Which of the following issues in the care of older adults are identified in Healthy People 2020?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Healthy People 2020 focuses on improving the health and well-being of all individuals, including older adults. Step 2: Identifying minimum levels of training for people who care for older adults is crucial to ensure quality care. Step 3: This issue aligns with the goal of promoting quality of care and safety for older adults. Step 4: Other choices are not directly addressed in Healthy People 2020 goals. Summary: Choice C is correct as it directly relates to improving the care of older adults, while the other choices focus on specific issues not highlighted in Healthy People 2020.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is often mistaken for normal aging because it involves subtle changes in memory and thinking abilities that are beyond what is expected for age but not severe enough to be classified as dementia. Individuals with MCI may experience forgetfulness or difficulty with complex tasks, which can be misconstrued as typical age-related changes. Alzheimer's disease (B), dementia with Lewy bodies (C), and vascular dementia (D) are all forms of dementia characterized by more significant cognitive decline and functional impairment compared to MCI, making them less likely to be confused with normal aging.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Free radical theory. Vitamin C is thought to prevent aging by combatting free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Immunological theory (B) focuses on the role of the immune system in aging. Oxidative stress theory (C) is related to free radical theory but does not specifically address the role of vitamin C. Telomere theory (D) pertains to the shortening of telomeres, which are protective structures at the end of chromosomes, but is not directly related to the role of vitamin C in preventing aging.

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: C, D, E

Rationale: The correct answers are C, D, and E. C is crucial as it allows for effective communication, D involves observing nonverbal cues, and E emphasizes the need for clear and concise language. A is incorrect as the nurse should address the client directly, not just the interpreter. B is incorrect as using technical terms may hinder understanding.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumonia. Older adults are more susceptible to pneumonia due to weakened immune systems and other health conditions. Pneumonia can lead to severe complications requiring hospitalization. Stroke (B) affects a significant number of older adults but is not the leading cause of hospitalization. Diabetes (C) and Congestive heart failure (D) are prevalent in older adults but are not the primary reason for hospitalization. Pneumonia's severity and impact on older adults' health make it the leading cause of hospitalization.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with antidepressant medications, for treating depression in older adults. CBT helps address negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression, while antidepressant medications provide physiological support. Combining both approaches has been shown to be more effective than either treatment alone in older adults. A: Long-term pharmacological therapy with SSRIs may have side effects and limited effectiveness in older adults. C: Antidepressant medications alone may not address the underlying psychological factors contributing to depression. D: Psychodynamic therapy may not be as effective in older adults as it focuses on unresolved issues from early life rather than targeting current depressive symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Gerontological nursing certification focuses on advanced knowledge and skills for caring for older adults. Step 2: This certification is not a requirement for all nurses in long-term care or limited to rehabilitation centers. Step 3: Nurses with various levels of education, not just a master's degree, can obtain gerontological certification. Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately states that gerontological nursing certification signifies advanced knowledge and skills specific to older adult care. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they provide inaccurate information about the certification requirements and scope.

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.