Answer to Question 1
B
The most significant influence in enhancing gerontological nursing has been the work of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation. The foun-dation seeks to shape the quality of the nation's health care for older Americans by promoting geriatric nursing excellence to both the nursing profession and the larger health care community. Initiatives in nursing education, nursing practice, nursing research, and nursing policy include enhancing geriatrics in nursing education programs through curricular reform and faculty devel-opment and the development of nine Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence. AARP is a foun-dation that helps struggling seniors by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today. Medicare is a national social insurance program, administered by the U.S. federal government since 1965, that guarantees access to health insurance for Americans ages 65 years and older and younger people with disabilities. Mutual of Omaha is a Fortune 500 mutual insur-ance and financial services company based in Omaha, Nebraska.
Answer to Question 2
C
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A Incorrect. Around-the-clock medication can be necessary; however, if the patient can sleep uninterrupted by pain, awakening to take pain medication is un-necessary. Long-acting pain medication or twice-daily administration of selected analgesics can offer an effective pain management strategy.
B Incorrect. Inactivity tends to exacerbate the pain of OA; instead, the nurse re-commends a balance of rest and exercise.
C Correct. The nurse suggests taking the pain medication before walking to pro-vide relief during the time when the pain occurs. In addition, if the patient pre-medicates, the analgesic effect is likely to last long enough to benefit the patient for any pain after walking.
D Incorrect. A walker is not indicated and will not alleviate any pain in the knees because it is intended to provide stability for ambulation.