Chapter 32: Adulthood
1. A student nurse visiting a senior center says, Its depressing to see these old people. They are
weak and frail. I doubt any of them can engage in a discussion. The student is expressing:
a. reality. c. empathy.
b. ageism. d. vulnerability.
ANS: B
Ageism is a bias against older people because of their age. None of the other options applies to
the ideas expressed by the student.
2. A nurse plans an educational program for staff of a home health agency specializing in care of
the elderly. Which topic is the highest priority to include?
a. Pain assessment techniques for older adults
b. Psychosocial stimulation for those who live alone
c. Preparation of psychiatric advance directives in the elderly
d. Ways to manage disinhibition in elderly persons with dementia
ANS: A
The topic of greatest immediacy is the assessment of pain in older adults. Unmanaged pain can
precipitate other problems, such as substance abuse and depression. Elderly patients are less
likely to be accurately diagnosed and adequately treated for pain. The distracters are unrelated or
of lesser importance.
3. Select the best comment for a nurse to begin an interview with an elderly patient.
a. I am a nurse. Are you familiar with what nurses do?
b. Hello. I am going to ask you some questions to get to know you better.
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, c. You look comfortable and ready to participate in an admission interview. Shall
we get started?
d. Hello. My name is and I am a nurse. How you would like to be
addressed by staff?
ANS: D
The correct opening identifies the nurses role and politely seeks direction for addressing the
patient in a way that will make him or her comfortable. This is particularly important when a
considerable age difference exists between the nurse and the patient. The nurse should address
patients by name and not assume patients want to be called by a first name. The nurse should
always introduce self.
4. Which information is most important to obtain during assessment of an older adult diagnosed
with a mental disorder?
a. Functional ability and emotional status
b. Chronological age and sexual function c.
Economic status and sources of income
d. Developmental history, interests, and activities
ANS: A
Information related to functional ability and emotional status provides an overview of patient
problems and abilities. It guides selection of interventions and services to meet identified needs.
The distracters reflect information of relevance, but are not of highest priority.
5. A 75-year-old patient comes to the clinic reporting frequent headaches. As the nurse begins
the interaction, which action is most important?
a. Complete a neurological assessment.
b. Determine whether the patient can hear as the nurse speaks.
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, c. Suggest that the patient lie down in a darkened room for a few minutes.
d. Administer medication to relieve the patients pain before continuing the
assessment.
ANS: B
Before proceeding with any further assessment, the nurse should assess the patients ability to
hear questions. Impaired hearing could lead to inaccurate answers.
6. Which statement about aging provides the best rationale for focused assessment of elderly
patients?
a. The elderly are usually socially isolated and lonely.
b. Vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell decline with age.
c. The majority of elderly patients have some form of early dementia.
d. As people age, thinking becomes more rigid and learning is impaired.
ANS: B
Only the key is a true statement. It cues the nurse to assess sensory function in the elderly
patient. Correcting vision and hearing are critical to providing safe care. The distracters are
myths about aging.
7. A nurse assesses an elderly patient. The nurse should complete the Geriatric Depression Scale
if the patient answers which question affirmatively.
a. Would you say your mood is often sad?
b. Are you having any trouble with your memory?
c. Have you noticed an increase in your alcohol use?
d. Do you often experience moderate to severe pain?
ANS: A
HTTPS://PASINGGRADES.COM/
1. A student nurse visiting a senior center says, Its depressing to see these old people. They are
weak and frail. I doubt any of them can engage in a discussion. The student is expressing:
a. reality. c. empathy.
b. ageism. d. vulnerability.
ANS: B
Ageism is a bias against older people because of their age. None of the other options applies to
the ideas expressed by the student.
2. A nurse plans an educational program for staff of a home health agency specializing in care of
the elderly. Which topic is the highest priority to include?
a. Pain assessment techniques for older adults
b. Psychosocial stimulation for those who live alone
c. Preparation of psychiatric advance directives in the elderly
d. Ways to manage disinhibition in elderly persons with dementia
ANS: A
The topic of greatest immediacy is the assessment of pain in older adults. Unmanaged pain can
precipitate other problems, such as substance abuse and depression. Elderly patients are less
likely to be accurately diagnosed and adequately treated for pain. The distracters are unrelated or
of lesser importance.
3. Select the best comment for a nurse to begin an interview with an elderly patient.
a. I am a nurse. Are you familiar with what nurses do?
b. Hello. I am going to ask you some questions to get to know you better.
HTTPS://PASINGGRADES.COM/
, c. You look comfortable and ready to participate in an admission interview. Shall
we get started?
d. Hello. My name is and I am a nurse. How you would like to be
addressed by staff?
ANS: D
The correct opening identifies the nurses role and politely seeks direction for addressing the
patient in a way that will make him or her comfortable. This is particularly important when a
considerable age difference exists between the nurse and the patient. The nurse should address
patients by name and not assume patients want to be called by a first name. The nurse should
always introduce self.
4. Which information is most important to obtain during assessment of an older adult diagnosed
with a mental disorder?
a. Functional ability and emotional status
b. Chronological age and sexual function c.
Economic status and sources of income
d. Developmental history, interests, and activities
ANS: A
Information related to functional ability and emotional status provides an overview of patient
problems and abilities. It guides selection of interventions and services to meet identified needs.
The distracters reflect information of relevance, but are not of highest priority.
5. A 75-year-old patient comes to the clinic reporting frequent headaches. As the nurse begins
the interaction, which action is most important?
a. Complete a neurological assessment.
b. Determine whether the patient can hear as the nurse speaks.
HTTPS://PASINGGRADES.COM/
, c. Suggest that the patient lie down in a darkened room for a few minutes.
d. Administer medication to relieve the patients pain before continuing the
assessment.
ANS: B
Before proceeding with any further assessment, the nurse should assess the patients ability to
hear questions. Impaired hearing could lead to inaccurate answers.
6. Which statement about aging provides the best rationale for focused assessment of elderly
patients?
a. The elderly are usually socially isolated and lonely.
b. Vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell decline with age.
c. The majority of elderly patients have some form of early dementia.
d. As people age, thinking becomes more rigid and learning is impaired.
ANS: B
Only the key is a true statement. It cues the nurse to assess sensory function in the elderly
patient. Correcting vision and hearing are critical to providing safe care. The distracters are
myths about aging.
7. A nurse assesses an elderly patient. The nurse should complete the Geriatric Depression Scale
if the patient answers which question affirmatively.
a. Would you say your mood is often sad?
b. Are you having any trouble with your memory?
c. Have you noticed an increase in your alcohol use?
d. Do you often experience moderate to severe pain?
ANS: A
HTTPS://PASINGGRADES.COM/
