Which nursing intervention would not help a patient with xerostomia?

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: John Hartford Foundation. The John Hartford Foundation is known for its significant contributions to the field of gerontological nursing through funding research, education, and initiatives to improve care for older adults. The foundation has supported the development of gerontological nursing programs and resources, making it a key influencer in advancing the specialty. Explanation for other choices: A: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) primarily focuses on advocacy and support for older adults but does not have a direct influence on the specialty of gerontological nursing. C: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, but it does not specifically impact the development of gerontological nursing as an organization. D: Mutual of Omaha Insurance is an insurance company and does not have a direct role in shaping the field of gerontological nursing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: cerebral vascular disease. Microvascular changes in diabetes mainly affect small blood vessels in organs like the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy). Cerebral vascular disease involves larger blood vessels in the brain, not typically considered a result of microvascular changes in diabetes. Retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy are well-documented complications of uncontrolled diabetes due to damage to small blood vessels in these specific organs.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because memory loss affecting daily functioning is a key indicator of dementia, not normal aging. Normal aging may involve some forgetfulness, but it typically does not significantly impact daily activities. Choice A is incorrect because difficulty recalling recent events can occur in both normal aging and dementia. Choice B is incorrect as increased forgetfulness is a common feature of aging and may not necessarily indicate dementia. Choice C is incorrect as forgetting names of familiar people can also be a normal part of aging and does not solely point to dementia. Memory loss affecting daily functioning is a more specific and severe symptom that strongly suggests dementia over normal aging.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because multimorbidity refers to the presence of multiple chronic conditions in an individual, which can complicate treatment due to interactions between medications, conflicting treatment recommendations, and the need for coordination among different healthcare providers. Managing multiple health conditions and medications can lead to potential adverse effects, drug interactions, and difficulties in prioritizing treatment goals. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because multimorbidity actually increases treatment complexity, necessitating individualized care plans and careful consideration of potential interactions between treatments.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cognitive decline affecting memory and decision-making. Older adults with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, may struggle with remembering to take their medications as prescribed and making sound decisions regarding their medication regimen due to cognitive decline. Memory deficits can lead to missed doses, while impaired decision-making can result in improper adherence. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the primary reason for medication non-adherence in this population is the cognitive decline impacting memory and decision-making, rather than lack of understanding, physical inability, or fear of side effects.

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.