When the office nurse completes height measurement for the 72-year-old

NCLEX Questions on Older Adults

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Question 1 of 5.

When the office nurse completes height measurement for the 72-year-old female, the client says that she lost half an inch. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?

A. As we age, we lose muscle mass.'

B. Bone loss is due to lack of exercise.'

C. As we age, we lose knee and hip cartilage.'

D. The vertebral column shortens with aging.'

Explanation: Aging causes vertebral column shortening due to water and bone density loss, leading to height reduction. Muscle mass, exercise, and cartilage loss don't primarily affect height.

Question 2 of 5.

The nurse completes teaching for the 80-year-old female client. Which statement made by the client indicates further teaching is needed?

A. Instead of using sodium seasonings, I plan to try one with herbs and lemon.'

B. Although I find my lavender-scented hand cream relaxing, I should not use it.'

C. I should place a towel on the floor outside my shower so I don't slip when getting out.'

D. Rather than relying on laxatives, I should increase my intake of fruits and vegetables.'

Explanation: Placing a towel on the floor increases fall risk; a slip-resistant mat is needed. Nonsodium seasonings, avoiding scented lotions, and increasing roughage are correct.

Question 3 of 5.

A 72-year-old woman reports she is sexually active. It is most important for the nurse to follow up by asking which question?

A. Can you tell me more about your sexual partners?'

B. Have you tried artificial water-based lubricants?'

C. Are any medications having any drying effects?'

D. Do you need to use different sexual positions?'

Explanation: Assessing sexual partners is critical due to rising STI/HIV rates in older adults. Lubricants, medication effects, and positions are secondary to infection risk.

Question 4 of 5.

The nurse overhears a person say, 'I'm having a senior moment because I forgot.' How should the nurse interpret this statement?

A. This phrase is a comical statement without age bias and is acceptable to others

B. This phrase is a stereotypical reference to older adults that can be termed ageism

C. This phrase admits that the older adult's ability to learn new information is limited

D. This phrase recognizes that all older adults have short- and long-term memory issues

Explanation: The phrase is a stereotypical reference to older adults, perpetuating ageism. It's not comical, doesn't imply learning limits, and not all older adults have memory issues.

Question 5 of 5.

After performing an assessment and determining that there are no other causes, the nurse concludes that the older adult's recent hearing loss in one ear may be from cerumen accumulation from age-related changes. The nurse's conclusion was based on which age-related changes that contribute to the cerumen accumulation?

A. Reduced sweat gland activity; thinning and drying of the skin lining the ear canal

B. Ossicular bone calcification; longer and thicker hair growth in the ear canal

C. Degenerative structural changes of the eardrum preventing cerumen passage

D. Over activity of the sweat glands contributing to the development of presbycusis

Explanation: Reduced sweat gland activity and thinning/drying of the ear canal skin cause cerumen buildup, affecting sound perception. Ossicular calcification, eardrum changes, and presbycusis are unrelated.