An older adult expresses frustration about limitations of aging. ...

[theo]

An older adult expresses frustration about limitations of aging. Which of the following statements by the nurse promotes wellness?
 
  A) Do you have some words of wisdom to share about that valuable experience?
  B) How does living in these conditions compare to your youth?
  C) Have you met any of your neighbors, they seem like nice people?
  D) What you are saying is that you are frustrated with how they are not listening to you?

Question 2

75-year-old woman who often used to go out to dinner with her friends has stopped going out because she has been experiencing urinary incontinence and is afraid of having an accident in public.
 
  When her child asks her why she doesn't go out with her friends anymore, she says, I'm getting too old for such foolishness. Her child asks her to go to the doctor for an evaluation, but she refuses to do so. Which of the following is occurring with this older adult?
 
  A) She is experiencing learned helplessness and low self-efficacy.
  B) She sees incontinence as an inevitable consequence of aging.
  C) She views her incontinence as a negative functional consequence of aging.
  D) Her doctor is sympathetic; however, the woman and the doctor are unable to find a solution.

[Bsand8]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
Instead of asking about current versus historical, the nurse should acknowledge the wisdom of older adults by asking questions such as Do you have some words of wisdom to share? Asking about neighbors is deflection and not helpful? Reflection can be appropriate, but at this time positive acknowledgment should be used.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Older adults may use a passive, emotion-focused coping mechanism and try to simply accept the situation. When older adults view functional decline as an inevitable consequence of aging, they are less likely to seek help for some treatable problems.