Gerontological Nursing Flashcards

A 75-year-old patient is prescribed a statin for hyperlipidemia. Which muscle-related adverse effect requires immediate follow-up?

Answer: Severe muscle pain with dark urine suggesting rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis — characterized by severe myopathy and myoglobinuria (dark urine) — is a serious, potentially fatal statin complication.

Which change in sleep architecture is expected with normal aging?

Answer: Decreased REM sleep and increased nighttime awakenings

Normal aging is associated with reduced REM sleep, decreased sleep efficiency, and increased nighttime awakenings.

What is the primary goal of palliative care for older adults with serious illness?

Answer: Improving quality of life by managing symptoms and supporting goals of care

Palliative care focuses on symptom management, emotional support, and aligning treatment with patient goals — not necessarily withholding treatment.

A nurse is educating an older adult about prevention of osteoporosis. Which recommendation is most appropriate?

Answer: Engage in weight-bearing and resistance exercise, ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D

Weight-bearing and resistance exercises stimulate bone formation, and adequate calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health.

Which laboratory finding is most consistent with dehydration in an older adult?

Answer: BUN:creatinine ratio greater than 20:1

A BUN:creatinine ratio >20:1 indicates prerenal azotemia, commonly caused by dehydration in older adults.

An older adult is found to have orthostatic hypotension. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Answer: Encourage slow position changes and leg exercises before standing

Slow position changes and leg exercises promote venous return and prevent the blood pressure drop with standing.