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Gerontology Nursing Questions And Answers PDF
1. A nurse is reading a journal article about life expectancy and various cultural groups. The article describes statistics, stating that a baby born to a black American couple has a life expectancy lower than that of a baby born to a white American couple. The article goes on to describe the life expectancy as the babies get older. Which finding would the nurse most likely identify as reflecting the life expectancy of the baby born to the black American couple by the seventh decade?
- A. Beginning to equal that of similarly aged white elders
- B. Exceeding that of similarly aged white older adults
- C. Dropping to less than half that of similarly aged white older adults
- D. Rising above that of white older adults until age 75 and then dropping
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Historically, black Americans have experienced a lower standard of living and less access to health care than their white counterparts, leading to a lower life expectancy. However, by the seventh decade of life, survival rates for black individuals begin to equal that of similarly aged white individuals. Choice B is incorrect as it indicates a higher life expectancy for black individuals, which is not supported by the information provided. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a drastic decrease in life expectancy for black individuals, which is not in line with the trend described. Choice D is incorrect as it implies a temporary increase in life expectancy for black individuals until age 75, which is not supported by the information that survival rates begin to equal by the seventh decade.
2. An 81-year-old female client was diagnosed one year ago with Alzheimer's disease following a noticeable increase in confusion. She now possesses a durable power of attorney. Which of the following statements most accurately conveys an aspect of this legal arrangement?
- A. The parameters of the arrangement must be revisited if the client's condition declines.
- B. The arrangement was most likely initiated by court order.
- C. The client appointed someone to take care of her affairs in the event that she becomes incompetent.
- D. The family has control of logistical arrangements for the client but must gain court permission around financial affairs.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Usually, a power of attorney becomes invalid if the individual granting it becomes incompetent, except in the case of a durable power of attorney. A durable power of attorney allows competent individuals to appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf in the event that they become incompetent. This legal arrangement is recommended for individuals with conditions like Alzheimer's disease where competency decline can be anticipated. It is not initiated by the court, unlike guardianship. A durable power of attorney encompasses both logistical and financial affairs, providing authority to the appointed person to act on behalf of the individual should they become incapacitated. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the purpose and nature of a durable power of attorney in the context of planning for incompetency due to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
3. During a family meeting that the nurse organized during an older adult's discharge planning from the hospital, there is visible animosity between the son and daughter of the patient. What should the nurse's initial response be to the apparent family dysfunction?
- A. Teach the patient's children alternative methods of interaction.
- B. Encourage the family to choose one spokesperson to represent all the children.
- C. Organize separate meetings with the son and with the daughter.
- D. Assess the family history and the nature of the son and daughter's relationship.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct initial response for the nurse in this situation is to assess the family history and the nature of the son and daughter's relationship. By gathering data and identifying factors contributing to the dysfunction, the nurse can better understand the underlying issues and dynamics at play. Teaching alternative methods of interaction (Choice A) may not address the root cause of the animosity. Encouraging one spokesperson for the family (Choice B) may overlook individual concerns. Organizing separate meetings (Choice C) may not provide a holistic view of the family dynamics and may not address the issues affecting the family unit as a whole. Therefore, assessing the family history and relationship dynamics is essential for effective intervention and resolution of the family dysfunction.
4. Why might nurses not be the best choice to obtain informed consent from patients?
- A. Nurses may be tempted to influence the patient's decision in subtle ways.
- B. Nurses may not be able to answer some of the medical questions the patient asks.
- C. A signature obtained by anyone other than a physician will not stand up in court.
- D. Under the law, nurses are only allowed to act as witnesses to informed consent signatures.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Nurses may not have the medical expertise to answer all the questions that patients may have regarding their treatment, which is a crucial aspect of obtaining informed consent. While nurses should not influence a patient's decision, it is not a major reason why they should not obtain informed consent. Signatures obtained by nurses are legally binding, and although nurses often act as witnesses, there is no legal restriction preventing them from obtaining informed consent itself.
5. An older adult client tells the nurse that blockage of qi in one of the body's meridians is causing severe headaches. The health care provider has diagnosed migraines and has prescribed a triptan drug. Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to implement?
- A. Suggest that the prescribed medicine may stimulate the flow of qi
- B. Explain the vasoconstrictive and serotonin-moderating action of triptan
- C. Instruct the client to take as many doses as needed for relief
- D. Caution the client that the headaches will grow worse if the client fails to take the medication
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Qi is the life force that circulates through the body in invisible pathways called meridians. In this scenario, the client believes that the blockage of qi is causing severe headaches. While explaining the scientific principles underlying the drug action could be valuable, it's crucial to consider the client's belief system. Therefore, the most appropriate response is to suggest that the prescribed medicine may stimulate the flow of qi, aligning with the client's perspective. Choice B, explaining the vasoconstrictive and serotonin-moderating action of triptan, does not address the client's concerns about qi blockage. Choice C, instructing the client to take as many doses as needed, can lead to potential medication misuse. Choice D, cautioning the client about worsening headaches without medication, may induce fear and hinder effective communication with the client.
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