WGU D439 STUDY GUIDE FOR CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT OA 46
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS 2025/2026
Your answers
,1 of 44
Definition
Primary - activities that are designed to prevent disease from
occurring, such as immunization again flu and pneumonia.
Secondary - efforts directed toward early detection and mgmt. of
disease, such as colonoscopy
Tertiary - efforts used to manage clinical disease in order to prevent
them from progressing or to avoid complications of the disease,
such as beta blockers are used to help remodel the heart in CHF
Give this one a go later!
Communication with dementia Moderate exercise
Three types of prevention Healthy aging
Don't know?
2 of 44
Definition
Keep discussions simple and questions concise.
Use large print calendars and clocks to assist with orientation.
Pictures of family may assist in reorienting.
, Well-lit room.
Offer frequent reassurance.
Avoid physical restraints
Use distraction and soothing conversation.
Give this one a go later!
Communication with a
delirious elder The old adult
Identify alternatives techniques
(instead of restraints) to deal
Communication with dementia
with wandering, combative or
confused patients.
Don't know?
3 of 44
Term
Describe the environmental risk factors that can be dangerous for
an older adult. Explain ways to modify the environment to address
these safety issues.
Give this one a go later!
, Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), to assist nurses and others to identify
delirium quickly and accurately using the four basic features of delirium: 1) acute
onset or fluctuating course, 2) inattention, 3) disorganized thinking, and 4) altered
level of consciousness. A diagnosis of delirium is made if both features 1 and 2 are
present along with either of features 3 or 4.
Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE): A brief series of questions to help
determine the presence of cognitive impairment. Test the elder's orientation,
registration, attention and calculation, recall and visuospatial skills. If the score is
<20, it indicates cognitive impairment.
The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) component of the Mini-Cog TM allows clinicians
to quickly assess numerous cognitive domains including cognitive function,
memory, language comprehension, visual-motor skills, and executive function and
provides a visible record of both normal and impaired performance that can be
tracked over time.
SPICES is an acronym for the common syndromes of the elderly requiring nursing
intervention:
S is for Sleep Disorders
P is for Problems with Eating or Feeding
I is for Incontinence
C is for Confusion
E is for Evidence of Falls
S is ofIrn StkhI en IBnrpeatki.e.dnotws ns etti n g , orientation to the environment with an
emphasis on safety devices is the first step in preventing falls. Other strategies
include nonskid slippers or shoes, hip protectors, removal of obstacles and
clutter, having the commode close to the bed, having the call light within
easy access, and encouraging use of glasses and hearing aids. The avoidance
of physical restraints, such as raised side rails, and maintaining the bed in the
lowest position are essential in reducing the severity of falls. Side rails are a
common physical restraint that are used to prevent falls but often result in
more serious injury because patients attempt to climb over them and may fall
from a greater height.
Similar interventions applicable to the community setting include removing
clutter, throw rugs, and cords and wires; installing handrails on stairs, bathtubs,
and showers; using rubber bath mats in the shower and tub; installing a
raised toilet; marking stairs and thresholds with fluorescent tape; encouraging
the use of eyeglasses and hearing aids; and maintaining adequate lighting
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS 2025/2026
Your answers
,1 of 44
Definition
Primary - activities that are designed to prevent disease from
occurring, such as immunization again flu and pneumonia.
Secondary - efforts directed toward early detection and mgmt. of
disease, such as colonoscopy
Tertiary - efforts used to manage clinical disease in order to prevent
them from progressing or to avoid complications of the disease,
such as beta blockers are used to help remodel the heart in CHF
Give this one a go later!
Communication with dementia Moderate exercise
Three types of prevention Healthy aging
Don't know?
2 of 44
Definition
Keep discussions simple and questions concise.
Use large print calendars and clocks to assist with orientation.
Pictures of family may assist in reorienting.
, Well-lit room.
Offer frequent reassurance.
Avoid physical restraints
Use distraction and soothing conversation.
Give this one a go later!
Communication with a
delirious elder The old adult
Identify alternatives techniques
(instead of restraints) to deal
Communication with dementia
with wandering, combative or
confused patients.
Don't know?
3 of 44
Term
Describe the environmental risk factors that can be dangerous for
an older adult. Explain ways to modify the environment to address
these safety issues.
Give this one a go later!
, Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), to assist nurses and others to identify
delirium quickly and accurately using the four basic features of delirium: 1) acute
onset or fluctuating course, 2) inattention, 3) disorganized thinking, and 4) altered
level of consciousness. A diagnosis of delirium is made if both features 1 and 2 are
present along with either of features 3 or 4.
Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE): A brief series of questions to help
determine the presence of cognitive impairment. Test the elder's orientation,
registration, attention and calculation, recall and visuospatial skills. If the score is
<20, it indicates cognitive impairment.
The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) component of the Mini-Cog TM allows clinicians
to quickly assess numerous cognitive domains including cognitive function,
memory, language comprehension, visual-motor skills, and executive function and
provides a visible record of both normal and impaired performance that can be
tracked over time.
SPICES is an acronym for the common syndromes of the elderly requiring nursing
intervention:
S is for Sleep Disorders
P is for Problems with Eating or Feeding
I is for Incontinence
C is for Confusion
E is for Evidence of Falls
S is ofIrn StkhI en IBnrpeatki.e.dnotws ns etti n g , orientation to the environment with an
emphasis on safety devices is the first step in preventing falls. Other strategies
include nonskid slippers or shoes, hip protectors, removal of obstacles and
clutter, having the commode close to the bed, having the call light within
easy access, and encouraging use of glasses and hearing aids. The avoidance
of physical restraints, such as raised side rails, and maintaining the bed in the
lowest position are essential in reducing the severity of falls. Side rails are a
common physical restraint that are used to prevent falls but often result in
more serious injury because patients attempt to climb over them and may fall
from a greater height.
Similar interventions applicable to the community setting include removing
clutter, throw rugs, and cords and wires; installing handrails on stairs, bathtubs,
and showers; using rubber bath mats in the shower and tub; installing a
raised toilet; marking stairs and thresholds with fluorescent tape; encouraging
the use of eyeglasses and hearing aids; and maintaining adequate lighting
