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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "It is the brain's ability to maintain function despite age-related changes and pathology." Cognitive reserve in older adults refers to the brain's ability to withstand age-related changes and pathology while maintaining cognitive function. This concept suggests that individuals with higher cognitive reserve may show fewer cognitive deficits even in the presence of brain damage or pathology. Choice A is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not about compensating for damage through enhanced neurogenesis but rather about maintaining function despite changes. Choice B is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not specifically about the relationship between cognitive decline and physical health; it focuses on maintaining cognitive function. Choice D is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not about developing new cognitive abilities later in life but rather preserving existing cognitive function.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 2 years. A case manager typically requires a minimum of 2 years of nursing education to effectively coordinate care for patients. This level of education provides the necessary knowledge and skills to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. - A: 1 to 1.5 years - Insufficient to acquire the depth of knowledge needed for case management. - B: 4 to 6 years - Excessive for the role of a case manager, as it typically does not require a bachelor's degree. - D: 8 or more years - Overqualified for the position of a case manager, as this level of education is beyond what is necessary for the role.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alzheimer's disease. It is the most common type of dementia in older adults, accounting for around 60-80% of cases. Alzheimer's is characterized by the presence of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. Vascular dementia (B) is caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, Lewy body dementia (C) is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, and Frontotemporal dementia (D) affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behavior and personality. However, in older adults, Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia due to its widespread impact on memory and cognition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because most areas of the brain do not lose brain cells with age due to a process called neuroplasticity. This means that the brain can adapt and reorganize itself by forming new connections between existing brain cells. Memory decline is not inevitable (B) as cognitive decline varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors like lifestyle and genetics. Basic intelligence can change with age (C) due to various factors such as experience and education. The brain does continue to make new brain cells through a process called neurogenesis, making choice D incorrect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because swelling in one leg with pitting edema is a classic sign of DVT. Pitting edema suggests fluid accumulation due to compromised venous circulation, which is common in DVT. Bilateral calf tenderness (choice A) is more indicative of muscle strain. Shortness of breath (choice C) is suggestive of a pulmonary embolism, a complication of DVT. Two plus palpable pulses (choice D) indicate good arterial circulation, not DVT.

Correct Answer: B, E, F

Rationale: The correct answers are B, E, and F. B is correct because understanding what treatment can improve the condition is essential for culturally sensitive care. E is correct as it helps understand the patient's beliefs about the cause of the illness. F is correct to assess the impact of the illness on the patient's life. A is incorrect as it focuses more on negotiation rather than understanding the patient's perspective. C is incorrect as it assumes the nurse's plan is superior without considering the patient's beliefs. D is incorrect as it only focuses on the duration of the problem rather than the patient's explanatory model.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Speak clearly. This is important when addressing older adults as many may have hearing impairments. Speaking clearly helps ensure they can understand and follow instructions. Using an exaggerated pitch (A) may come across as patronizing. Using a lower quality of speech (B) can be perceived as disrespectful. Using endearing terms (C) may not be appropriate for all individuals and can be seen as condescending. In summary, speaking clearly is the most effective way to communicate respectfully with older adults.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because increasing medications would not directly address xerostomia. Xerostomia is dry mouth, often caused by decreased saliva production. Using humidifiers (A) helps increase moisture in the air, mouth rinses/artificial saliva (B) lubricate the mouth, and sugar-free hard candies (C) stimulate saliva production. Increasing medications (D) would not target the root cause of xerostomia and may even exacerbate dry mouth symptoms.