Gerontological Nurse Flashcards

A cancer patient who is receiving treatment frequently makes jokes about "getting skinny," "being bald," and "dying," yet hardly ever expresses any complaints. This response most likely signifies:

Answer: a coping mechanism

Some people can reduce their stress and anxiety by laughing. Individuals' coping mechanisms differ greatly, although adopting many coping mechanisms is frequently more beneficial than doing so just. A patient who cracks jokes all the time might be erecting walls that keep them from effectively managing their anxiety.

The gerontological nurse anticipates that following a stroke on the left side of the patient's brain, the patient may display:

Answer: Impaired speech

Possible signs of a left-sided brain stroke include speech impairment. Other symptoms include right-side paresis or paralysis, difficulty telling the difference between the left and right, sluggishness and caution, melancholy and anxiety linked to knowledge of limitations, and poor language and math comprehension. Left-sided neglect, spatial-perceptual deficiencies, impulsivity, impaired judgment, and altered concept of time are the effects of a right-sided stroke.

An aware elderly patient appears frightened and withdraws when her daughter, who is caring for her, is present. The patient has numerous bruises on her chest, back, belly, and both arms in various states of healing. When asked about the bruises, the patient claims that she "fell." The nurse should:

Answer: Report the observations to adult protective services.

Although state laws may differ slightly, nurses are required to report allegations of both child and elder abuse, thus the nurse should contact adult protective services. Bruises on areas of the body hidden by clothing are indicative of abuser-inflicted injuries intended to cover up physical proof of abuse. Arm bruises are frequently protective. The nurse shouldn't approach the alleged abuser because doing so could endanger both the nurse and the patient.

A 76-year-old patient who takes several medications for heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including warfarin and theophylline, is discussing the medication list with the gerontological nurse. Which of the following OTC medications that the patient claims to regularly use is most likely to cause trouble?

Answer: Cimetidine

Because it binds hepatic enzymes that metabolize numerous different medicines, cimetidine poses a significant risk of drug interactions, particularly in older persons. Cimetidine may increase blood concentrations by preventing medication oxidation. It is particularly problematic with medications like warfarin and theophylline that have a limited therapeutic index. Like all H2 antagonists, cimetidine may prevent the absorption of medications that need an acidic stomach environment. The most established H2 antagonist is cimetidine, but newer medications like ranitidine have significantly less drug interactions.

When a conflict arises between two team members and the gerontological nurse (team leader) moves one of the parties to another team, the following conflict resolution technique is used:

Answer: Suppression

quarrel resolution in the form of suppression occurs when one side of a quarrel is moved to another team. The geriatric nurse is only avoiding situations where the conflict arises. This is frequently a band-aid fix for an issue that may later recur in another situation. The best way to resolve a problem is typically to come to a compromise or an agreement.

In a Catholic hospital that has crucifixes hanging on the walls of each patient room, a Muslim patient is being treated. Which answer from the gerontological nurse demonstrates the greatest respect for the patient's religious beliefs?

Answer: Covering or removing the crucifix

A patient could be reluctant to express wishes if prompted. While it is not essential to apologize for a Catholic institution's use of a religious emblem linked with the Catholic faith, covering or removing it is quite easy and demonstrates respect for other worldviews.

The following is the most significant factor linked to nonadherence in older adults:

Answer: Low health literacy

Health literacy is directly related to a lack of understanding about the purpose of the therapy and the significance of sustaining adherence, even though many other variables (such as lack of insurance) may also play a role in nonadherence. Patients who are unfamiliar with anatomy, bodily processes, or disease frequently struggle to understand instructions or the advantages of doing so.