Chapter 2: Common Health Problems of Older Adults

Chapter 2: Common Health Problems of Older Adults

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A nursing faculty member working with students explains that the fastest growing subset of the older population is which group?
   1. Elite old
   2. Middle old
   3. Old old
   4. Young old

ANS:   C

The old old is the fastest growing subset of the older population. This is the group comprising those 85 to 99 years of age. The young old are between 65 and 74 years of age; the middle old are between 75 and 84 years of age; and the elite old are over 100 years of age.

DIF:     Remembering/Knowledge                 REF:    9                       KEY: Adulthood| aging| old old             MSC:                                                  Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning NOT: Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance

2. A nurse working with older adults in the community plans programming to improve morale and emotional health in this population. What activity would best meet this goal?
   1. Exercise program to improve physical function
   2. Financial planning seminar series for older adults
   3. Social events such as dances and group dinners
   4. Workshop on prevention from becoming an abuse victim

ANS:   A

All activities would be beneficial for the older population in the community. However, failure in performing one’s own activities of daily living and participating in society has direct effects on morale and life satisfaction. Those who lose the ability to function independently often feel worthless and empty. An exercise program designed to maintain and/or improve physical functioning would best address this need.

DIF:     Applying/Application                         REF:    12

KEY:   Independence| autonomy| older adult

MSC:   Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Planning

NOT:   Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity

3. A nurse caring for an older client on a medical-surgical unit notices the client reports frequent constipation and only wants to eat softer foods such as rice, bread, and puddings. What assessment should the nurse perform first?
   1. Auscultate bowel sounds.
   2. Check skin turgor.
   3. Perform an oral assessment.
   4. Weigh the client.

ANS:           C

Poorly fitting dentures and other dental problems are often manifested by a preference for soft foods and constipation from the lack of fiber. The nurse should perform an oral assessment to determine if these problems exist. The other assessments are important, but will not yield information specific to the client’s food preferences as they relate to constipation.

DIF:            Applying/Application                         REF:    10

KEY:          Nutrition| dentures| older adult

MSC:          Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment                 NOT: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

4. A nurse caring for an older adult has provided education on high-fiber foods. Which menu selection by the client demonstrates a need for further review?
   1. Barley soup
   2. Black beans
   3. White rice
   4. Whole wheat bread

ANS:           C

Older adults need 25 to 50 grams of fiber a day. White rice is low in fiber. Foods high in fiber include barley, beans, and whole wheat products.

DIF:            Applying/Application                         REF:    11

KEY:          Nutrition| fiber| older adult

MSC:          Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Evaluation                   NOT: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation