Physical and Emotional Health of Women Caregivers
1. A 52-year-old woman who is the primary caregiver for her spouse with Parkinson’s
disease reports chronic fatigue, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. What is the priority
nursing intervention?
o A. Encourage her to take a multivitamin daily.
o B. Assess for caregiver burnout and stress levels.
o C. Suggest increasing caffeine intake for energy.
o D. Recommend a complete physical exam for her spouse.
o Answer: B
Rationale: Caregiver burnout is a significant risk due to chronic stress. Assessing
her stress levels helps identify interventions to improve her well-being.
2. A woman caring for her elderly mother expresses feelings of guilt and sadness about
placing her in a long-term care facility. What is the nurse’s best response?
o A. “Guilt is common, but you have to do what’s best for you.”
o B. “It sounds like this was a difficult decision. Let’s talk about your feelings.”
o C. “You should visit her frequently to make up for the move.”
o D. “It’s important to prioritize your own well-being over hers.”
o Answer: B
Rationale: This response uses therapeutic communication to encourage the
caregiver to express emotions and receive support.
3. Which of the following physical symptoms might indicate caregiver stress syndrome?
(Select All That Apply)
o A. Insomnia
o B. Increased energy
o C. Frequent headaches
o D. Unintentional weight loss or gain
o E. Joint pain
o Answer: A, C, D
Rationale: Common physical signs of caregiver stress include sleep disturbances,
headaches, and weight changes. Increased energy is not a typical symptom.
4. A nurse is teaching a support group for women caregivers. Which statement by a
participant requires further teaching?
o A. “I should take breaks and accept help from others.”
o B. “If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I should push through it.”
o C. “Taking care of myself will help me be a better caregiver.”
o D. “It’s okay to seek professional help if I feel depressed.”
o Answer: B
Rationale: Pushing through stress can lead to caregiver burnout. The caregiver
should be encouraged to recognize and address feelings of overwhelm.
5. A woman caring for her husband with advanced Alzheimer’s disease reports feeling
isolated and withdrawn. What intervention should the nurse suggest?
o A. “Try to engage in at least one enjoyable activity each week.”
o B. “Your focus should be entirely on your husband’s needs.”
, o C. “Avoid talking about your feelings, as it may burden others.”
o D. “Consider quitting your job to reduce stress.”
o Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging self-care activities can reduce feelings of isolation and
stress.
Psychosocial and Financial Considerations
6. A caregiver states, “I feel so alone, and I don’t have anyone to talk to.” What is the best
nursing response?
o A. “You should find a hobby to distract yourself.”
o B. “Let’s talk about local support groups that might help.”
o C. “It’s best to focus on your loved one’s needs first.”
o D. “You just need to stay strong.”
o Answer: B
Rationale: Support groups can provide emotional relief and community support.
7. A 60-year-old woman caring for her aging parent is struggling financially. What
resource might assist her?
o A. Long-term care insurance
o B. Medicaid and caregiver respite programs
o C. Hospice care
o D. Private home health services
o Answer: B
Rationale: Medicaid and respite programs provide financial and caregiving
assistance.
8. The nurse is assessing the financial impact of caregiving on a patient. Which question is
most appropriate?
o A. “Do you have enough money to support yourself?”
o B. “Have you had to reduce work hours or leave your job?”
o C. “How much do you spend on groceries per month?”
o D. “Do you have life insurance?”
o Answer: B
Rationale: Many caregivers reduce work hours or leave jobs, affecting their
financial stability.
Health Risks and Coping Strategies
9. A nurse is developing a care plan for a woman experiencing caregiver role strain.
Which intervention should be prioritized?
o A. Encouraging self-care practices
o B. Suggesting complete withdrawal from caregiving duties
o C. Advising her to avoid discussing stress with family
, o D. Recommending she hire a full-time nurse
o Answer: A
Rationale: Self-care is crucial in managing caregiver role strain.
10. Which statement by a caregiver suggests effective stress management?
• A. “I never ask for help because it’s my responsibility.”
• B. “I schedule regular breaks and accept help when needed.”
• C. “I stopped seeing friends because I don’t have time.”
• D. “I prioritize my loved one’s health over mine.”
• Answer: B
Rationale: Taking breaks and accepting help are essential coping strategies.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
11. A nurse is counseling a woman about advance directives for her elderly mother. Which
statement requires further teaching?
• A. “A power of attorney allows me to make medical decisions.”
• B. “An advance directive must be followed, even if my mother changes her mind.”
• C. “A living will outlines my mother’s wishes for end-of-life care.”
• D. “Having these documents reduces decision-making stress.”
• Answer: B
Rationale: Advance directives can be updated by the individual at any time.
12. A caregiver asks about respite care. Which explanation by the nurse is correct?
• A. “It provides short-term relief for caregivers.”
• B. “It is only available for terminally ill patients.”
• C. “It is the same as hospice care.”
• D. “It is only covered by private insurance.”
• Answer: A
Rationale: Respite care allows temporary relief for caregivers.
Case Study-Based Questions
Case Study 1: Caregiver Burnout
A 48-year-old woman has been caring for her mother with dementia for the past three years. She
reports feeling exhausted, anxious, and irritable. She states, "I don't have time for myself
anymore, and I feel guilty even thinking about it."
13. What is the priority nursing intervention?