CHAPTER 3 Principles of Geriatrics

Chapter 3 Principles of Geriatrics

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

3.1•The health history is an important part of the comprehensive geriatric assessment. Which of the following interventions will improve the accuracy and efficiency of obtaining the history?

1. giving the client a form to complete regarding past medical history as soon as the client arrives for the appointment
2. requesting the client bring a list of current medications, including nonprescription medications, taken regularly
3. conducting the assessment in an environment with comfortable seating, handicapped-accessible furnishings, proper lighting, and limited noise
4. scheduling 30 minutes for the medical history interview

Answer: 3

Rationale: Creating a conducive environment for the older adult will foster effective communication during the history-taking process. The form for the past medical history should be mailed in advance with instructions for completion. The client should bring the actual bottles of current medications to the appointment to avoid any errors or confusion. At least 60 minutes should be scheduled for the visit to improve quality and quantity of pertinent information obtained from the client.

Planning

Health Promotion and Maintenance

Application

3.2•In order to deliver culturally competent healthcare, the healthcare practitioner should

1. be able to speak the language of the client.
2. approach clients of a particular ethnic group in the same manner.
3. use standardized assessment instruments in health evaluations.
4. know prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for diseases specific to different ethnic groups.

Answer: 4

Rationale: It is important that the health practitioner be aware of the epidemiological factors specific to particular ethnic groups in order to teach clients preventive interventions and screen for diseases at high risk. Although it would be helpful for practitioners to speak the language of clients, this is unrealistic. Interpreters, visual aides, and language boards should be used to improve communication. Healthcare practitioners should address clients as individuals, not from a cultural stereotype. Practitioners should keep in mind that many of the clinical assessment instruments have not been validated for use with ethnic minorities.

Implementation

Health Promotion and Maintenance

Application

3.3•Minimal data set (MDS)

1. is performed only at the time of admission to a long-term care facility.
2. has no connection to Medicare or Medicaid.
3. includes a core set of screening, clinical, and functional measures used in client assessment.
4. does not address the client’s prescribed medications.

Answer: 3

Rationale: The MDS is a comprehensive assessment comprised of screening, clinical, and functional measures to improve assessment and care in long-term care facilities. As part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (1987) institutions must use MDSs to assess residents in order to collect funds from Medicare or Medicaid. The MDS is performed at the time of admission and at set time periods to validate the need for long-term care and to assess clinical problems. Medications are included in the categories of data gathered.

Assessment

Health Promotion and Maintenance

Application

3.4•The leading causes of death for older adults in the United States are

1. heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
2. hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
3. HIV/AIDS, cancer, and heart disease.
4. unintentional injuries, cancer, and stroke.

Answer: 1

Rationale: The leading causes of death are used to describe the health status of a country. For older adults, the leading causes are heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Hypertension and diabetes are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death for African American men aged 25 to 44. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for persons aged 1 to 44 years.

Evaluation

Health Promotion and Maintenance

Knowledge