Chapter 19: The Aging Adult

A nurse caring for adults in a physician's office notes that some patients age more rapidly than other patients of the same age. The nurse researches aging theories that attempt to describe how and why aging occurs. Which statements apply to the immunity theory of aging ?

A nurse caring for older adults in a long-term care facility knows that several physical changes occur in the aging adult. Which characteristics best describe these changes?

Based on Erikson's theory, middle adults who do not achieve their developmental tasks may be considered to be in stagnation. Which statement is one example of this finding?

Which of the following nursing diagnoses would be appropriate for many middle adults?

An experienced nurse tells a younger nurse who is working in a retirement home that older adults are different and do not have the same desires, needs, and concerns as other age groups. The nurse also comments that most older adults have "outlived their usefulness" What is the term for this type of prejudice?

A nurse who is caring for older adults in a senior daycare center documents findings as related to which normal aging process?

A nursing instructor teaching classes in gerontology to nursing students discusses myths related to the aging of adults. Which statements is a myth about older adults?

What is the leading cause of cognitive impairment in old age?

A nurse is caring for a 80-year-old female patient who is living in a long-term care facility. To help this patient adapt to her present circumstances, the nurse is using reminiscence as therapy. Which question would encourage reminiscence?

Following a fall that left an elderly male patient temporarily bedridden, the nurse is using the SPICES assessment tool to evaluate him for cascade iatrogenesis. Which are correct aspects of this tool?

The nurse is assigned to care for a client 87 years of age admitted to the medical unit for congestive heart failure. It is the fourth hospital day, and the response to treatment has been good. The client is no longer short of breath, and the lung sounds are clearing. There is still a diet restriction of a decrease in sodium and fluids are limited to no more than 1000 mL per day. The nurse is preparing the client and family for discharge. Your discharge education, in order to promote the older's client health, will include which of the following?

A nurse is caring for an older client who has been confined to bed for several weeks following a fall. The client has been exhibiting symptoms of sundowner's syndrome. Which of the following are characteristics of sundowner's syndrome?

You are assessing a middle aged adult age 48. You recall the changes that occur in middle age as you complete your physical and cognitive examination. Changes that occur include what?

A public health nurse is participating in a health fair that is being held at a local community center. The nurse should encourage adult participants to completely eliminate which of the following from their diet and their lifestyle?

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who recently lost his spouse. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest to help the client cope with his loss?

The middle adult is sometimes called the sandwich generation. According to Erikson, the developmental task of the middle adult is what?

When completing an assessment, especially of the older adult, the nurse knows the importance of including spiritual development. Older adults have completed moral development and many experience self-transcendence, which may be defined as what?

The nurse is completing the admission of a confused older adult to the Alzheimer's unit. As the nurse removes her arm from the gown, there is noticeable bruising in various stages on both sides of her shoulders and arms. As the nurse continues with the examination, the daughter explains loudly, "Mom is always banging into the door". You acknowledge her, complete the assessment, and chart your findings. What else should you do?

The nurse understands that when caring for the older adult it is important to assist in maintaining independence and self-esteem. Assisting a client to adjust to a walker or wheelchair is an example of supporting which of Erikson's developmental task of an older adult?

An older adult is admitted to the health care facility with a diagnosis of depression. The nurse would be especially alert for which of the following?

When completing an assessment of a middle aged adult, the nurse makes note of the client's cognitive development. The nurse would expect to find what?

A home care nurse visits an older client with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. As a result of the client' confused thinking, the client is experiencing extreme difficulty in communicating with family members. Which intervention would be most appropriate for this client?