geriatric nursing exam questions with rationale

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fewer taste buds. As people age, they tend to have fewer taste buds, leading to a decreased ability to taste food. This can result in a loss of interest in eating, which may contribute to anorexia and weight loss. Excessive saliva (A) does not directly contribute to anorexia or weight loss. Wearing dentures (C) may affect chewing but is not a major factor in anorexia. Softened tooth enamel (D) is more related to dental health rather than appetite and weight loss.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Checking postural blood pressures is essential to assess for orthostatic hypotension in an elderly client with a history of falls and hypertension medication. Orthostatic hypotension can lead to falls, so monitoring postural B/Ps is crucial. Checking B/P every 2 hours (choice A) is not necessary and could cause unnecessary discomfort to the client. Checking serum sodium levels (choice C) and serum creatinine levels (choice D) are not directly related to the client's risk factors for falls post-prostate surgery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fewer taste buds. As people age, they tend to have fewer taste buds, leading to a decreased ability to taste food. This can result in a loss of interest in eating, which may contribute to anorexia and weight loss. Excessive saliva (A) does not directly contribute to anorexia or weight loss. Wearing dentures (C) may affect chewing but is not a major factor in anorexia. Softened tooth enamel (D) is more related to dental health rather than appetite and weight loss.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because life expectancy is influenced by multiple factors such as gender, ethnicity, and living environment. Gender does play a role, but it is not the sole determinant. Ethnicity and living environment also significantly impact life expectancy. Genetic factors may contribute, but they are not the primary factor affecting life expectancy. Therefore, choice C is the most comprehensive and accurate statement. Choices A and B are incorrect as they oversimplify the factors that influence life expectancy, while choice D is also incorrect as it overlooks the significant impact of other factors beyond genetics.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Maintain blood pressure below 120/70 mm Hg. Rationale: 1. Older African American individuals are at higher risk for hypertension. 2. African American men have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to other demographic groups. 3. Hypertension is a common health issue among Jamaican individuals. 4. Keeping blood pressure below 120/70 mm Hg helps prevent complications like stroke and heart disease. Summary: A. Attributing illness to voodoo is culturally inappropriate and lacks evidence-based practice. B. Improving social relationships may be beneficial but is not directly related to the man's health needs. D. Reviewing magicoreligious systems is not relevant to addressing the man's health issues like hypertension.