geriatric nursing exam questions with rationale

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because normal age-related immune changes can result in a lower fever response to illness in older adults. As people age, their immune system may not respond as vigorously to infections, leading to a muted fever response. This explains why the older woman with a UTI experienced only mild symptoms and a low-grade fever. Choice A is incorrect because the seriousness of a UTI does not necessarily correlate with the presence or absence of a fever. Choice C is incorrect as older adults can still develop fevers in response to infections. Choice D is incorrect as it is too broad and does not specifically address the age-related immune changes that impact fever response in older adults.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Magicoreligious. This belief involves attributing illness to supernatural forces or divine punishment. In this scenario, the patient's statement implies a belief that her illness is a result of angering God, indicating a magical or religious explanation. Choice A (Biomedical) focuses on scientific and physical causes of illness, which is not reflected in the patient's statement. Choice C (Naturalistic) involves viewing illness as a part of the natural world, without supernatural elements. Choice D (Ayurvedic) is a traditional Indian system of medicine and does not relate to the patient's belief in supernatural punishment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Holistic nursing is the correct answer because it considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of an individual's life in the care plan. It emphasizes treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Healthy People 2020 focuses on improving the overall health of the population. Maslow's hierarchy of needs prioritizes basic human needs. Orem's self-care requirements focus on the individual's ability to care for themselves. Holistic nursing is the only approach that integrates and balances all aspects of an individual's life into the care plan, making it the most comprehensive and patient-centered approach.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because in most cultures, including Western ones, older adults are more likely to initially seek traditional or cultural methods of treatment before resorting to biomedical professionals. This is often due to cultural beliefs and practices ingrained in societies. A is incorrect because personalistic or magicoreligious beliefs still exist in Western societies alongside biomedical principles. C is incorrect because Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional Indian system of medicine, not the same as traditional Chinese medicine. D is incorrect because the belief in balancing opposite qualities is characteristic of holistic or traditional medicine practices, not necessarily magicoreligious belief systems.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Intermittent claudication, defined as pain in the lower extremities with walking that improves with rest, is a classic symptom of moderate to severe PAD. This occurs due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during exercise. Other choices are incorrect: A is typically associated with syncope or fainting; B is more indicative of cardiovascular or pulmonary issues; and C is more commonly seen in mesenteric ischemia.