Nursing Elites

1. What describes a common physical change of aging that can affect an older adult's nutrition?

• A. reduced salivary output
• B. increased gastrointestinal motility
• C. abnormal cortisol production
• D. increase in number of taste buds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Reduced salivary output is a common physical change in aging. This can affect an older adult's nutrition by impacting chewing, swallowing, and taste perception. The decrease in saliva production can make it harder to chew and swallow food effectively, affecting the overall eating experience. Additionally, saliva plays a role in taste perception, so a reduction in salivary output can lead to alterations in how food tastes, potentially impacting an individual's appetite and food choices. Increased gastrointestinal motility (choice B) is not typically associated with aging and would not directly affect nutrition. Abnormal cortisol production (choice C) is related to hormonal changes and is not a common physical change of aging that affects nutrition. An increase in the number of taste buds (choice D) is not a typical change associated with aging and would not have a significant impact on an older adult's nutrition.

2. Why is atherosclerosis dangerous to arterial function?

• A. It diminishes central circulation
• B. It causes decreased blood pressure on artery walls
• C. It narrows the arterial lumen so a clot can easily block it
• D. It increases arterial elasticity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Atherosclerosis is dangerous to arterial function because it narrows the arterial lumen, increasing the risk of a clot completely blocking the blood flow. This can lead to severe cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. Choice A is incorrect since atherosclerosis does not primarily diminish central circulation, but rather, it impedes local blood flow where the plaque is present. Choice B is also incorrect as atherosclerosis increases the pressure on artery walls due to the narrowed space for blood flow, not decrease it. Lastly, choice D is incorrect as atherosclerosis causes the arteries to lose their elasticity, not increase it.

3. Salome was fitted a hearing aid. She understood the proper use and wear of this device when she says that the battery should be functional, the device is turned on and adjusted to a:

• A. therapeutic level
• B. comfortable level
• C. prescribed level
• D. audible level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effective nursing care involves comprehensive assessments that address all aspects of a patient's condition, ensuring that interventions are appropriately targeted and outcomes are optimized.

4. A nurse is caring for a client with a major burn injury and is receiving TPN. Which of the following lab tests is the priority for the nurse to use to confirm the client is receiving adequate nutrition?

• A. Iron
• B. Magnesium
• C. Folic acid
• D. Prealbumin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Prealbumin is a sensitive indicator of protein status and nutrition, making it a priority for assessing nutritional adequacy in clients receiving TPN. Iron, magnesium, and folic acid levels are important for overall health but do not specifically indicate nutritional adequacy in the context of TPN administration.

5. Mrs. Seva also tells the nurse that she is often constipated. Because she is aging, what physical changes predispose her to constipation?

• A. inhibition of the parasympathetic reflex
• B. weakness of sphincter muscles of anus
• C. loss of tone of the smooth muscles of the colon
• D. decreased ability to absorb fluids in the lower intestines

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effective nursing care involves comprehensive assessments that address all aspects of a patient's condition, ensuring that interventions are appropriately targeted and outcomes are optimized.

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