OLDER ADULTS
9TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)CAROL A.
MILLER
TEST BANK
1) Wellness-focused assessment
Reference: Ch. 1 — Seeing Older Adults Through the Eyes of
Wellness
Question:
A 78-year-old client comes to the clinic for a routine visit. The
client says, “I’m old, so I expect to slow down.” The client walks
independently, manages medications with a pill organizer, and
volunteers at a local school twice a week. Which nursing
,response best reflects a wellness perspective in gerontological
care?
A. “That is normal aging, so no further assessment is needed.”
B. “Tell me what helps you stay active and independent.”
C. “You should reduce volunteer work to conserve energy.”
D. “Your age makes functional decline inevitable.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct Answer:
A wellness perspective focuses on strengths, function, and what
supports successful aging. This response invites assessment of
protective factors, meaningful activity, and coping strategies. It
supports patient-centered care rather than assuming decline.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A. This ignores the need for assessment and may overlook
modifiable risks or strengths. Normal aging still requires
individualized evaluation.
C. There is no evidence the client must reduce activity; doing so
may worsen health and social engagement.
D. This reflects ageism and a fixed decline model, which is not
consistent with gerontological nursing.
Teaching Point:
Focus on strengths and function, not age-based assumptions.
Citation:
Miller, C. A. (2023). Nursing for Wellness in Older Adults (9th
ed.). Ch. 1.
,2) Ageism and care planning
Reference: Ch. 1 — Seeing Older Adults Through the Eyes of
Wellness
Question:
An older adult with mild osteoarthritis is admitted after a fall.
During handoff, a nurse says, “At this age, people just fall.”
Which response by the charge nurse is best?
A. “That is true, older adults fall more often.”
B. “Falls in older adults should always be treated as expected.”
C. “Let’s assess the cause of the fall and the client’s function.”
D. “We should focus only on fracture management.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale — Correct Answer:
Falls are not simply an expected consequence of aging; they
require assessment of causes, medications, gait, vision,
environment, and underlying illness. A wellness approach seeks
preventable contributors and preserves function. This supports
safe, individualized care.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A. While fall risk can increase with age, assuming it is inevitable
may lead to missed causes and poor outcomes.
B. Treating falls as “expected” reflects ageism and unsafe
thinking.
, D. Fracture care alone misses prevention and functional
recovery needs.
Teaching Point:
A fall is a symptom to assess, not a normal part of aging.
Citation:
Miller, C. A. (2023). Nursing for Wellness in Older Adults (9th
ed.). Ch. 1.
3) Strength-based communication
Reference: Ch. 1 — Seeing Older Adults Through the Eyes of
Wellness
Question:
An 82-year-old client with early hearing loss becomes frustrated
during teaching about medication safety. Which nursing action
best supports a wellness approach?
A. Speak louder and repeat the same information quickly
B. Provide written instructions in very small print
C. Use face-to-face communication and confirm understanding
D. Ask a family member to answer all questions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale — Correct Answer:
Clear, respectful communication supports autonomy and
comprehension. Face-to-face teaching, normal speech, and
teach-back help the nurse identify needs and promote self-