Which of the following is a common side effect of benzodiazepines in older adults?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased risk of falls. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, leading to an increased risk of falls in older adults. This is due to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, which can affect balance and motor skills. Increased alertness (choice A) is not a common side effect of benzodiazepines, as they typically have a calming and sedating effect. Improved memory (choice C) is also unlikely, as benzodiazepines are more commonly associated with memory impairment. Enhanced muscle strength (choice D) is not a known side effect of benzodiazepines, as they do not directly affect muscle strength. In summary, the correct answer is B because benzodiazepines can increase the risk of falls in older adults due to their sedative properties.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unsecured scattered rugs. This requires immediate nursing action as it poses a significant fall risk for the older adult. Rugs can cause tripping hazards, leading to potential injuries. The nurse should secure or remove the rugs to ensure the safety of the patient. Summary of other choices: B: Operable smoke detector - While important for safety, it does not require immediate nursing action as it is already in working condition. C: Prefilled medication cassette - This is not an immediate safety concern and can be addressed during routine medication management. D: Unsecured scattered rugs (repeated) - This choice is the same as the correct answer, so it is incorrect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because regular repositioning and the use of pressure-relieving devices are essential to prevent skin breakdown in immobile older adults. Repositioning helps redistribute pressure, maintaining blood flow to the skin and preventing tissue damage. Pressure-relieving devices such as cushions or special mattresses further reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. Choices A and B do not address the root cause of skin breakdown and may even exacerbate the issue. Choice D is incorrect as complete bed rest can lead to further complications like pressure ulcers. In summary, choice C is the most effective intervention as it directly targets the risk factors for skin breakdown in immobile older adults.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diarrhea. Diarrhea is not a risk factor for developing pneumonia in elderly individuals. The rationale for this is that pneumonia is primarily caused by respiratory infections, not gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Neurological disease, heart failure, and COPD are all risk factors for pneumonia because they can weaken the immune system or impair lung function, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. These conditions can lead to aspiration, impaired cough reflex, or compromised lung function, increasing the likelihood of developing pneumonia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased manual dexterity and inability to hold a toothbrush. As people age, they may experience decreased hand strength and motor skills, making it difficult to hold and manipulate objects like a toothbrush. This can lead to a decline in oral hygiene practices. Malocclusion of teeth (B) does not directly impact the ability to brush teeth. Decrease in taste acuity (C) may affect appetite but not tooth brushing habits. Lack of dental insurance (D) is a financial barrier and may affect access to dental care, but it does not directly impact the physical ability to brush teeth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the TimeSlips program involves providing a picture as a creative prompt for group members to collaboratively create a story. This technique stimulates imagination and communication in cognitively impaired individuals. Choice B is incorrect as recording responses is not specific to the TimeSlips method. Choice C is incorrect as complimenting contributions is not a core component of the TimeSlips program. Choice D is incorrect as reading back the story during the session does not align with the collaborative, creative process of TimeSlips.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because reluctance of older adults to report pain is a significant barrier to effective pain management. Older adults may underreport pain due to various factors such as fear of being seen as a burden, denial of aging-related changes, or belief that pain is a natural part of aging. This can lead to under-treatment of pain and decreased quality of life. Choices A, B, and C are not the most common barriers in this context. Fear of addiction to opioids, insufficient knowledge among healthcare providers, and inadequate access to specialists are important factors but are not as prevalent as older adults' reluctance to report pain.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Historical. In age-stratification theory, cohort members are described in historical context to explain shared experiences. This theory emphasizes that individuals born around the same time experience similar events shaping their lives. Historical context is crucial as it considers the societal, cultural, and economic factors influencing a specific generation. Choice B, Biological, is incorrect as age-stratification theory focuses on social aspects rather than biological ones. Choice C, Sociological, is broad and doesn't specifically address the historical aspect of cohort description. Choice D, Chronological, is incorrect as it simply refers to the order of events without considering the historical backdrop of a cohort's experiences.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because nursing interventions can focus on enhancing the client's quality of life, comfort, and emotional well-being even in the face of terminal illness. Nurses can provide support, educate the client and family, manage symptoms, and empower the client to find meaning and purpose in their life. This approach contributes to a higher level of wellness by addressing holistic needs beyond just medical interventions. Incorrect choices: A: Wellness can be achieved through various means, not just aggressive medical interventions. B: Wellness is still achievable in terms of emotional, social, and spiritual well-being even with a terminal illness. C: Wellness involves physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects beyond just the absence of disease.