Chapter 13 Promoting Healthy Adaptation to Aging

Chapter 13  Promoting Healthy Adaptation to Aging

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. An 82-year-old man is alert and oriented and in good physical health except for some arthritic pain that “slows me down, but I just keep moving.” He lives alone in an apartment in a senior citizen complex but enjoys the company of other residents and takes part in the social activities there. His lifestyle is an example of:
a.
an exception to the expected norm.
b.
the disengagement theory.
c.
the activity theory.
d.
the biological theory.

ANS: C
The activity theory states that persons who remain active and interested in outside activities live longer.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: p. 173 OBJ: Theory #3
TOP: Theories of Aging KEY: Nursing Process Step: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity: Psychosocial Adaptation

2. The nurse understands that the best explanation of why a particular person lives into his 90s in relatively good health is that the person:
a.
had healthy parents who passed on to him “good” genes and no hereditary diseases.
b.
has lived a healthful lifestyle, which has included preventative care, good nutrition, exercise, and a positive outlook.
c.
has treated illness with “old-fashioned” home remedies while avoiding the use of many prescription drugs.
d.
reads a lot about the newest advances in health care and tries these approaches as soon as they are publicized.

ANS: B
Lifestyle and personality together probably contribute to longevity more than genetics, new medical approaches, or old-fashioned home remedies, although those may contribute in important ways. A healthy lifestyle decreases the risk of disease and its sequelae.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 174 OBJ: Theory #3
TOP: Longevity KEY: Nursing Process Step: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

3. An 85-year-old widow who lives alone has fallen several times in the last month and has been noted by her children to be confused about her medications and to frequently “forget” what is cooking on the stove until it is burned. These observations indicate that:
a.
she needs to be hospitalized to determine the cause of her confusion and falls.
b.
home delivery of a hot meal every day would solve her cooking risk.
c.
nursing home placement would be the best solution to her problems of aging.
d.
further assessment is needed to evaluate an increased level of assistance.

ANS: D
The widow is showing signs of needing additional assistance. It might include home delivered meals or nursing home placement, but further assessment needs to be performed. Acute care hospitalization is not indicated in this situation.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: p. 180
OBJ: Clinical Practice #5 TOP: Aging Parents
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Planning
MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity: Coping and Adaptation

4. The nurse clarifies that the immune system failure theory states that:
a.
older adults lose their ability to effectively respond to infections and are more likely to die from them.
b.
the body no longer recognizes itself and begins to attack itself, causing illness.
c.
toxins and harmful chemicals (free radicals) in the environment cause damage to body cells.
d.
the diminished activity of older adults make them susceptible to illness.

ANS: A
With advancing age, the immune system of older adults has less ability to fight infections.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 173 OBJ: Theory #1
TOP: Theories of Aging KEY: Nursing Process Step: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

5. The nurse seeks out residents with whom they reminisce in an interview regarding the resident’s life story. The value of this activity is that:
a.
it gives the staff more time to care for other residents and perform routine care.
b.
it can affirm the positives of the resident’s life and lead to ego integrity for the resident.
c.
nursing home residents have long days to pass, and any activity helps the time pass more quickly.
d.
students learn about the “good old days” and better appreciate the modern conveniences available today.

ANS: B
Erikson’s psychosocial task for older adults is ego integrity, which can be assisted by life review and reminiscence.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 178 OBJ: Theory #6
TOP: Psychological Aspects of Aging KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity: Psychosocial Adaptation