Which physiological change in the brain is the reason the nurse allows more time for answering questions with older adults?

Questions 44

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basic geriatric nursing 8th edition test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

Which physiological change in the brain is the reason the nurse allows more time for answering questions with older adults?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Atrophy of dendrites in the cerebral cortex. With aging, there is a natural decline in brain volume and synaptic connections, leading to reduced dendritic branching and synaptic density in the cerebral cortex. This affects processing speed and cognitive functions, requiring more time for older adults to respond to questions. Rationale: A: Increased secretion of cholinesterase is not a physiological change associated with aging that would require more time for answering questions. B: Decreased secretion of neurotransmitters may occur with aging but is not the primary reason for slower processing speed in older adults. C: Loss of spinal cord and brainstem neurons is not the main factor influencing older adults' response time to questions compared to atrophy of dendrites in the cerebral cortex.

Question 2 of 9

The home care nurse is visiting an older female client whose husband died 6 months ago. What behavior by the client indicates ineffective coping?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because neglecting personal grooming indicates a lack of self-care, which is a common sign of ineffective coping after the loss of a loved one. This behavior suggests the client may be struggling emotionally and unable to engage in basic self-care tasks. Looking at old pictures, participating in social activities, and visiting the husband's grave are all healthy coping mechanisms that can help the client process her grief and maintain connections with her late husband.

Question 3 of 9

An older adult who is a traditional Chinese man has a blood pressure of 80/54 mm Hg and refuses to remain in the bed. Which intervention should the nurse use to promote and maintain his health?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C is correct as it involves understanding the patient's beliefs and preferences, crucial in culturally competent care. A would not address the patient's perspective directly. B is broad and lacks specificity. D assumes all traditional Chinese individuals seek Chinese medicine, which may not be the case.

Question 4 of 9

A nurse interviewing a non–English-speaking client with an interpreter should: (Select all that apply.)

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.

Question 5 of 9

Which common cognitive impairment is often mistaken for normal aging in older adults?

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.

Question 6 of 9

In treating depression in older adults, which of the following is considered the most effective treatment modality?

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.

Question 7 of 9

A retirement community is divided into different communities with different activities available for the residents. There is one community for individuals ages 65 to 74 years, one for individuals ages 75 to 85 years, and one for individuals older than age 85 years. This is consistent with which theory of aging?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Age-stratification theory. This theory suggests that age is a powerful determinant of social organization. In the given scenario, the retirement community is structured based on age groups, indicating stratification by age. This separation aligns with the concept of age-based social hierarchies and differing opportunities and resources based on age. Choice A (Role theory) focuses on how individuals adapt to social roles as they age, which is not directly reflected in the scenario. Choice B (Disengagement theory) posits that aging individuals withdraw from societal roles, which is not evident in the active engagement of residents in different age-specific communities. Choice D (Social exchange theory) emphasizes the relationships individuals form based on rewards and costs, which is not the primary focus in the scenario compared to the age-based stratification.

Question 8 of 9

The holistic health movement has impacted health care in which of the following ways?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the holistic health movement emphasizes treating the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. This shifts the focus from merely treating symptoms to considering individual well-being and lifestyle factors. Choice A is not the best answer because while disease prevention is part of holistic health, it is not the primary impact on health care. Choice C is incorrect as the movement does not directly improve access to health care. Choice D is also incorrect as while alternative modalities are part of holistic health, they are not the main impact on health care.

Question 9 of 9

A nurse in a long-term care facility is using the TimeSlips program with a group of cognitively impaired older adults. The nurse is using which of the following techniques?

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.

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