Chapter 02 Theories of Aging

Chapter 02  Theories of Aging

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. 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.

ANS: B
Vitamins C and E are two naturally occurring antioxidants that appear to inhibit the functioning of the free radicals or possibly decrease their production in the body. The free radical theory of aging is not related to zinc, magnesium, carbohydrates, or alcohol and tobacco.

DIF: Applying (Application) REF: N/A OBJ: 2-2
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Health Promotion

2. 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.

ANS: A
The key societal issue addressed by the age stratification theory is the concept of interdependence between the aging person and society at large. This theory views the aging person as an individual element of society and also as a member, with peers, interacting in a social process. The theory attempts to explain the interdependence between older adults and society and how they constantly influence each other in a variety of ways. Variation exists among the members of a cohort. Health problems are not the same for every individual of the same age. Withdrawal by an older adult is not a normal response to aging but may be a sign of depression.

DIF: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 16 OBJ: 2-2
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance

3. The nurse is using the eight stages of life theory to help an older adult patient assess the developmental stage of personal ego differentiation. The nurse does this by assisting the patient to:
a.
determine feelings regarding the effects of aging on the physical being.
b.
describe feelings regarding what he or she expects the future to hold.
c.
identify aspects of work, recreation, and family life that provide a sense of self-worth and pleasure.
d.
elaborate on feelings about the prospect of his or her personal death.

ANS: C
During the stage of ego differentiation versus work role preoccupation, the task for older adults is to achieve identity and feelings of worth from sources other than the work role. The onset of retirement and termination of the work role may reduce feelings of self-worth. In contrast, a person with a well-differentiated ego, who is defined by many dimensions, can replace the work role as the major defining source for self-esteem. Determining feelings related to the effects of aging, future death, or what the future may hold is not part of this theory.

DIF: Applying (Application) REF: N/A OBJ: 2-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity

4. A patient is recovering from a mild cerebral vascular accident (stroke). The home care nurse notes that the patient is talking about updating a will and planning funeral arrangements. Which of the following responses is most appropriate for the nurse to make?
a.
“You seem to be preoccupied with dying.”
b.
“Is there anything I can do to help you?”
c.
“Are you worried about dying before you get your affairs in order?”
d.
“Let’s focus on how you are recovering rather than on your dying.”

ANS: B
According to Peck’s expansion of Erikson’s theory, the older adult who has successfully achieved ego integrity and ego transcendence accepts death with a sense of satisfaction regarding the life led and without dwelling on its inevitability. The patient’s action reflects a healthy transition and should be supported.

DIF: Applying (Application) REF: N/A OBJ: 2-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity

5. Your patient’s spouse died recently from a sudden illness after 45 years of marriage. The patient was the primary caregiver for the spouse during this time. The patient is now depressed and withdrawn and has verbalized feelings of uselessness. Which action by the nurse is best?
a.
Encourage the patient take up a hobby that will occupy some time.
b.
Explain that volunteering would be an excellent way to stay useful.
c.
Assure the patient that these feelings of sadness will pass with time.
d.
Ask the patient to share some cherished memories of the spouse.

ANS: B
Volunteering will help the patient to interact with people and feel productive and valued for the ability to help others as stated in the activity theory. A hobby does not offer the chance to help others. Assuring the patient that feelings will pass is false reassurance and does nothing to help the patient to be proactive. Reminiscing is a valued activity, but it is not the best choice for regaining a sense of usefulness.

DIF: Applying (Application) REF: N/A OBJ: 2-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity