A take into account age related changes in body

a. Take into account age-related changes in body systems that affect pharmacokinetic activity.
b. Increase the dose of tranquilizer if the cause of the confusion is an infection.
c. Note when the confusion occurs and medicate before that time.
d. Restrict phone calls to prevent further confusion.
ANS: A
Some sedatives and tranquilizers prescribed for acutely confused older adults sometimes cause or
exacerbate confusion. Carefully administer drugs used to manage confused behaviors, taking into
account age-related changes in body systems that affect pharmacokinetic activity. When confusion
has a physiological cause (such as an infection), specifically treat that cause, rather than the
confused behavior. When confusion varies by time of day or is related to environmental factors,
nonpharmacological measures such as making the environment more meaningful, providing

adequate light, etc., should be used. Making phone calls to friends or family members allows older
adults to hear reassuring voices, which may be beneficial.
DIF:Apply (application)REF:188
OBJ: Describe selected health concerns of older adults. TOP: Implementation
MSC:Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
23. Which assessment finding of an older adult, who has a urinary tract infection, requires an
immediate nursing intervention?
a. Confusion
b. Presbycusis
c. Temperature of 97.9° F
d. Death of a spouse 2 months ago
ANS: A
Confusion is a common manifestation in older adults with urinary tract infection; however, the cause
requires further assessment. There may be another reason for the confusion. Confusion is not a
normal finding in the older adult, even though it is commonly seen with concurrent infections.
Difficulty hearing, presbycusis, is an expected finding in an older adult. Older adults tend to have
lower core temperatures. Coping with the death of a spouse is a psychosocial concern to be
addressed after the acute physiological concern in this case.
DIF:Apply (application)REF:176 | 179
OBJ: Identify nursing interventions related to the physiological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes
of aging. TOP: Implementation MSC: Physiological Integrity
24. Which patient statement is the most reliable indicator that an older adult has the correct
understanding of health promotion activities?
a. “I need to increase my fat intake and limit protein.”
b. “I still keep my dentist appointments even though I have partials now.”
c. “I should discontinue my fitness club membership for safety reasons.”
d. “I’m up -to- date on my immunizations, but at my age, I don’t need the influenza vaccine.”
ANS: B
General preventive measures for the nurse to recommend to older adults include keeping regular
dental appointments to promote good oral hygiene, eating a low-fat, well-balanced diet, exercising
regularly, and maintaining immunizations for seasonal influenza, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis,
shingles, and pneumococcal disease.