TEST BANK Ebersole and Hess’ Gerontological Nursing & Healthy Aging 5th Edition TouhyChapter 01: Introduction to Healthy Aging MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A man is terminally ill with end-stage prostate cancer. Which is the best statement about this man’s wellness? a. Wellness can only be achieved with aggressive medical interventions. b. Wellness is not a real option for this client because he is terminally ill. c. Wellness is defined as the absence of disease. d. Nursing interventions can help empower a client to achieve a higher level of wellness.
ANS: D Nursing interventions can help empower a client to achieve a higher level of wellness; a nurse can foster wellness in his or her clients. Wellness is defined by the individual and is multidimensional. It is not just the absence of disease. A wellness perspective is based on the belief that every person has an optimal level of health independent of his or her situation or functional level. Even in the presence of chronic illness or while dying, a movement toward wellness is possible if emphasis of care is placed on the promotion of well-being in a supportive environment.
PTS: 1 DIF: Apply REF: p. 7 TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. In differentiating between health and wellness in health care, which of the following statements is true?
a. Health is a broad term encompassing attitudes and behaviors. b. The concept of illness prevention was never considered by previous generations. c. Wellness and self-actualization develop through learning and growth. d. Wellness is impossible when one’s health is compromised.
ANS: A Health is a broad term that encompasses attitudes and behaviors; holistically, health includes wellness, which involves one’s whole being. The concept of illness prevention was never considered by previous generations; throughout history, basic self-care requirements have been recognized. Wellness and self-actualization develop through learning and growth—as basic needs are met, higher level needs can be satisfied in turn, with ever-deepening richness to life. Wellness is possible when one’s health is compromised—even with chronic illness, with multiple disabilities, or in dying, movement toward a higher level of wellness is possible.
PTS: 1 DIF: Understand REF: p. 7 MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation 1 | P a g e3. Which racial or ethnic group has the highest life expectancy in the United States? a.
Native Americans
b. African Americans
c. Hispanic Americans
d. Asian and Pacific Island Americans
Chapter 02: Cross-Cultural Caring and Aging
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following is a true statement about differing health belief systems?
a. Personalistic or magicoreligious beliefs have been superseded in Western minds
by biomedical principles.
b. In most cultures, older adults are likely to treat themselves using traditional
methods before turning to biomedical professionals.
c. Ayurvedic medicine is another name for traditional Chinese medicine.
d. The belief that health depends on maintaining a balance among opposite qualities
is characteristic of a magicoreligious belief system.
ANS: B
Older adults in most cultures usually have had experience with traditional methods
that have worked as well as expected. After these treatments fail, older adults turn to
the formal health care system. Even in the United States, it is common for older
adults to pray for cures or wonder what they did to incur an illness as punishment.
The Ayurvedic system is a naturalistic health belief system practiced in India and in
some neighboring countries. This belief is characteristic of a holistic or naturalistic
approach.
PTS: 1 DIF: Understand REF: p. 16-17 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. Which of the following considerations is most likely to be true when working with an
interpreter?
a. An interpreter is never needed if the nurse speaks the same language as the
patient.
b. When working with interpreters, the nurse can use technical terms or metaphors.
c. A patient’s young granddaughter who speaks fluent English would make the best
interpreter because she is familiar with and loves the patient.
d. The nurse should face the patient rather than the interpreter.
ANS: D
2 | P a g eThe nurse should face the patient rather than the interpreter is a true statement; the
intent is to converse with the patient, not with a third party about the patient. Many
reasons may prevent the patient from speaking directly to a nurse. Technical terms
and metaphors may be difficult or impossible to translate. Cultural restrictions may
prevent some topics from being spoken of to a grandparent or child.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 18-19
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
3. An older adult who is a traditional Chinese man has a blood pressure of 80/54 mm Hg
and refuses to remain in the bed. Which intervention should the nurse use to promote
and maintain his health?
a. Have the health care provider speak to him.
b. Use principles of the holistic health system.
c. Ask about his perceptions and treatment ideas.
d. Consult with a practitioner of Chinese medicine.
ANS: C
Using the LEARN model (listen with sympathy to the patient’s perception of the
problem, explain your perception of the problem, acknowledge the differences and
similarities, recommend treatment, and negotiate agreement), the nurse gathers
information from the patient about cultural beliefs concerning health care and avoids
stereotyping the patient. In the assessment, the nurse determines what the patient
believes about caregiving, decision making, treatment, and other pertinent health-
related information. Speaking with the health care provider is premature until the
assessment is complete. Unless he accepts the beliefs, principles of the holistic
health system can be potentially unsuitable and insulting for this patient. Unless he
accepts the treatments, consulting with a practitioner of Chinese medicine can also
be unsuitable and insulting for this patient.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 18
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Which action should the nurse take when addressing older adults?
a. Speak in an exaggerated pitch.
b. Use a lower quality of speech.
c. Use endearing terms such as “honey.”
d. Speak clearly.
ANS: D
Some health professionals demonstrate ageism, in part because providers tend to
see many frail, older persons and fewer of those who are healthy and active.
Providers should not assume that all older adults are hearing or mentally impaired.
The most appropriate action when addressing an older adult would be to speak
3 | P a g eclearly. Examples of unintentional ageism in language are an exaggerated pitch, a
demeaning emotional tone, and a lower quality of speech.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 15
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
5. The nurse prepares an older woman, who is Polish, for discharge through an interpreter
and notes that she becomes tense during the instructions about elimination. Which
intervention should the nurse implement?
a. Move on to the discussion about medication.
b. Ask the older woman how she feels about this topic.
c. Instruct the interpreter to repeat the instructions.
d. Have the older woman repeat the instructions for clarity.
ANS: B
When working with an interpreter, the nurse closely watches the older adult for
nonverbal communication and emotion regarding a specific topic and therefore
validates the assessment about the older adult’s tension before proceeding. Because
the nurse notices her tension, the nurse temporarily suspends the preparation to
validate her assessment. If the nurse proceeds and the older adult is uncomfortable
discussing elimination, then important instructions can be missed, leading to adverse
effects for the older adult. Repeating the instructions can aggravate the older adult’s
discomfort. Instructing the older adult to repeat the nurse’s instruction ignores her
needs.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 18-19
TOP: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
6. The nurse plans care for an older African American man who is from Jamaica
and resides in New York City. Which should the nurse include in planning care? a.
Attribute his illness to breaking a voodoo.
b. Help him improve social relationships.
c. Maintain blood pressure below 120/70 mm Hg.
d. Review the principles of the magicoreligious system.
ANS: C
Because African Americans tend to be at risk for cardiovascular disease and
hypertension, the nurse plans to maintain the patient’s blood pressure at or below the
current recommendation by the American Heart Association. The nurse can be
incorrectly assuming that he practices and believes in the magicoreligious system.
The nurse should assess his spiritual beliefs and determine how much they influence
his attitudes toward Western health care. The magicoreligious system maintains
social relationships in good condition to prevent illness; however, if the older adult
4 | P a g edoes not follow this cultural practice, then this goal can be unsuitable. The older adult
may not believe in this system; therefore, the information can be irrelevant.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
7. Which health belief system uses treatments to repair a body part?
a. Holistic
b. Biomedical
c. Personalistic
d. Magicoreligious
ANS: B
Because dysfunction or a structural abnormality is thought to cause disease, the
biomedical system believes in repairing the structural abnormality. The holistic system
holds that health is attained through balance. The personalistic system uses
treatments such as meditation, fasting, and praying. The magicoreligious system is
the same as the personalistic system.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 17
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
8. A nurse is caring for a culturally diverse patient who has missed follow-up
appointments with the primary care provider three times over the past year. The patient
has a chronic illness that requires periodic monitoring of blood test values. The patient
tells the nurse: “You don’t understand—in my culture, we don’t do things like that. I
cannot be troubled with worrying about appointments in the future; I deal with each day
as it comes.” The nurse understands which of the following about the patient’s culture?
a. The culture does not value Western medicine.
b. The culture has a different orientation to time than Western medicine.
c. The culture is an interdependent culture.
d. The culture does not believe in preventative care.
ANS: B
Time orientation is a culturally constructed factor. Westernized medical care is future
oriented. Conflicts between future oriented Westernized medical care and those with
a present or past time orientation may arise. Patients are likely to be labeled as
noncompliant for failing to keep appointments.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 15-17
MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
9. A paper on culture and illness would be likely to include the statement that
a. culture is the same as ethnicity.
b. ethnic groups always share common geographic origin and religion.
5 | P a g e
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
REF: p. 18-19
TOP: Nursing Process: Planningc. ethnicity involves recognized traditions, symbols, and literature.
d. most members of an ethnic group exhibit identical cultural traits.
ANS: C
Ethnicity is a complex phenomenon that includes traditions, symbols, literature,
folklore, food preferences, and dress. It is a shared identity. Ethnicity is more than just
culture. It is social differentiation based on culture. Even within ethnic groups, there is
considerable diversity.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember REF: p. 12
MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
10. A home care nurse is caring for an older patient from a different culture who is
bedbound and high risk for development of a pressure ulcer. The nurse discusses the
plan of care with the patient’s daughter, emphasizing the importance of turning every 2
hours, and posts a turning clock on the wall. When the nurse returns later in the week,
the turning clock has been removed, and the patient’s daughter reports that she turns
her mother occasionally. She states, “I am taking very good care of my mother. You just
don’t understand—our ways do not involve doing things on schedules.” The best
response by the nurse is:
a. “You must follow my guidelines and turn her every 2 hours, or I will not be able to
take care of her.”
b. “I understand that you value your culture, but culture cannot stop you from
providing good care to your mother.”
c. ‘I understand that you care very much for your mother. Perhaps caring for her is
too much for you.”
d. “How can we best work together to provide the best care for your mother?”
ANS: D
In providing cross-cultural care, it is important that the nurse work with the patient and
family and listen carefully and find a way to include the values and beliefs of the
patient in the plan of care.
PTS: 1
DIF: Analyze
REF: p. 15
TOP: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
11. An older patient learns that she has metastatic cancer. The patient states: “I must have
angered God.” This is an example of which type of belief? a. Biomedical
b. Magicoreligious
c. Naturalistic
d. Ayurvedic
ANS: B
TOP: Teaching and Learning
6 | P a g eMagicoreligious beliefs view illness as caused by actions of a higher authority.
Biomedical beliefs view disease as a result of abnormalities in structure and function
and disease caused by intrusion of pathogens into the body. Naturalistic beliefs are
based on the concepts of balance; health is seen as a sign of balance. Ayurvedic
beliefs are of the oldest known paradigm in the naturalistic system; illness is seen as
an imbalance.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember REF: p. 17
TOP: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
12. The term health disparity is defined as
a. the systematic elimination of the culture of another resulting in decreased
wellness.
b. differences in health outcomes among groups.
c. the difference between an expected incidence and prevalence and that which
actually occurs in a comparison population group.
d. the existence of more than one group with differing values and perspective.
ANS: B
Health disparities are defined as differences in health outcomes among groups.
Cultural destructiveness is defined as the systematic elimination of the culture of
another. Health inequities are defined as the difference between an expected
incidence and prevalence and that which actually occurs in a comparison population
group. Cultural diversity is defined as the existence of more than one group with
differing values and perspective.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember REF: p. 13
MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. The nurse is assessing an older adult from a culture different than the nurse’s by asking
questions from the explanatory model for culturally sensitive assessment. Which
question(s) should the nurse ask to follow this model? (Select all that apply.) a. How can
we negotiate to solve the problem?
b. What treatment can improve your condition?
c. Should we try my plan first to see if it helps?
d. Can we discuss differences in our plans now?
e. How long have you experienced the problem?
f. Who, other than me, can make you feel better?
ANS: B, E, F
Asking about potential therapies is a question from the explanatory model and asks
what the individual believes will help clear up the problem. The nurse asks about the
TOP: Teaching and Learning
7 | P a g eduration of the problem as a part of applying the explanatory model. The nurse asks
about other disciplines that the individual believes can be therapeutic. This question
is based on the LEARN model.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 14
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Health Promotion and
Maintenance
2. A nurse caring for older adults must be aware of which consequences of ageism in
language?
(Select all that apply.)
a. Reduced sense of self
b. Poor nutritional intake
c. Lowered sense of self-competence
d. Decreased memory performance
ANS: A, C, D
Some health professionals demonstrate ageism, in part because providers tend to
see many frail, older persons and fewer of those who are healthy and active.
Consequences of ageism have been identified as a reduced sense of self, lowered
self-esteem, lowered sense of self-competence, and decreased memory
performance. Poor nutritional intake has not been identified as a consequence.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 15
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Which factor(s) is/are associated with the provision of culturally competent care? (Select
all that apply.)
a. Cultural awareness
b. Cultural knowledge
c. Cultural skills
d. Cultural connections
e. Knowledge of specific details of traditions and practices of all the different cultures
ANS: A, B
As nurses move toward cultural competence, they increase their cultural awareness,
knowledge, and skills. Cultural competence means having the skills to put cultural
knowledge to use in assessment, communication, negotiation, and intervention.
Cultural connections have not been identified as a factor.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 15
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
8 | P a g e4. A nurse completes a cultural assessment of an older adult who is being admitted to an
assisted living facility. Reasons for completing a cultural assessment include (Select all
that apply.) a. culture guides decision making about health, illness, and preventive care.
b. culture provides direction for individuals on how to interact during health care
encounters.
c. culture impacts attitudes toward aging.
d. all members of a culture react in the same way in similar situations.
e. knowledge of culture eliminates health care disparities.
ANS: A, B, C
Although knowledge of culture has the potential to optimize care, not all individuals
will respond in the same way to a specific situation. Knowledge of an individual’s
culture will not eliminate health care disparities.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 15-16
MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
5. A nurse in the ambulatory care setting is preparing to do an interview with a non–
English-speaking client. The nurse secures an interpreter. To have the most effective
interview, the nurse should do which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. Look and
speak to the interpreter.
b. Use technical terminology to ensure accuracy.
c. Allow more time for the interview.
d. Watch the client’s nonverbal communication.
e. Through the interpreter, check whether the client understands the communication.
ANS: C, D, E
For the most effective interview the nurse should look and speak directly to the client;
avoid the use of jargon and technical terminology; observe the client’s nonverbal
communications; and clarify understanding by asking the client to state in his or her
own words what he or she understood, facilitated by the interpreter. The interview will
naturally take longer.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember REF: p. 18-19
TOP: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
TOP: Teaching and Learning
9 | P a g eANS: C
As shown in Figure 1.4, Hispanic men and women have the highest life expectancy of
all. In 2011, for those of Hispanic origin of any race, the overall life expectancy at 65
years of age was 20.7 more years in 2011 (19.1 years for men and 21.8 years for
women).
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 6
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
4. Historical influences that have shaped the lives of the majority of the in-between cohort
in the United States today include which of the following? a. Influenza epidemic of 1918
b. World War I
c. Child rearing in the Depression
d. World War II
ANS: D
Those who are in the in-between cohort in 2016 were born between 1915 and 1945.
The men were likely to have fought in World War II. The last of the Holocaust
survivors are in this group. A person who survived the influenza epidemic would be at
least 98 years old in 2016 and therefore would be considered old-old or a
centenarian. Most of those who are of the in-between cohort had not reached
childbearing age by the end of the Depression. Individuals in the in-between cohort
would not have been old enough to fight in World War II.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 5
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
5. According to researchers, which characteristic do most centenarians share?a. Female
b. Hispanic
c. Living in rural areas
d. Located in the Midwestern states
ANS: A
Based on the U.S. census report of 2010, centenarians were overwhelmingly white,
female, and living in the urban areas of the Southern states.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember REF: p. 5
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
6. Which nursing intervention is a holistic approach to an older adult?
10 | P a g ea. Performs glucose testing during the weekly worship service
b. Wheels ambulatory adults to exercise when running late
c. Assigns female nurses to older women who are Islamic
d. Allows older adults in a nursing home to eat meals alone
ANS: C
The nurse uses a holistic approach to the care of an older female adult who is Islamic
because the woman and her family are more likely to be willing participants in a
therapeutic regimen that respects a tenet of their culture. Interrupting an older adult’s
worship with glucose testing can be interpreted as a lack of respect for spiritual
needs. The nurse can provide for and respect the physical and spiritual aspects of
the older adult’s life by testing for glucose before the service begins. In transporting
ambulatory adults to the exercise program in wheelchairs to save time, the nurse
disregards the need for self-esteem and exercise, both important aspects of physical
well-being. Ambulatory adults can walk with assistance, if needed, to exercise
programs and can benefit from the additional activity and independence. The nurse
can be tempted to allow an older adult to eat meals alone in his or her room if this will
motivate the person to eat or if the older adult has dysphasia and is embarrassed.
However, although focusing on physical needs, the nurse ignores psychosocial and
other aspects of health and well-being.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 7
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
7. An older man who resides in a nursing home has a total cholesterol level of 245
mg/dL. Which nursing intervention is most likely to assist this man in achieving his
highest level of wellness?
a. Instruct him about increasing dietary fiber.
b. Ask the health care provider for a low-fat diet.
c. Schedule a consultation for him with the dietitian.
d. Review a menu with him to choose suitable foods.
ANS: D
The nurse collaborates with the older adult to choose suitable foods, which is likely to
be an effective nursing intervention to help an older adult with hyperlipidemia achieve
optimal
health and well-being; it gives him some control over the regimen and thus engages
him in the process of lowering serum cholesterol. Informing the older man about
dietary fiber offers no control to him because he is not part of the decision. Nursing
interventions developed with the older adult’s collaboration are most likely to help the
older adult achieve health and wellness. Collaborating with the health care provider
for a low-fat diet is a reasonable approach to help this man with hyperlipidemia to
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
11 | P a g eachieve health and wellness. However, he is more likely to have motivation and
enthusiasm for a therapeutic regimen over which he has had some control.
Scheduling a consultation with a dietitian is a reasonable approach to an older adult
with hyperlipidemia and is a part of a multifaceted approach to optimizing his health.
However, the older adult is more likely to engage in a regimen over which he has
input.
PTS: 1
DIF: Analyze
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
8. Which approach requires the nurse to integrate and balance all aspects of an individual’s
life into the plan of care? a. Holistic nursing
b. Healthy People 2020
c. Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs
d. Orem’s self-care requirements
ANS: A
Holistic nursing integrates all aspects of an individual’s life into the plan of care by
balancing an individual’s internal and external environment with psychosocial,
spiritual, cultural, and physical processes. Healthy People 2020, an updated
document from 2000 that outlines the goals for achieving health in this country, is a
mandate for health care professionals to follow with 467 objectives in 28 focus areas.
Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs provides a basis for understanding individuals in
context and for ranking nursing assessments, diagnoses, goals, and interventions in
order of importance. Dorothea Orem’s self-care requirements lists human needs,
including the need for air, fluids, nutrition, hygiene, elimination, activity, comfort, relief
from suffering, and skin integrity. The nurse helps individuals meet these needs to
achieve optimal health and wellness.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember REF: p. 7
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
9. The nurse plans activities for older women born between 1920 and 1930 and who
reside in an assisted-living facility. Which is the best intervention for the nurse to
implement? a. Have them bake cookies twice a week.
b. Conduct interviews for specific interests.
c. Arrange dog and cat visits from volunteers.
d. Take them to the library for guest speakers.
ANS: B
The nurse conducts individual interviews with the women to determine their interests
and to avoid generalizing; as people live longer, they become more and more unique.
Because most of these women are in their 80s and 90s were born between 1920 and
REF: p. 7
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
12 | P a g e1930 and have generally spent their lives as homemakers, the nurse presumes to
know what activities they will enjoy.
The nurse avoids arranging group activities until individual interests are determined.
In addition, the nurse must assess for allergies and individual fears of animals before
exposing an
older adult to a pet visit. Unless it is organized on a voluntary basis, the nurse avoids
arranging visits by guest speakers. In addition, the nurse will assess each older
woman before an outside visit to avoid embarrassing events, including incontinence
and hearing and vision problems.
PTS: 1
DIF: Analyze
REF: p. 5
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
10. Which of the following issues in the care of older adults are identified in Healthy People
2020?
a. Delineating nursing staffing levels in long term care
b. Eradicating pressure ulcers in all care settings
c. Identifying minimum levels of training for people who care for older adults
d. Instituting mandatory training in identification of elder abuse for all caregivers of
older adults
ANS: C
Identifying minimum training levels for people who care for older adults is one of the
issues identified in Healthy People 2020. The rest of the issues are not discussed in
Healthy People 2020.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember REF: p. 8
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Chapter 03: Biological Theories of Aging and Age-Related Physical
Changes
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Decreased functioning of which physical structure is likely to result in decreased
metabolism in older adults? a. Kidney
b. Thyroid gland
c. Brain
d. Skeleton
ANS: B
Secretion of thyroid hormones tends to decrease with age, resulting in a greater
likelihood of a slower metabolism, hypothyroidism, and thinning hair and nails.
Decreased kidney function leads to decreased glomerular filtration rate and the ability
TOP: Teaching and Learning
13 | P a g eof the kidneys to concentrate urine and clear waste. Decreasing brain function tends
to result in decreased cognitive functioning. Osteoclastic activity tends to decrease
with age, increasing the risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 32
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Physiological Integrity
2. An older female patient is reading a large-print magazine and states that reading is
difficult for
her in the evening. Which intervention should the nurse implement?a. Put a high-intensity
lamp at the head of her bed.
b. Explain to her that the gray-yellow ring around her cornea, arcus senilis, is
interfering with visual acuity.
c. Put more powerful tubes in the fluorescent room lights.
d. Examine her retinas for signs of damage.
ANS: A
The pupils become gradually smaller with age; therefore, the eye requires three times
as much light. A high-intensity light on the object of interest is more effective than
increasing the overall room illumination. The arcus senilis does not affect vision. The
patient is describing a gradual overall change, not the more localized or sudden
effects of macular degeneration or retinal detachment.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 35
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
3. Aging ordinarily leads to decreases in which of the following?
a. Creatinine clearance and insulin secretion
b. Blood carbon dioxide and saliva production
c. Left ventricle-wall thickness and skin healing time
d. Serum triiodothyronine (T3) and gastric pepsin
ANS: D
Serum T3 and pepsin secretion both decrease with aging. Creatinine clearance
declines, but insulin secretion normally remains stable. Saliva production decreases,
but blood carbon dioxide normally remains unchanged. Left ventricle wall thickness
and skin healing time both increase with aging.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 30-31
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Physiological Integrity
4. Which change in the skin is abnormal in an older person?
a. Thinner and more fragile skin
14 | P a g eb. Red, swollen 3-day-old wound
c. Greater number of freckles
d. Loss of hair on the extremities
ANS: B
Although the skin of an older person may require 48 to 72 hours to mount an initial
inflammatory response to a wound, increasing redness after that time, particularly
with purulent discharge, is a sign of infection. This change is normal as ridges in the
skin are lost. Melanin distribution becomes more uneven with age. Hair is commonly
lost from the legs and other areas of older adults. Hair loss from the legs is not a sign
of peripheral vascular disease.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 27
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Physiological Integrity
5. The nurse designs a group exercise program at a senior center. Which room should the
nurse choose for the program?
a. Room with a beautiful hardwood floor tastefully appointed with throw rugs
b. Spacious room with no windows but with fluorescent lighting and a natural stone
floor
c. Room with a hardwood floor and large windows overlooking a garden area
d. End room with a linoleum floor and a fan for ventilation to compensate for the
room’s broken air conditioner
ANS: C
The hardwood floor provides an even surface. If the daylight from the large windows
causes a glare problem, then curtains may be used. Throw rugs can slide underfoot
and can lead to a fall, particularly when the sense of balance has declined with age.
Fluorescent lighting can lead to a glare problem, and the irregularities of the natural
stone floor can lead to a fall. The linoleum floor also presents a glare problem, and
overheating is a risk in older persons who have a reduced sweat-gland response to
heat.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 35
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Physiological Integrity
6. The latest trends in medicine encourage health care providers to prescribe nutrient-
dense foods and exercise to prevent or delay the shortening of telomeres. On which
biological theory of aging are these practices based? a. Genetic research
b. Caloric restriction
c. Oxidative stress
d. Cross-link
15 | P a g eANS: A
Genetic researchers have found that telomeres shorten with each cellular
reproduction and continue to do so until the cell dies. Selected animal studies since
the 1930s conclude that calorie restrictions of 30% can lead to a longer life
expectancy, slower metabolism, lower body temperature, and delay of age-related
disorders. The pacemaker theory, which is also known as the neuroendocrine control
theory, holds that critical functions of selected endocrine glands slow and can halt
with age. The cross-link theory suggests that aging is a result of the stiffening of
proteins caused by cross-linking, leading to stiffer joints, rougher skin, and decreased
cellular elasticity.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 22-26
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Physiological Integrity
7. During a nursing assessment, an older adult tells the nurse about increasing loss of
balance. Further assessment indicates musculoskeletal changes. Which patient
teaching should the nurse implement to address musculoskeletal reasons for the loss
of balance? a. Exercise with light weights.
b. Stand on one foot at a time while supported.
c. Train with the use of sit-ups.
d. Work out in a swimming pool.
ANS: B
The loss of balance from a musculoskeletal perspective is usually caused by a loss of
core muscle strength; thus, the nurse suggests standing on one foot at a time while
holding onto a chair back, if necessary, and working to increase the duration of the
exercise. Lifting weights helps increase muscle strength. Sit-ups are contraindicated
for older adults because they put tremendous amounts of stress on the lumbar spine.
Low-impact aerobic exercise helps improve conditioning and endurance.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 28
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Teaching and Learning
8. Which age-related change contributes to anorexia and weight loss in older adults? a.
Excessive saliva
b. Fewer taste buds
c. Wearing dentures
d. Softened tooth enamel
ANS: B
The number of taste buds declines with age and can decrease the enjoyment of food,
which can result in less motivation to eat and a resulting weight loss or loss of
appetite. Saliva production tends to decrease with age. As long as dentures fit
properly and the wearer practices good oral hygiene, wearing dentures does not
necessarily contribute to anorexia and weight loss. Older adults tend to lose enamel.
16 | P a g ePTS: 1
DIF: Remember REF: p. 32-33
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
9. A nurse is caring for an older adult who asks the following: “I have heard that it is
important to eat a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables to age successfully. Is that
correct?” The nurse considers which of the following theories of aging when
responding to the older adult’s question?
a. Oxidative stress theory
b. Immunological theory
c. Free radical theory
d. Telomere theory
ANS: C
Although the intake of supplemental antioxidants is deleterious to one’s health, there
is evidence that diets inclusive of natural antioxidants, such as those high in fruits and
vegetables or a Mediterranean diet rich in red wine and olive oil, are healthful.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 23-26
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Physiological Integrity
10. The family member of a patient asks a nurse if vitamin C will prevent aging. In
formulating a response, the nurse considers which of the following theories? a. Free
radical theory
b. Immunological theory
c. Oxidative stress theory
d. Telomere theory
ANS: A
The free radical theory posits that aging is a result of random damage from free
radicals.
Research is ongoing on the ability of substances with antioxidant effects to counter
the actions of free radicals. For many years, it was thought that consumption of
supplemental antioxidants, such as vitamin C, could delay of minimize the effects of
aging.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 23-26
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Physiological Integrity
11. A community health nurse provides an annual flu prevention workshop at a local
senior center. The activities include a lecture on preventing infections, which includes
hand washing and limiting exposure to individuals who are ill, as well as an influenza
immunization clinic. The nurse is basing her activities on what theory of aging? a. Free
radical theory
17 | P a g eb. Immunologic theory
c. Oxidative stress theory
d. Telomere theory
ANS: B
The immunologic theory of aging describes changes in cells of the immune system,
which make an older person more susceptible to infection. Prevention of infection is
very important in older adults and can be accomplished by education and
immunization.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 23-26
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Physiological Integrity
12. A nurse is caring for an older patient in the hospital who reports: “I am worried
because simple tasks such as balancing my checkbook seem to take me longer. Is
there something wrong with me?” The best response by the nurse is:
a. “As you age, normal changes in the brain occur that make central processing
take longer, so don’t worry.”
b. “You have every reason to be concerned. This is an abnormal finding; we
need to contact your physician.”
c. “As you age, changes in the brain lead to decreased intellectual performance,
so don’t worry.”
d. “Any changes in function are a cause for worry. You need to be evaluated
immediately.”
ANS: A
As one ages, central processing slows down, which may make performance of tasks
slower. This is not an abnormal finding in older adults. Intellectual performance
without brain dysfunction remains constant. Many changes in function are part of
normal aging.
PTS: 1
DIF: Analyze
REF: p. 34
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Physiological Integrity
13. An older woman was seen in her physician’s office after falling at home. The patient
receives a comprehensive assessment, and it is determined that she has a positive
urine culture and is started on antibiotic therapy for a urinary tract infection (UTI). The
patient is surprised at the diagnosis. The woman reported that she had experienced
some pain on urination the previous day but did not think that she had a UTI because
her temperature was only 99°F. One reason why the patient may not have developed
a higher temperature is
18 | P a g ea.
the patient’s UTI was not yet serious enough to cause a significant increase in
body temperature.
b. normal age-related changes to the immune system function affect an older
person’s response to illness; a low-grade fever may signify serious illness.
c. older adults do not run fevers when they are ill.
d. this patient likely has an alteration to her immune system that impacts her
response to infection.
ANS: B Change in immune function affect an older person’s response to illness
consistent with the immunologic theory of aging. Older adults typically have lower core
body temperatures. A lack of fever cannot be used to rule out infection. The nurse
needs to consider the patient from a holistic perspective. A recent fall is often an
atypical presentation of a serious illness or infection.
PTS: 1
DIF: Analyze
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
REF: p. 37
MSC: Physiological
Integrity
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Which factor(s) associated with aging contribute(s) to the high incidence of type
2 diabetes mellitus in older adults? (Select all that apply.) a. Fewer T lymphocytes
b. Less lean muscle mass
c. Decreased thyroid function
d. Decreased physical activity
e. Left ventricular hypertrophy
f. Decreased insulin sensitivity
ANS: B, C, D, F
Less lean muscle mass means that the body has fewer insulin receptor sites; thus,
glucose circulates in the blood stream longer, leading to hyperglycemia and type 2
diabetes mellitus. Decreased thyroid function decreases the metabolic rate. If the
metabolic rate decreases without a corresponding decrease in caloric intake, then the
body consumes more food than it needs for its metabolic rate, and hyperglycemia
occurs. Decreased physical activity contributes to type 2 diabetes in two ways. First,
a less active person has less lean muscle mass than an active person. Second,
physical activity helps metabolize glucose; if activity decreases and food consumption
does not decrease, then hyperglycemia occurs. Insulin sensitivity decreases with age
and increases the need for insulin in older adults. To prevent hyperglycemia, older
adults must increase physical activity and decrease food consumption. Fewer T
lymphocytes are associated with age-related changes caused by autoimmune
reactions wherein the body recognizes itself as a foreign substance and works to
destroy it. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is considered an autoimmune disorder. Left
ventricular hypertrophy is not directly related to the increased incidence of type 2
19 | P a g ediabetes in older adults; however, if hypertrophy leads to exercise intolerance, then it
can be related to an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 31-32
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Physiological Integrity
2. When caring for an older man patient, the nurse with the male reproductive system and
aging? (Select all that applyis aware that which changes are associated .) a. Testes
soften.
b. Seminiferous tubules thicken.
c. Sperm count decreases.
d. Ejaculation is slower.
e. Incontinence is common.
ANS: A, B, D
Although men have the ability to produce sperm throughout their lives, they also
experience changes in the functioning of the reproductive and the urogenital organs
in later life. The changes are usually more subtle and noticed only as they
accumulate, beginning when men are in their 50s. The testes atrophy and soften. The
seminiferous tubules thicken, and obstruction caused by sclerosis and fibrosis can
occur. Although sperm count does not decrease, fertility may be reduced because of
a higher number of sperm lack motility or have structural abnormalities. Erectile
changes are also seen; more stimulation is needed to achieve a full erection,
ejaculation is slower and less forceful, and refractory periods are longer. Incontinence
is not a normal age-related change.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 32
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Physiological Integrity
3. A nurse performs an assessment of an older adult’s oral cavity. Which of the following
findings are normal age related changes? (Select all that apply.) a. Missing teeth
b. Recession of gums
c. A white film on the tongue
d. Decreased saliva production
e. Gums that bleed easily
ANS: A, B, D
There are many age-related changes in the oral cavity. With wear and tear, teeth lose
enamel and dentin and become more vulnerable to decay. Without care, teeth may
20 | P a g ebe lost. Gums recede, and there is a decrease in saliva production. Bleeding gums is
indicative of infection, and a white film on the tongue is also indicative of an infection.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 32-33
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Physiological Integrity
4. A nurse is caring for an older adult in the hospital who reports decreased hearing.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse use when communicating with
this patient?
(Select all that apply.)
a. Raise the pitch of the voice when speaking with the patient.
b. Speak very slowly using simple words when speaking to the patient.
c. Face the patient when speaking.
d. Decrease background noise when speaking with the patient.
e. Obtain a sign language interpreter to speak with the patient.
ANS: C, D
With normal age-related hearing loss, the patient can still hear, so a sign language
interpreter would not be appropriate. In addition, it is not known whether or not this
patient is able to communicate in sign language. Presbycusis, age-related hearing
loss, is primarily the loss of the ability to hear high-frequency sounds. Therefore,
raising the pitch of the voice would not help the situation. Speaking very slowly and
using simple words may be seen as demeaning to the patient. It is important to face
the patient and to decrease background noise. Facing the patient is helpful if the
patient reads lips.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 36
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC:
Integrity
11. An older man asks a nurse: “How do you define aging? Do I meet the criteria of a
senior citizen?” The nurse understands that one can define aging in many different
manners. If the nurse chooses to define aging as “social aging,” the nurse would
consider which of the following aspects?
a. The man retired from his job as a police officer.
b. The man takes six different medications multiple times over the course of the day.
c. The man walks with a rolling walker.
d. The man celebrated his 65th birthday.
ANS: A
Social aging is determined by changes in roles. Taking multiple medications multiple
times over the course of the day and walking with a rolling walker are functional
determinants of aging. Age refers to chronological aging.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 7
Physiological
21 | P a g eTOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
12. The holistic health movement has impacted health care in which of the following ways?
a. It has focused health care on disease prevention.
b. It has reshaped how health and health care are perceived.
c. It has improved access to health care.
d. It has introduced numerous alternative modalities into health care.
ANS: B
The holistic paradigm has reshaped how health and health care are perceived.
Wellness is seen as a state of being which can be defined anywhere along the
continuum of health.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 7 TOP: Teaching and Learning
DIF: Understand
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. According to Healthy People 2020, older adults have been identified as a priority, with a
goal to improve their health, function, and quality of life. Identify the targeted chronic
focus areas for improvement. (Select all that apply.) a. Diabetes
b. Arthritis
c. Congestive heart failure
d. Dementia
e. Cancer
f. Pressure ulcers
ANS: A, B, C, D
In a push toward wellness, older adults were identified as a priority area for the first
time. The targeted chronic areas of focus were identified as diabetes, arthritis,
congestive heart failure, and dementia.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember REF: p. 8
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. Identify the Healthy People 2020 emerging issues in the health of older adults. (Select
all that apply.)
a. Coordinating care for the older adult population
b. Assisting older adults in the management of their own care
c. Identifying levels of training for those caring for older adults
d. Making community resources available for older adults
e. Increase in health disparities for rural older adults
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
22 | P a g eANS: A, B, C
According to United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy
People 2020, emerging issues in the health of older adults include coordinating care,
helping older adults manage their own care, establishing quality measures, identifying
minimum levels of training for people who care for older adults, and researching and
evaluating appropriate training to equip providers with the tools they need to meet the
needs of older adults.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember REF: p. 8
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Researchers hypothesize that most super-centenarians survive and are in good health
due to which of the following factors? (Select all that apply.)
a. They have a different genetic makeup than other older adults have.
b. They tend to live in wealthier areas of the world.
c. The exact cause of this phenomenon is not known.
d. Contributing factors to their good health include quality medical care and improved
social conditions.
e. They have large extended families to assist in their care.
ANS: C, D
The exact cause of super-centenarians’ longevity is not known;
researchers describe it as attributable to “rare and unpredictable reasons.”
Contributing factors include medical care and improved sociopolitical conditions.
There is no known difference in biological or sociological factors between super-
centenarians and other older adults. Super-centenarians exist all over the world.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 4-5
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. The nurse in an assisted living facility (ALF) is preparing a lecture on aging for the
residents. The philosophy of the ALF is to approach aging from the viewpoint of
health. Based on this philosophy, the nurse includes which of the following topics?
(Select all that apply.) a. “The Many Chronic Illnesses of Aging”
b. “Channeling Your Inner Strength Toward Wellness”
c. “Maximizing Function As You Age”
d. “Conserving Your Strength As You Age”
e. “Keep Moving, Maintain Your Mobility”
ANS: B, C, D
A wellness perspective is based on the belief that every person has an optimal level
of wellness independent of functional ability. This viewpoint approaches aging with an
emphasis on resilience, strength, resources, and capabilities rather than focusing on
existing pathological conditions.
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
23 | P a g ePTS: 1
DIF: Analyze
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
REF: p. 6-7
TOP: Teaching and Learning
Chapter 04: Psychosocial, Spiritual, and Cognitive Aspects of Aging
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. In which context are members of a cohort described when using the age-stratification
theory to explain the effect of similar events, conditions, and circumstances? a.
Historical
b. Biological
c. Sociological
d. Chronological
ANS: A
In the age-stratification model, historical context is used to understand members of a
cohort in terms of similar events, conditions, and circumstances and the effect these
have on the group as a whole. A good example of such a cohort is older adults who
lived through World War II. Biological context is not important in considering the age-
stratification theory. The age-stratification theory is a sociological theory of aging that
uses historical context to describe cohorts. Chronological context of a cohort will span
a range, but historical context is what describes the cohort.
24 | P a g ePTS: 1
DIF: Knowledge REF: p. 42
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
2.
An older patient who was just diagnosed with a terminal disease states, “All my life I
attended church, but I am still worried about what will happen after death.” The nurse’s
best response is which of the following?
a. “The unknown may be frightening. Do you want to talk about this?”
b. “Religious people know that God is a good God.”
c. “People that have had near-death experiences say it is peaceful.”
d. “You must feel good about attending church most of your life.”
ANS: A
“Often the unknown is very frightening” uses the reflective technique to identify the
patient’s feelings regarding the fear of the unknown. “Religious people know that God
is a good God” denies the patient’s feelings. “People that have had near-death
experiences say it is peaceful” focuses on the experience of others. “You must feel
good about attending church most of your life” ignores the patient’s concern about
death.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 48
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
3. The nurse plans care for older adults who are in good health but isolated from their
families. If the nurse’s goal is to move the adults toward gerotranscendence, which
intervention should the nurse use in the plan of care?
a. Give a daily tea party for the group.
b. Call each family to encourage visiting.
c. Assist them to resume midlife patterns.
d. Help each person with individual activities.
ANS: D
In Tornstam’s theory, aging offers the potential for gerotranscendence, a culmination
of an individual’s life, wisdom, and spiritual growth that allows older adults to live
contentedly with and without social activities. An older adult spends more time on
meditation and solitude and less time on materialism and self-consciousness about
body image. Individual activities or self-selected activities are satisfactory. Solitude is
satisfactory. Midlife patterns are no longer relevant to contentment.
25 | P a g ePTS: 1
DIF: Apply
MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
4. The nurse observes older women learning advanced knitting techniques. The nurse
concludes that this learning activity is suitable for these women because it accomplishes
which of the following?
a. Helps maintain joint flexibility
b. Improves the group’s cohesiveness
c. Provides a needed social opportunity
d. Adds to their existing knowledge base
ANS: D
Learning advanced techniques is a suitable activity for older adults because it builds
on knowledge they already have. Furthermore, this activity is suitable because it is
concrete and practical for experienced knitters to develop advanced skills. Joint
flexibility is a physical activity and not necessarily a learning activity. The members
share enjoyment of knitting; other than being women and older, the group has no
special bond on which to build. The need for socializing is not evident.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply REF: p. 50
MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
5. The nurse at a nursing home wants to help decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
(AD) in the residents. Which should the nurse do to implement this goal? a. Keep the
curtains open in their rooms.
b. Offer beads for them to string on yarn.
c. Show movies that the residents choose.
d. Assist residents with ambulation to meals.
ANS: D
Engaging in physical activity and social interaction are associated with a lower risk for
AD. Keeping the curtains open can make a resident’s room more pleasant but is likely
to be counterproductive in lowering the risk; brightening the room can entice the
resident to stay in the room and decrease social interaction. Stringing beads is a
passive and sedentary activity and therefore unlikely to decrease the risk for AD;
physical activity is associated with a lower risk for AD. Watching movies is a
sedentary but not a mentally stimulating activity for an adult with a normal
intelligence.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
6. Which physiological change in the brain is the reason the nurse allows more time for
answering questions with older adults?
26 | P a g e
REF: p. 50
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
REF: p. 43
TOP: Nursing Process: Planninga. Increased secretion of cholinesterase
b. Decreased secretion of neurotransmitters
c. Loss of spinal cord and brainstem neurons
d. Atrophy of dendrites in the cerebral cortex
ANS: D
Dendrites are the receiving end of neurons (receiving electrochemical signals) and
the branched ends extending from the cell body. The atrophy of dendrites contributes
to slower thought processes with aging because the synapses are impaired; this
changes the transmission of neurotransmitters that are vital in the transmission of an
electrical impulse from neuron to neuron. The secretion of cholinesterase, the
enzyme that inactivates acetylcholine in the synapse, does not increase with aging.
Changes in the transmission of neurotransmitters are associated with the atrophy of
dendrites. The spinal cord and the cerebral cortex lose neurons with age, the cerebral
cortex more than the spinal cord.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 49
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment
7. The nurse provides opportunities for nursing home residents to read aloud to others.
Which cognitive skill is this nursing intervention most likely to improve? a. Verbal
fluency
b. Logical analysis
c. Object naming
d. Visuospatial skills
ANS: A
Allowing residents to read aloud helps improve and maintain verbal fluency because
it provides an opportunity to practice these skills. Reading aloud does not usually
require analysis. Reading is unlikely to improve object recall unless displaying objects
is part of the reading. Visuospatial skills require the ability to perceive the relationship
of objects in terms of the space each object occupies; reading is unlikely to improve
this skill.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 49
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
8. Mandatory retirement at age 65 years is consistent with which theory of aging? a.
Role theory
b. Disengagement theory
c. Age-stratification theory
d. Social exchange theory
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
27 | P a g eANS: B
Disengagement theory states that in the natural course of aging, the individual does
and should withdraw from society to allow for the transfer of power to younger
generations.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 41-42
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
9. An older woman retires after a long career as an elementary school principal and
begins to volunteer in the local library reading to children. The older woman is very
pleased with her volunteer activities. This is consistent with which theory of aging?
a. Role theory
b. Disengagement theory
c. Age-stratification theory
d. Social exchange theory
ANS: A
Role theory posits that self-identity is believed to be defined by one’s role in society.
Successful aging means that as one role is completed, it is replaced by another or
comparative value to the individual.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 41
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
10. An older married couple move to a continuing care retirement community. The older
woman who was always very social and outgoing quickly joins an exercise group, a
book club, and a knitting circle. The older man who was always very solitary adopts
a routine of a long daily walk and registers for an online course in creative writing.
The behaviors of the older couple are consistent with which theory of aging? a.
Activity theory
b. Continuity theory
c. Social exchange theory
d. Disengagement theory
ANS: B
Continuity theory proposes that individuals develop and maintain a consistent pattern
of behavior over a lifetime. Aging, as an extension of earlier life, reflects a
continuation of the patterns of roles, responsibilities, and activities. Personality
influences the roles and activities chosen and the level of satisfaction drawn from
these. Successful aging is associated with one’s ability to maintain and continue
previous behaviors and roles.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 41
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
28 | P a g e11. A retirement community is divided into different communities with different activities
available for the residents of each community. There is one community for
individuals ages 65 to 74 years, one for individuals ages 75 to 85 years, and one
community for individuals older than age 85 years. This is consistent with which
theory of aging? a. Role theory
b. Disengagement theory
c. Age-stratification theory
d. Social exchange theory
ANS: C
Age-stratification theory is based on the belief that aging can be best understood by
considering the experiences of individuals as members of cohorts with similarities to
others in the same group.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: p. 42
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Which statements are true about aging and the brain? (Select all that apply.)
a. Most areas of the brain do not lose brain cells.
b. Memory decline is inevitable as people age.
c. Basic intelligence remains unchanged with age.
d. The brain does not continue to make new brain cells.
e. There are decrements in the ability to process information.
ANS: A, C, E
Most areas of the brain do not lose brain cells. Although older adults may lose some
nerve connections, this can be part of the reshaping of the brain that comes with
experience. Basic intelligence remains unchanged with age, and older adults should
be provided with opportunities for continued learning. There are decrements in the
ability to process information. Many people reach older age and have no memory
problems. Having a healthy diet and participation in physical exercise, stimulating
mental activity, socialization, and stress management help brain health.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 49-50
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
2. The nurse is admitting a patient to a long-term care facility. During the admission, the
patient verbalizes a concern about getting dementia now that he is in a nursing home. In
which activities should the nurse encourage the patient to participate to maintain brain
health? (Select all that apply.) a. Physical exercise
b. Stimulating mental activity
c. Socialization
29 | P a g ed.e. Increasing dietary intakeCrossword puzzles
ANS: A, B, C, E
Many people reach older age and have no memory problems. Having a healthy diet
and participation in physical exercise, stimulating mental activity, socialization, and
stress management help brain health. Puzzles are a cognitive stimulating activity. An
increase in dietary intake has not been shown to influence brain health.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. A nurse in an assisted living facility is planning an educational program on exercise for
the residents. The nurse needs to consider which of the following when planning the
activity?
(Select all that apply.)
a. Very simple language must be used so that the residents will understand the
material.
b. Large size fonts must be used on all written material provided to the residents.
c. The educational program should be provided in a quiet area without excessive
background noise.
d. The material discussed should focus only on the consequences of failure to
exercise.
e. The material discussed should build on the prior knowledge of the residents.
ANS: B, C, E
When educating older adults, one needs to pay attention to potential sensory deficits
common in this population such as vision and hearing. Older adults do not normally
experience a decline in intelligence. When teaching older adults, it is beneficial to
present practical information that builds on the prior knowledge of the participants.
There is no evidence that older adults learn better by focusing on the effects of
nonadherence.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Which of the following are true statements about older adults and use of computer
technology? (Select all that apply.)
a. Older adults comprise the fastest growing population using computers and the
Internet.
b. Older adults tend to be reluctant to use social networking sites.
c. Older adults perceive the Internet as a valuable resource.
d. Older adults do not routinely use the Internet to connect with their health care
providers.
e. Older adults have much difficulty learning to use technology.
REF: p. 51
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
REF: p. 50-51
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
30 | P a g eANS: A, C
Older adults comprise the fastest growing population using computers and the
Internet. Older women comprise the fastest growing group using social networking
sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace. Older adults perceive the Internet as a
valuable resource and use it to communicate with friends, families, and health care
providers and access health-related information. There is no evidence that older
adults have difficulty learning to use technology.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: p. 52
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
5. A nurse in a long-term care facility is using the TimeSlips program with a group of
cognitively impaired older adults. The nurse is using which of the following techniques?
(Select all that apply.)
a. Provides a picture for all group members to look at and use to create a story
b. Records the number of correct answers that each participant provides
c. Records the responses of all participants
d. Compliments each member for his or her contribution to the story
e. Reads the story back during the session, noting the contributions of each
participant
ANS: A, C, D, E
Using the TimeSlips format, group members looking at a picture are encouraged to
create a story about the picture. All contributions are encouraged and welcomed,
there are no right or wrong answers, and everything that the individuals say is
included in the story and written down by the scribe. Stories are read back to the
participant