A 71-year-old patient has primary responsibility for a ...

[cdr_15]

A 71-year-old patient has primary responsibility for a 47-year-old son, who is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The patient is concerned that her health is suffering from the aggravation she feels because her son is reluctant to take his medication
 
  and complains about the food she prepares for him. She is also worried about what will happen to him is she does become ill. Which factor will the nurse discuss with the patient?
  1. Depression
  2. Elder abuse
  3. Palliative care
  4. Caregiver burden

Question 2

A nurse is planning a presentation to the staff at a senior center. What factor that affects mental health in older adults should the nurse emphasize in the discussion?
 
  1. Job loss
  2. Divorce
  3. Work stressors
  4. Multiple losses

[Moriaki]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4
Explanation: Caregiver burden is the extent to which caregivers feel that their emotional or physical health, social life, and financial status are suffering as a result of caring for their relatives. There is no current evidence of depression or elder abuse in this patient. Palliative care is care that attempts to improve quality of life of terminally ill patients.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4
Explanation: Older adults often experience multiple losses. These losses may include death of loved ones, and loss of other important factors such as home, health, mobility, roles, cognitive functions, and economic status. Although older adults may experience the stresses of retirement, job loss, divorce, and work stress, these losses are more frequently associated with younger adults.