Which of the following cases seen by a nurse working in the ED identifies a situation that suggests a case of elder mistreatment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Choice B is the correct answer because dime-sized burned areas on the upper inner thigh can be indicative of elder mistreatment, such as neglect or abuse. 2. Burns in unusual areas like the inner thigh raise suspicion as they are not commonly accidental. 3. Elderly individuals may be unable to defend themselves or report abuse, making it crucial for healthcare providers to recognize potential signs. 4. Choices A, C, and D do not directly suggest elder mistreatment but may indicate other health issues or accidents. Summary: Choice B is correct as it presents a specific sign of potential elder mistreatment, while the other choices do not exhibit clear indicators of abuse or neglect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Conducting regular reviews allows nurses to assess the necessity and appropriateness of each medication, addressing potential drug interactions, duplications, and side effects in elderly patients. Step 2: This proactive approach helps prevent polypharmacy-related complications and ensures optimal medication management. Step 3: Ensuring medications are taken exactly as directed (A) may not address the root cause of polypharmacy. Recommending over-the-counter medications (C) without proper evaluation can worsen the issue. Administering medications only during hospital stays (D) is not a comprehensive solution outside of the hospital setting.

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: Continuity theory. This theory suggests that as individuals age, they strive to maintain a sense of consistency in their activities, interests, and relationships. In this scenario, both the older woman and man are adapting their lifestyles to maintain a sense of continuity with their past selves. The woman continues to engage in social activities, reflecting her outgoing nature, while the man maintains his solitary habits but explores new interests, such as creative writing, to fulfill his need for personal growth. A: Activity theory focuses on the idea that continued engagement in activities leads to a higher quality of life in old age. While the older woman's active engagement aligns with this theory, the older man's solitary activities do not fully support this concept. C: Social exchange theory emphasizes the balance of costs and benefits in social relationships. This theory is not directly applicable to the scenario as it does not address the individuals' personal activities and interests. D: Disengagement theory suggests that older adults gradually withdraw

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: 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 as individuals age, there is a decrease in renal function leading to reduced renal clearance of drugs. This results in a longer drug half-life and potentially increased drug accumulation in the body. Choice B is incorrect as aging often leads to a decrease in hepatic metabolism, not faster metabolism. Choice C is incorrect because aging can actually lead to reduced gastrointestinal absorption due to changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Choice D is incorrect as aging can result in decreased circulation, which may affect drug distribution negatively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The patient's advanced directives and wishes. This is crucial in end-of-life care as it ensures that the patient's preferences and values are respected. By evaluating the advanced directives and wishes, the nurse can provide care that aligns with the patient's goals and desires. This promotes autonomy and dignity in the patient's end-of-life experience. Choice A (Patient's financial situation) is not as crucial as the patient's wishes in end-of-life care, as financial considerations should not dictate the quality of care provided. Choice B (The family’s expectations) is important, but the patient's wishes should take precedence as it is their care and preferences that should be the primary focus. Choice D (The patient's history of medication use) is relevant for overall care but not as crucial in end-of-life care as honoring the patient's wishes and directives.

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.