To provide effective care to the older adult, the nurse must understand that

To provide effective care to the older adult, the nurse must understand that
 
  a. older adults are not a homogeneous sociologic group.
  b. little variation exists in cohort groups of older adults.
  c. health problems are much the same for similar age groups of older adults.
  d. withdrawal by an older adult is a normal physiologic response to aging.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for an older patient in the emergency department. What information about the patient will be most helpful in creating a plan of care?
 
  a. Baseline physical and cognitive function-ing
  b. Living conditions and family support
  c. Medications and current medical problems
  d. Results of the Mini Mental State examina-tion

Question 3

The practitioner who believes in the free radical theory of aging is likely to recommend that the older adult
 
  a. avoid excessive intake of zinc or magnesium.
  b. supplement his or her diet with vitamins C and E.
  c. increase intake of complex carbohydrates.
  d. avoid the use of alcohol or tobacco.

Question 4

A nurse works in a gerontologic clinic. What action by the nurse takes highest priority?
 
  a. Serving as a patient advocate
  b. Educating patients about diseases
  c. Helping patients remain independent
  d. Referring patients to home health care

Question 5

The nurse working with older adults understands what information about certification in gerontologic nursing?
 
  a. It is mandatory for those in long-term care settings.
  b. It is voluntary and shows clinical expertise in an area.
  c. It allows nurses to be paid by third-party payers.
  d. It allows nurses to advance their careers in a job.

Question 6

To best assure both the quality of care and the safety of the older adult patient who requires in-home unlicensed assistive personal (UAP) assistance, the geriatric nurse
 
  a. evaluates the competency of the UAP staff.
  b. assumes the roles of case manager and patient advocate.
  c. arranges for the needed UAP provided services.
  d. assesses the patient for functional limita-tions.

Question 7

The nurse is caring for an older adult who has been admitted to an acute care hospital for treatment of a fractured femur
 
  The family expresses concern about the patient's pending transfer to a subacute care facility. What response by the nurse is best?
  a. Acute care facilities lack the long-term physical therapy support your dad re-quires.
  b. Your dad will be much happier in a more serene, private environment.
  c. The subacute facility will focus on help-ing your dad maintain his independence.
  d. Insurance, including Medicare, will cover only a limited amount of time here.

Question 8

Which of the following statements made by a nurse preparing to complete a health assessment and history on an older patient reflects an understanding of the general health status of this pop-ulation?
 
  a. I'll need to document well regarding the medications the patient is currently pre-scribed.
  b. I would like to understand how suppor-tive the patient's family members are.
  c. Most older patients are being treated for a variety of chronic health care issues.
  d. It will be interesting to see whether this patient sees herself as being healthy.