Carol A. Miller
, Chapter 1: Seeing Older Adults Through the Eyes of Wellness
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. In 2010, an updated version of the Standards and Scope of Gerontological Nursing Practice was released. Nurses
refer to these standards to:
a. Support the practice of gerontologic nursing in acute care settings.
b. Describe the fundamental principles and scope of gerontologic nursing.
c. Enhance the field of gerontologic nursing.
d. Implement recommendations from experienced gerontologic nurses.
Answer: D
The 2010 revision of the Standards and Scope of Gerontological Nursing Practice includes input from
gerontologic nurses nationwide. It does not serve to promote practice in acute care, define core concepts, or
advance the profession directly.
Difficulty Level: Recall (Knowledge)
Reference: MCS: 2
Objective: 1-1
Topic: N/A
Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. To counteract the impact of ageism in nursing care for older adults, the first step a nurse should take is to:
a. Understand their role as an advocate for aging patients.
b. Recognize that older adults make up a significant portion of patients.
c. Reflect on their personal attitudes toward aging and older individuals.
d. Acknowledge that ageism is a widespread bias in American society.
Answer: C
Ageism is a growing prejudice against the aging process and older individuals. Since nurses are part of a society
that holds such views, it is essential for them to reflect on their own perceptions and assess how these might
influence the care they provide. Advocacy is important, but self-awareness is the first step. Accepting facts or
acknowledging biases does not actively combat ageism.
, Difficulty Level: Application
Reference: N/A
Objective: 1-9
Topic: Teaching-Learning
Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment
3. A nurse discussing the reasons behind the increase in the number of healthy, independent older adults should
highlight:
a. The expansion of home care services.
b. Government financial assistance for retirees.
c. Advances in antibiotic treatments.
d. The development of therapies aimed at prolonging life.
Answer: C
The growing number of independent and healthy older adults is largely due to improvements in antibiotics,
sanitation, and vaccinations. These public health measures have played a more critical role than home care
services, government aid, or life-prolonging treatments.
Difficulty Level: Recall (Knowledge)
Reference: MCS: 2
Objective: 3-3
Topic: Nursing Process: Implementation
Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. When preparing a discharge plan for an older patient, the nurse should direct education primarily toward:
a. A non-related caregiver.
b. A hired professional caregiver.
c. A family member.
d. A representative from an institution.
Answer: C
Less than 4% of older adults live in institutional care. Most reside at home, often with family members.
, Difficulty Level: Application
Reference: N/A
Objective: 3-3
Topic: Nursing Process: Planning
Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment
5. When planning care for an older adult recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the nurse prioritizes
maintaining the patient’s:
a. Age.
b. Financial resources.
c. Gender.
d. Functional abilities.
Answer: D
Preserving an older adult’s functional abilities is essential in preventing physical frailty and cognitive decline,
both of which increase the risk of institutionalization.
Difficulty Level: Recall (Knowledge)
Reference: MCS: 8
Objective: 1-6
Topic: Nursing Process: Planning
Category: Physiologic Integrity
6. A nurse working with older adults is most likely to refer which patient for financial social services?
a. A White male.
b. A Black female.
c. A Hispanic male.
d. An Asian American female.
Answer: B
Older Black women have a significantly higher poverty rate than men and women from other racial or ethnic
groups. White males are the least likely to experience poverty.