Chapter 6 Social, Psychological, Spiritual, and Cognitive Aspects of Aging

Chapter 6  Social, Psychological, Spiritual, and Cognitive Aspects of Aging

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Which of the following is a true statement about the theories of aging?
a.
Research data support the disengagement theory, activity theory, and continuity theory.
b.
Everyone should be able to achieve the three tasks of Peck’s model of integrity.
c.
The exercise of rights is not a task of aging in Kelly’s model.
d.
A person may choose to avoid pursuing inner discovery in older age.

ANS: D
Some persons do not value inner psychological exploration and remain action oriented even in an older age, and others are still subject to the same demands of daily living as they were in middle age. None of these theories is clearly supported by data. Peck’s tasks of ego differentiation, body transcendence, and ego transcendence demand a great deal of courage and energy that not everyone possesses. Tasks of aging in Kelly’s model are accepting reality, fulfilling responsibility, and exercising rights.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understand REF: 4-12
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Psychosocial Integrity

2. Which of the following is a true statement about neuropsychiatric function in older adults?
a.
Overall cognitive abilities are progressively degraded by neuron loss in the cerebral cortex with aging.
b.
Improving cognitive functions in an older person calls for sporadic mental activity around ideas the person finds significant and interesting.
c.
Nerve cells regenerate in the hippocampus.
d.
Mood does not influence an older person ability to remember verbal instructions.

ANS: C
Nerve cells regenerate in the hippocampus; this is a true statement. Although neurons can regenerate in the hippocampus, regeneration is impeded by stress. Overall cognitive abilities are progressively degraded by neuron loss in the cerebral cortex with aging; this statement is not true. Neuron loss does not harm overall cognitive ability, although it makes neural processes run more slowly. Improving cognitive functions in an older person calls for sporadic mental activity around ideas the person finds significant and interesting; this is not a true statement. Neural functions can be retrained, but “exercising” the brain on a regular basis is necessary. Older adults learn best when new information is relevant to what is already familiar. Mood does not influence whether an older person remembers verbal instructions; this is a not a true statement. Recalling events, including communication, is impaired by a crisis situation or anxiety.

PTS: 1 DIF: Remember REF: 16
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Psychosocial Integrity

3. Which of the following statements is true about social and emotional health of older adults?
a.
Contemporary society has strong norms for the behavior of adults older than 80 years.
b.
The transition to old age entails a declining level of contribution to others as one becomes increasingly dependent on them.
c.
Computers and the Internet have little to contribute to older adults in their need for social support.
d.
Nurses are often significant sources of social and emotional support for older adults.

ANS: D
Nurses are often important confidants and providers of social support in the lives of older adults. The diversity of cultures and individuals in a society such as the United States means that norms are almost nonexistent for those older than 80 years. Older adults have a great deal to contribute in wisdom and by example. E-mail and online chat rooms are a means of contact and social support for many older adults.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understand REF: 12-20| 29 Box 6-1| 33 Box 6-5| 34 Box 6-6
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Psychosocial Integrity

4. Which role is most likely to have a significant effect on the type of aging process experienced by the older adult?
a.
Grandparent
c.
Friend
b.
Spouse
d.
Parent

ANS: B
The loss of a spouse is likely to be devastating for an older adult for economic and biopsychosocial reasons. When an older adult loses a spouse, the loss can include economic security, especially for a woman, and societal roles. Alterations in these roles are not usually as challenging as the loss of a spouse. Grandparenting can offer the potential for enhanced social experiences for an older adult; however, adults can age well without them when more basic needs are met. Alterations in these roles are not always as acutely demanding as the loss of a spouse. Alterations in these roles usually call for little or a gradual adjustment.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understand REF: 12-13
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Psychosocial Integrity