Author Question: Which statement is true about the mental health of older adults? a. Nurses should discourage ... (Read 33 times)

rosent76 · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

Which statement is true about the mental health of older adults?

a. Nurses should discourage denial and regression so elders can face underlying causes of anxiety directly.
b. Anxiety is distinguished from depression, dementia, and the effects of disease or medication easily.
c. Compulsive rituals surrounding toileting and sleep are signs of a serious mental disorder.
d. The nurse avoids antianxiety medications without an assessment for factors asso-ciated with anxiety.

Question 2

The nurse is feeding an older adult patient with hemiparesis as a result of a stroke. Which intervention by the nurse is most important when feeding this patient?

a. Allow time to empty the mouth between bites.
b. Provide foods that require chewing.
c. Offer small sips of fluids with each bite.
d. Serve pureed foods only.

shailee · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D

Feedback
A Incorrect. Denial and regression may be necessary to enable an older person to cope with underlying stressors.
B Incorrect. Depression, dementia, disease, and medication can produce anxious behavior, and the resultant anxiety can be manifested in a similar manner re-gardless of the cause.
C Incorrect. Compulsive rituals can be a way of coping with challenges leading to anxiety.
D Correct. Without an adequate assessment, medication can exacerbate the prob-lem.

Answer to Question 2

A
Allowing time to empty the mouth between bites decreases food buildup in the mouth and gives the patient time to swallow without being rushed. Providing foods that require chewing may be unsafe; the patient may have a decreased ability to chew foods. Pureed foods may not be neces-sary. The patient may only need extra time to manage each bite.