basic geriatric nursing test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Life review is a highly personal activity. This is because life review involves reflecting on past experiences, relationships, and accomplishments, which are unique to each individual. It is a process of self-reflection and introspection that helps individuals make sense of their lives and find meaning. Option A is incorrect because life review can occur at any point in an individual's life, not just at the very end. Option B is incorrect as reminiscence focuses on recalling past events, while life review involves deeper reflection and analysis. Option D is incorrect because while life review can promote self-awareness, it is primarily a reflective process rather than a tool for setting new goals.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Genetic research. Telomere shortening is primarily based on the theory of cellular senescence, which is related to genetic research. Telomeres are protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Genetic research has shown that telomere shortening is associated with aging and age-related diseases. Caloric restriction, oxidative stress, and cross-link theories of aging are not directly linked to telomere shortening. Caloric restriction focuses on extending lifespan by reducing calorie intake, oxidative stress theory suggests that aging is caused by cumulative damage from reactive oxygen species, and cross-link theory emphasizes the accumulation of non-reversible bonds between molecules as a cause of aging.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "It is the brain's ability to maintain function despite age-related changes and pathology." Cognitive reserve in older adults refers to the brain's ability to withstand age-related changes and pathology while maintaining cognitive function. This concept suggests that individuals with higher cognitive reserve may show fewer cognitive deficits even in the presence of brain damage or pathology. Choice A is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not about compensating for damage through enhanced neurogenesis but rather about maintaining function despite changes. Choice B is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not specifically about the relationship between cognitive decline and physical health; it focuses on maintaining cognitive function. Choice D is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not about developing new cognitive abilities later in life but rather preserving existing cognitive function.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetes. Healthy People 2020 focuses on improving the health of older adults, and diabetes is a chronic condition prevalent in this population. It can significantly impact health, function, and quality of life if not managed properly. Diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems. By targeting diabetes, the goal is to prevent these complications and improve overall health outcomes for older adults. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Arthritis - While arthritis is common in older adults, it is not a targeted chronic focus area identified by Healthy People 2020 for this population. C: Congestive heart failure - Although heart health is important, congestive heart failure is not specifically highlighted as a priority for improvement in older adults by Healthy People 2020. D: Dementia - Dementia is a serious concern in the aging population, but it is not one of the targeted chronic focus areas identified by Healthy People 202

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because increasing medications would not directly address xerostomia. Xerostomia is dry mouth, often caused by decreased saliva production. Using humidifiers (A) helps increase moisture in the air, mouth rinses/artificial saliva (B) lubricate the mouth, and sugar-free hard candies (C) stimulate saliva production. Increasing medications (D) would not target the root cause of xerostomia and may even exacerbate dry mouth symptoms.