which condition is often misdiagnosed as depression in older adults?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dementia. Older adults often experience cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes that can be mistaken for symptoms of depression. Dementia is a common condition in the elderly that can be misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, and changes in sleep patterns. Chronic fatigue syndrome (A), anemia (C), and sleep apnea (D) may also present with symptoms of fatigue and sleep disturbances, but they are less likely to be confused with depression in older adults compared to dementia.

Question 2 of 9

The nurse is teaching a client with COPD about proper use of an inhaler. What should the nurse emphasize?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because inhaling deeply before activating the inhaler ensures proper medication delivery to the lungs. This allows the medication to reach the affected areas efficiently. Choice A is incorrect because inhalers are often used preventatively, not just when short of breath. Choice C is incorrect as inhaling rapidly may not allow the medication to be effectively deposited in the lungs. Choice D is incorrect because using the inhaler excessively can lead to overuse and potential side effects.

Question 3 of 9

Which nursing intervention is a holistic approach to an older adult?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because assigning female nurses to older women who are Islamic respects their cultural and religious beliefs, promoting holistic care. This approach considers the older adult's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, aligning with the principles of holistic nursing care. Choice A is incorrect because performing glucose testing during a weekly worship service does not necessarily address the older adult's holistic needs. Choice B is incorrect as simply wheeling ambulatory adults to exercise when running late does not encompass a holistic approach. Choice D is incorrect as allowing older adults in a nursing home to eat meals alone may neglect their social and emotional well-being.

Question 4 of 9

In geriatric nursing, which factor is most important in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation after a stroke?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Family support and involvement. This is crucial in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation after a stroke because a supportive and involved family can provide emotional support, encouragement, and assistance with activities of daily living. This positively impacts the patient's motivation, compliance with treatment, and overall well-being, leading to better rehabilitation outcomes. A: Age of the patient - While age can be a factor in stroke recovery, it is not the most important factor as older patients can still make significant progress with proper rehabilitation and support. C: Number of medications prescribed - While medication management is important in stroke recovery, it is not the most crucial factor for rehabilitation effectiveness. D: Patient’s previous health conditions - While previous health conditions can impact stroke recovery, the level of family support and involvement plays a more significant role in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation after a stroke.

Question 5 of 9

A peak flow meter

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a peak flow meter is used to monitor and measure the peak expiratory flow rate, which helps determine if the client is developing asthma symptoms such as airway constriction. It provides feedback on the client's lung function, helping to assess asthma control and guide treatment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a peak flow meter is not used for administering medications, identifying allergy triggers, or limited to specific healthcare professionals.

Question 6 of 9

Which type of exercise is most beneficial for older adults to prevent falls and maintain balance?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Yoga and tai chi. These exercises focus on balance, flexibility, and strength, which are crucial for preventing falls in older adults. Yoga and tai chi also promote mindfulness and body awareness, further enhancing balance and coordination. Swimming (choice A) is beneficial for overall fitness but may not specifically target balance and fall prevention. Weight training (choice B) is important for muscle strength but may not address balance and flexibility adequately. Running (choice D) is high-impact and may actually increase the risk of falls for older adults.

Question 7 of 9

Which condition is often misdiagnosed as depression in older adults?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dementia. Older adults often experience cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes that can be mistaken for symptoms of depression. Dementia is a common condition in the elderly that can be misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, and changes in sleep patterns. Chronic fatigue syndrome (A), anemia (C), and sleep apnea (D) may also present with symptoms of fatigue and sleep disturbances, but they are less likely to be confused with depression in older adults compared to dementia.

Question 8 of 9

An older patient who was just diagnosed with a terminal disease states, "All my life I attended church, but I am still worried about what will happen after death." The nurse's best response is which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "The unknown may be frightening. Do you want to talk about this?" This response acknowledges the patient's fear and offers an opportunity for the patient to express their concerns. It shows empathy and encourages open communication. Choice B is incorrect because it assumes all religious people share the same belief, which may not be the case for this patient. Choice C is incorrect as it imposes experiences of others onto the patient, which may not align with their beliefs or feelings. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes the patient's feelings without giving them a chance to express themselves.

Question 9 of 9

The nurse is providing instructions to a nursing assistant regarding care of an older client with hearing loss. The nurse tells the assistant that clients with a hearing loss:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because clients with hearing loss typically have difficulty hearing high-pitched tones, making it easier for them to respond to low-pitched tones. Low-pitched tones are easier for individuals with hearing loss to perceive due to the nature of hearing loss affecting the ability to hear higher frequencies. Choice B is incorrect as it is a generalization that does not consider the specific nature of hearing loss. Choice C is incorrect because individuals with hearing loss may require various forms of assistance beyond just lip-reading. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with hearing loss generally struggle more with high-pitched tones.

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