Chapter 01: Overview of Gerontologic Nursing Meiner: Gerontologic Nursing, 5th Edition

Meiner: Gerontologic Nursing, 5th Edition

MULTIPLE CHOICE

• In 2010, the revised Standards and Scope of Gerontological Nursing Practice was published. The nurse would use these

standards to:

• promote the practice of gerontologic nursing within the acute care setting.
• define the concepts and dimensions of gerontologic nursing practice.

• elevate the practice of gerontologic nursing.
• incorporate suggested interventions from others who practice gerontologic nursing.

ANS: D

The current publishing of the Standards and Scope of Gerontological Nursing Practice in 2010 incorporates the input of gerontologic nurses from across the United States. It was not intended to promote gerontologic nursing practice within acute care settings, define concepts or dimensions of gerontologic nursing practice, or elevate the practice of gerontologic nursing.DIF: Remembering (Knowledge) REF: Page 2 OBJ: 1-1 TOP: N/A MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment

• When attempting to minimize the effect of ageism on the practice of nursing older adults, a nurse needs to first:
• recognize that nurses must act as advocates for aging patients.
• accept that this population represents a substantial portion of those requiring nursing care.

• self-reflect and formulate one’s personal view of aging and the older patient.
• recognize ageism as a form of bigotry shared by many Americans.

ANS: C

Ageism is an ever-increasing prejudicial view of the effects of the aging process and of the older population as a whole. With nurses being members of a society holding such views, it is critical that the individual nurse self-reflect on personal feelings and determine whether such feelings will affect the nursing care that he or she provides to the aging patient. Acting as an advocate is an important nursing role in all settings. Simply accepting a fact does not help end ageism, nor does recognizing ageism as a form of bigotry.DIF: Applying (Application) REF: N/A OBJ: 1-9 TOP: Teaching-Learning MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment

• When discussing factors that have helped to increase the number of healthy, independent older Americans, the nurse

includes the importance of:

• increased availability of in-home care services.
• government support of retired citizens.

• effective antibiotic therapies.
• the development of life-extending therapies.

ANS: C

The health and ultimate autonomy of older Americans has been positively impacted by the development of antibiotics, better sanitation, and vaccines. These public health measures have been more instrumental in increasing the numbers of healthy, independent older Americans than have in-home care services, government programs, or life-extending therapies.DIF: Remembering (Knowledge) REF: Page 2 OBJ: 3-3 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance

• Based on current data, when presenting an older adult’s discharge teaching plan, the nurse includes the patient’s:
• nonrelated caretaker.
• paid caregiver.

• family member.
• intuitional representative.

ANS: C

Less than 4% of older adults live in a formal health care environment. The majority of the geriatric population lives at home or with family members.DIF: Applying (Application) REF: N/A OBJ: 3-3 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment

• The nurse planning care for an older adult who has recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis views the priority

criterion for continued independence to be the patient’s:

• age.
• financial status.

• gender.
• functional status.

ANS: D

Maintaining the functional status of older adults may avert the onset of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, two conditions that increase the likelihood of institutionalization.DIF: Remembering (Knowledge) REF: Page 8 OBJ: 1-6 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Physiologic Integrity

• A nurse working with the older adult population is most likely to assess a need for a financial social service’s referral for

a(n):

• white male.
• black female.

• Hispanic male.
• Asian American female.

ANS: B

The poverty rate among older black women is substantially higher than that seen among males or females of other ethnic groups. White males had the least poverty.DIF: Applying (Application) REF: N/A OBJ: 1-4 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment

• Which of the following statements made by a nurse preparing to complete a health assessment and history on an older

patient reflects an understanding of the general health status of this population?

• “I’ll need to document well regarding the medications the patient is currently prescribed.”
• “I would like to understand how supportive the patient’s family members are.”

• “Most older patients are being treated for a variety of chronic health care issues.”
• “It will be interesting to see whether this patient sees herself as being healthy.”

ANS: D

It is a misconception that old age is synonymous with disease and illness. The nurse should always determine the patient’s sense of wellness and independence when conducting a health and history assessment. An assessment of medication use and family support is important for any patient. Many older adults do have chronic health conditions, but their perception is more important than a single number.DIF: Applying (Application) REF: N/A OBJ: 1-4 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Health Promotion

• The nurse is caring for an older adult who has been admitted to an acute care hospital for treatment of a fractured femur.

The family expresses concern about the patient’s pending transfer to a subacute care facility. What response by the nurse is best?

• “Acute care facilities lack the long-term physical therapy support your dad requires.”
• “Your dad will be much happier in a more serene, private environment.”

• “The subacute facility will focus on helping your dad maintain his independence.”