Which racial or ethnic group has the highest life expectancy in the United States?

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, EKG and serial enzymes for determination of an MI. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of nausea and sudden onset shortness of breath raise concern for a possible myocardial infarction (MI). Conducting an EKG and serial enzymes helps in diagnosing an MI by assessing for cardiac ischemia or injury. Upper endoscopy (choice A) is not indicated for these symptoms. A CT of the head (choice B) is unnecessary as the symptoms are suggestive of a cardiac issue, not a neurological one. Liver function studies (choice C) do not align with the presenting symptoms and are not a priority in this acute setting. Conducting an EKG and serial enzymes is the most appropriate initial workup to assess for a possible MI in this elderly patient with concerning symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Maintaining cognitive function is crucial for adapting to changes and problem-solving in older age. Step 2: Social engagement helps combat loneliness and promotes mental well-being. Step 3: Both factors contribute to a higher quality of life and overall well-being in older individuals. Summary: A is incorrect as chronic diseases are common in aging. C is incorrect due to over-reliance on medical interventions. D is incorrect as independence doesn't necessarily equate to successful aging.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: peripheral arterial disease. Altered level of consciousness in an 81-year-old female is unlikely to be directly caused by peripheral arterial disease. Instead, hypoglycemia, pneumonia, and hypotension from dehydration are common causes of altered mental status in the elderly. Hypoglycemia can lead to brain dysfunction, pneumonia can cause low oxygen levels affecting brain function, and dehydration-induced hypotension can reduce blood flow to the brain. Therefore, peripheral arterial disease is not typically a direct cause of altered consciousness in this scenario.

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 because reviewing a menu with the older man allows for personalized food selection, taking into account his preferences and dietary restrictions. This approach promotes adherence to a healthy eating plan, leading to better cholesterol management and overall wellness. Choice A is not the best option as simply instructing him to increase dietary fiber may not address his specific dietary needs. Choice B suggests asking the health care provider for a low-fat diet, which may not consider the individual's food preferences or cultural background. Choice C of scheduling a consultation with a dietitian is a good option, but it may not be as immediately accessible or practical as reviewing a menu together with the individual.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lack of physical exercise contributes the most to aging-related cognitive decline. Regular physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promotes neurogenesis, and enhances cognitive function. It also reduces the risk of developing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Chronic stress (A) can impact cognitive function, but it is not the primary factor in aging-related decline. Poor nutrition (B) can negatively affect brain health, but exercise has a more significant impact. Social isolation (C) is also detrimental to cognitive health, but physical exercise has been shown to have a more substantial influence on cognitive decline in aging individuals.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Greater when used in conjunction with pharmacological therapy. This is because combining alternative therapies with pharmacological treatment can often provide a synergistic effect, resulting in better pain management outcomes. Alternative therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or mindfulness techniques can complement the effects of medications, leading to improved pain relief. Options A and D are incorrect as age alone does not determine the effectiveness of alternative therapies. Option C is also incorrect as combining therapies can enhance overall pain management strategies.

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.