Which of the following is the most important intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in older adults?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Regular repositioning every 2 hours. Repositioning helps to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas, improving blood flow and preventing tissue damage. This intervention is evidence-based and recommended in pressure ulcer prevention guidelines. Administering pain medications before repositioning (B) does not address the root cause of pressure ulcers. Encouraging excessive hydration (C) may have other health benefits but does not directly prevent pressure ulcers. Using restrictive bandages (D) can actually increase pressure and worsen the risk of pressure ulcers.

Correct Answer: A, C, D

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Reduced sense of self: Ageist language can contribute to older adults feeling devalued and less confident. 2. Lowered sense of self-competence: Negative language can impact self-esteem and belief in one's abilities. 3. Decreased memory performance: Ageist language can reinforce negative stereotypes, leading to self-doubt and cognitive decline. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Poor nutritional intake - Not directly related to consequences of ageism in language. Incorrect choices do not address the psychological and emotional impacts of ageist language on older adults.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Help each person with individual activities. This intervention aligns with promoting gerotranscendence, as it focuses on supporting older adults in engaging in personal growth and reflection. By assisting individuals with meaningful activities tailored to their preferences and abilities, the nurse encourages self-discovery and personal fulfillment. A: Giving a daily tea party for the group may foster social interaction but does not necessarily address individual growth or self-reflection. B: Calling each family to encourage visiting may help reduce isolation but does not directly promote gerotranscendence. C: Assisting them to resume midlife patterns may not be suitable as older adults may benefit more from exploring new activities and perspectives in their later years.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Asian and Pacific Island Americans. This group has the highest life expectancy in the US due to various factors such as healthy dietary habits, lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, access to quality healthcare, and strong social support systems. They also tend to engage in regular physical activity and have lower rates of obesity and chronic diseases compared to other racial or ethnic groups. In contrast, choices A, B, and C have lower life expectancies due to factors such as higher rates of poverty, inadequate healthcare access, systemic racism, and higher prevalence of chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Relief from physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. This is the best indicator of a successful transition to hospice care for older adults because hospice care focuses on providing comfort and improving quality of life rather than curative treatments. Relief from suffering aligns with the goals of hospice care, addressing the holistic needs of patients. Choice A is incorrect as complete cessation of all medical treatments may not be appropriate for all patients in hospice care. Choice B is incorrect as improvement in physical strength may not be the primary goal in hospice care. Choice D is incorrect as long-term emotional stability is important but not necessarily the best indicator of a successful transition to hospice care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cataracts. Cataracts are the most common type of vision impairment in older adults due to the clouding of the eye's lens. As people age, proteins in the lens can clump together, leading to vision issues. Glaucoma (B) is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, AMD (C) affects the macula in the retina, and diabetic retinopathy (D) is a complication of diabetes affecting blood vessels in the retina. However, cataracts are the primary cause of vision impairment in older adults due to the natural aging process of the eye.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because social isolation is not directly related to decreased tactile sensations. A, C, and D are consequences of decreased tactile sensations in older individuals. A can occur due to not feeling the temperature, C due to not feeling pressure and injury, and D due to decreased sensation causing falls. Social isolation is more related to emotional or psychological factors rather than physical sensations. It is crucial to differentiate between physical consequences and social consequences when considering the effects of decreased tactile sensations in older individuals.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because walking is a physical activity that promotes cardiovascular health, strength, and overall well-being. Regular exercise like walking 3-5 times per week for 30 minutes can help improve circulation, maintain healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Cooking healthy meals (choice B) is important for nutrition but may not directly promote physical activity. Reading and knitting (choice C) are mentally stimulating but do not provide the physical benefits of exercise. Taking vitamins daily (choice D) is important for overall health but does not substitute for physical activity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Home health care support. This is because having access to home health care support can provide ongoing monitoring, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living, which can help prevent complications and reduce the need for hospital readmissions. Minimizing polypharmacy (A) is important but may not have as significant an impact as continuous home health care support. Frequent medication adjustments (B) may lead to confusion and potential adverse effects in older adults. Specialized geriatric assessments (D) are beneficial but may not directly address the day-to-day support needed to prevent hospital readmissions.