Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
TEST BANK
Gerontologic Nursing
Sue E. Meiner, Jennifer J. Yeager
6th Edition
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
Table of Contents
Part I: Introduction to Gerontologic Nursing
1: Overview of Gerontologic Nursing
2: Theories Related to Care of the Older Adult
3: Legal and Ethical Issues
4: Assessment of the Older Adult
Part II: Influences on Health and Illness
5: Cultural Influences
6: Family Influences
7: Socioeconomic and Environmental Influences
8: Health Promotion and Illness/Disability Prevention
Part III: Influences on Quality of Life
9: Nutrition
10: Sleep and Activity
11: Safety
12: Sexuality and Aging
13: Pain
14: Infection and Inflammation
Part IV: Diagnostic Studies and Pharmacologic Management
15: Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
16: Drugs and Aging
Part V: Nursing Care of Physiologic and Psychologic Disorders
17: Integumentary Function
18: Sensory Function
19: Cardiovascular Function
20: Respiratory Function in Aging
21: Gastrointestinal Function
22: Urinary Function
23: Musculoskeletal Function
24: Cognitive and Neurologic Function*
25: Endocrine Function
Part VI: Health Care Transitions
26: Health Care Delivery Settings and Older Adults
27: Chronic Illness and Rehabilitation
28: Cancer
29: Loss and End-of-Life Issues
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
Chapter 01: Overview of Gerontologic Nursing
Meiner: Gerontologic Nursing, 6th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. In 2010, the revised Standards and Scope of Gerontological Nursing Practice was
published. The nurse would use these standards to
a. promote the practice of gerontologic nursing within the acute care setting.
b. define the concepts and dimensions of gerontologic nursing practice.
c. elevate the practice of gerontologic nursing.
d. incorporate the concepts of health promotion, health maintenance, disease
prevention, and self-care
ANS: D
The current publishing of the Standards and Scope of Gerontological Nursing Practice in
2010 incorporates the input of gerontologic nurses from across the United States and
includes comprehensive concepts and dimensions important to those practicing gerontologic
nursing. It was not intended to promote gerontologic nursing practice within acute care
settings, define concepts or dimensions of gerontologic nursing practice, or elevate the
practice of gerontologic nursing.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-1 TOP: N/A
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. When attempting to minimize the effect of ageism on the practice of nursing older adults, a
nurse needs to first
a. recognize that nurses must act as advocates for aging patients.
b. accept that this population represents a substantial portion of those requiring
nursing care.
c. self-reflect and formulate one‟s personal view of aging and the older patient.
d. recognize ageism as a form of bigotry shared by many Americans.
ANS: C
Ageism is an ever-increasing prejudicial view of the effects of the aging process and of the
older population as a whole. With nurses being members of a society holding such views, it
is critical that the individual nurse self-reflects on personal feelings and determines whether
such feelings will affect the nursing care that he or she provides to the aging patient. Acting
as an advocate is an important nursing role in all settings. Simply accepting a fact does not
help end ageism, nor does recognizing ageism as a form of bigotry.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-6 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
3. The nurse planning care for an older adult who has recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid
arthritis views the priority criterion for continued independence to be the patient‟s
a. age.
b. financial status.
c. gender.
d. functional status.
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
ANS: D
Maintaining the functional status of older adults (especially those with chronic health
conditions) may avert the onset of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, two conditions
that increase the likelihood of institutionalization.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Physiologic Integrity
4. A nurse working with the older adult population is most likely to assess a need for a
financial social service‟s referral for which person?
a. White male
b. Black female
c. Hispanic male
d. Asian American female
ANS: B
The poverty rate among older women is substantially higher than that seen among men. The
poverty rates for people of color is higher than that of whites.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
5. A nurse is preparing to complete a health assessment and history on an older patient. Which
statement reflects an understanding of the general health status of this population?
a. “I‟ll need to document the medications the patient is currently prescribed.”
b. “I would like to understand how supportive the patient‟s family members are.”
c. “Most older patients are being treated for a variety of chronic health care issues.”
d. “It will be interesting to see whether this patient sees herself as being healthy.”
ANS: D
It is a misconception that old age is synonymous with disease and illness. In fact, older
adults already tend to view their personal health positively despite the presence of chronic
illness, disease, and impairment. The nurse should always determine the patient‟s sense of
wellness and independence when conducting a health and history assessment. An
assessment of medication use and family support is important for any patient. Many older
adults do have chronic health conditions, but their perception is more important than a
single number.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-4 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
6. The nurse is caring for an older adult who has been admitted to an acute care hospital for
treatment of a fractured femur. The family expresses concern about their father‟s pending
transfer to a subacute care facility. What response by the nurse is best?
a. “Acute care facilities lack the long-term physical therapy your dad requires.”
b. “Your dad will be much happier in a more serene, private environment.”
c. “The subacute facility will focus on helping your dad to maintain his
independence.”
d. “Insurance, including Medicare, will cover only a limited amount of time here.”
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
ANS: C
The transfer of the patient to a subacute facility is based on the need to maintain the
patient‟s level of function and independence, a task the acute care facility is not prepared to
address once the patient is physiologically stable. The acute care facility may or may not be
able to provide long-term therapy. The patient may or may not be happier in the new setting;
the nurse should not make this judgment. It is true that insurance only pays for a limited
amount of time in an acute care facility, but this is not the best reason for the patient to
transfer.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
7. To best assure both the quality of care and the safety of the older adult patient who requires
in-home unlicensed assistive personal (UAP) assistance, which action by the gerontologic
nurse is best?
a. Evaluates the competency of the UAP staff.
b. Assumes the roles of case manager and patient advocate.
c. Arranges for the needed UAP provided services.
d. Assesses the patient for functional limitations.
ANS: A
As more care traditionally provided by professional nurses is being transferred to UAP, the
nurse must assume more responsibility for educating, training, and evaluating the
competency of UAP staff to provide safe, effective care for the older adult patient.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-5
TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
8. The nurse working with older adults understands what information about certification in
gerontologic nursing?
a. It is mandatory for those in long-term care settings.
b. It is voluntary and shows clinical expertise in an area.
c. It allows nurses to be paid by third-party payers.
d. It allows nurses to advance their careers in a job.
ANS: B
Certification is voluntary and shows that a nurse has additional knowledge and expertise in a
certain area of practice. It is not mandatory in specific care settings. It does not allow for
third-party reimbursement. It may be part of a career ladder program, but that is not true of
all work settings.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-2
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
9. A nurse works in a gerontologic clinic. What action by the nurse takes highest priority?
a. Serving as a patient advocate
b. Educating patients about diseases
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
c. Helping patients remain independent
d. Referring patients to home health care
ANS: C
One of the challenges and priorities of the gerontologic nurse is helping patients to maintain
their independence. While nurses do serve as patient advocates, educate patients, and make
referrals, these actions are not specific to gerontologic nursing.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-2
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
10. A nurse is caring for an older patient in the emergency department. What information about
the patient will be most helpful in creating a plan of care?
a. Baseline physical and cognitive functioning
b. Living conditions and family support
c. Medications and current medical problems
d. Results of the Mini-Mental State Examination
ANS: A
The nurse is encouraged to view older patients as individuals and consider their baseline
physical and cognitive functional status as a standard by which to compare the patient‟s
current status. The other information is also important, but the basis of individualized care
begins with the patient‟s strengths and weaknesses.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-2 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
11. The faculty member explains to students that many older Americans continue to work past
the “retirement age.” What best explains this trend?
a. Feeling healthier longer
b. Changing financial outlook
c. Becoming bored in retirement
d. A desire to give back
ANS: B
As financial situations may have declined as a result of many economic factors, more older
adults work past their “retirement age.” The other options may be reasons for some to
continue working, but financial necessity is the reason the majority continue to do so.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-3
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
12. What information does the faculty member teach students about Medicare?
a. Covers anyone with end-stage renal disease
b. Part A covers some prescription costs
c. Part B covers inpatient hospital costs
d. Part D eliminates the drug “donut hole”
ANS: A
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
Although Medicare is primarily for those over the age of 65, it does cover people of any age
with end-stage kidney disease. Part A covers hospital costs. Part B is medical insurance. The
“donut hole” was fixed by the Affordable Care Act.
DIF: Understanding OBJ: 1-3
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
13. A nursing manager notes that many older patients are admitted to the nursing unit for acute
problems. What action can the manager take to most benefit this population?
a. Provide mandatory education on the needs of the older patient.
b. Create programs that minimize functional losses.
c. Ensure staffing numbers are adequate for dependent patients.
d. Encourage all nurses to obtain gerontologic certification.
ANS: B
Many older adults need acute care for sudden illness and injury but the acute care setting is
not ideal for them. Programs that prevent functional decline and promote independence
would make the hospital less dangerous place for older adults. The other actions will help
the older patients cared for in the unit, but only to limited degrees.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-4 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Physiologic Integrity
14. The dean of a new nursing program wishes to ensure graduates are prepared to care for older
patients. What document should guide the dean in designing the curriculum?
a. The Nurse Practice Act for that state
b. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for nurses
c. Healthy People 2020
d. The Recommended Baccalaureate Competencies and Curricular Guidelines
ANS: D
The Recommended Baccalaureate Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for the Nursing
Care of Older Adults is an updated version of The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education
for Professional Nursing Practice. This document was first published by the American
Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in 2008 and was updated in 2010. The other
three documents do not have information about curricular requirements to prepare students
to care for the older population.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-2 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
15. A nurse wants to plan a community event at a retirement center. What topic would most
likely be best received?
a. Heart healthy living
b. Financial planning
c. Avoiding scams
d. Ethnic cooking classes
ANS: A
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
Older adults are demanding more programs and services aimed at health maintenance and
promotion and disease and disability prevention. Based on this information, the heart
healthy living presentation would be best received.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-3 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. The clinic nurse caring for an older diabetic patient with a sixth-grade education anticipates
that the patient may experience difficulty with which of the following? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Recognizing the importance of keeping clinic appointments.
b. Following a low-carbohydrate diet.
c. Paying for insulin and syringes.
d. Deciding on a primary health care provider.
e. Naming a health care surrogate.
ANS: A, B, C
Even though the educational level of the older population has steadily increased, lower
educational level and decreased literacy affects the older adults‟ ability to live a healthy life,
understand the importance of medical follow-up, and manage acute illness and chronic
conditions. These patients may also have fewer financial resources to devote to health care
issues. Choosing a primary provider and naming health care surrogates would not
necessarily be affected.
DIF: Analyzing OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. The nurse studying the history of gerontologic nursing learns which information about the
specialty? (Select all that apply.)
a. The number of older Americans is diminishing.
b. The gerontologic nursing conference group was established in 1962.
c. The gerontologic clinical nurse specialist certification was offered in 1989.
d. There were no writings about the care of older persons until World War II.
e. The first Standards of Practice for Gerontologic Nursing was written in 1969.
ANS: B, C, E
The gerontologic nursing conference group was established in 1962, the gerontologic
clinical nurse specialist certification was first offered in 1989, and the first Standards of
Practice for Gerontologic Nursing was written in 1969. The population of older Americans
is the fastest-growing subset of the population. Writings about care of the aged can be found
from as early as 1900.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-2
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Nursing Process: Assessment
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
3. The student asks the gerontologic clinic nurse why so many older people are women.
Whatinformation does the nurse provide? (Select all that apply.)
a. Reduced maternal mortality
b. Decreased deaths from infectious diseases
c. More deaths from chronic disease in men
d. The protective role of estrogen
e. Women tend to smoke and drink less than men
ANS: A, C, D
A decrease in maternal mortality, more deaths from chronic illness in men, and the
protective effects of estrogen all help account for the disparity in genders as people
age.
DIF: Understanding OBJ: 1-
4TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. The gerontologic nurse plans community programming for older women, noting what
factsabout this population subgroup? (Select all that apply.)
a. More likely to live alone
b. Increased chance of living in poverty
c. Taking care of a spouse
d. Suffering many chronic diseases
e. Living with extended families
ANS: A, B, D
Older women have a greater chance than men of living alone and in poverty. They also have
a greater degree of functional impairment and chronic disease.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-5
TOP: Nursing Process: Analysis MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
5. The nurse knows that the most common causes of death in the older population result
fromwhich diseases? (Select all that apply.)
a. Cerebrovascular disease
b. Communicable diseases
c. Heart disease
d. Cancer
e. Diabetes
ANS: A, C, D, E
Nearly 75% of all deaths stem from the following 10 causes: heart disease, cancer
(lung),chronic respiratory disease (COPD), accidents, stroke, Alzheimer‟s disease,
diabetes, influenza/pneumonia, kidney disease, and suicide.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
Chapter 02: Theories Related to Care of the Older Adult
Meiner: Gerontologic Nursing, 6th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The practitioner who believes in the free radical theory of aging is likely to recommend that
the older adults
a. avoid excessive intake of zinc or magnesium.
b. supplement his or her diet with vitamins C and E.
c. increase intake of complex carbohydrates.
d. avoid the use of alcohol or tobacco.
ANS: B
Vitamins C and E are two naturally occurring antioxidants that appear to inhibit the
functioning of the free radicals or possibly decrease their production in the body. The free
radical theory of aging is not related to zinc, magnesium, carbohydrates, or alcohol and
tobacco.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 2-5 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. To provide effective care to the older adult, the nurse must understand which of the
following?
a. Older adults are not a homogeneous sociologic group.
b. Little variation exists in cohort groups of older adults.
c. Health problems are much the same for similar age groups of older adults.
d. Withdrawal by an older adult is a normal physiologic response to aging.
ANS: A
Older adults are not a homogenous sociological group, having four distinct cohort groups
and many individual variations within these cohorts. Nurses must take to not treat older
adults as if they were all the same. Health needs will vary among the cohorts and among
individuals. Withdrawal is not a normal part of aging and may signify depression.
DIF: Understanding OBJ: 2-2
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. The nurse is using the eight stages of life theory to help an older adult patient assess the
developmental stage of personal ego differentiation. The nurse does this by assisting the
patient to do which of the following?
a. Determine feelings regarding the effects of aging on the physical being.
b. Describe feelings regarding what he or she expects the future to hold.
c. Identify aspects of work, recreation, and family life that provide self-worth and
pleasure.
d. Elaborate on feelings about the prospect of his or her personal death.
ANS: C
TEST BANK
Gerontologic Nursing
Sue E. Meiner, Jennifer J. Yeager
6th Edition
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
Table of Contents
Part I: Introduction to Gerontologic Nursing
1: Overview of Gerontologic Nursing
2: Theories Related to Care of the Older Adult
3: Legal and Ethical Issues
4: Assessment of the Older Adult
Part II: Influences on Health and Illness
5: Cultural Influences
6: Family Influences
7: Socioeconomic and Environmental Influences
8: Health Promotion and Illness/Disability Prevention
Part III: Influences on Quality of Life
9: Nutrition
10: Sleep and Activity
11: Safety
12: Sexuality and Aging
13: Pain
14: Infection and Inflammation
Part IV: Diagnostic Studies and Pharmacologic Management
15: Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
16: Drugs and Aging
Part V: Nursing Care of Physiologic and Psychologic Disorders
17: Integumentary Function
18: Sensory Function
19: Cardiovascular Function
20: Respiratory Function in Aging
21: Gastrointestinal Function
22: Urinary Function
23: Musculoskeletal Function
24: Cognitive and Neurologic Function*
25: Endocrine Function
Part VI: Health Care Transitions
26: Health Care Delivery Settings and Older Adults
27: Chronic Illness and Rehabilitation
28: Cancer
29: Loss and End-of-Life Issues
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
Chapter 01: Overview of Gerontologic Nursing
Meiner: Gerontologic Nursing, 6th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. In 2010, the revised Standards and Scope of Gerontological Nursing Practice was
published. The nurse would use these standards to
a. promote the practice of gerontologic nursing within the acute care setting.
b. define the concepts and dimensions of gerontologic nursing practice.
c. elevate the practice of gerontologic nursing.
d. incorporate the concepts of health promotion, health maintenance, disease
prevention, and self-care
ANS: D
The current publishing of the Standards and Scope of Gerontological Nursing Practice in
2010 incorporates the input of gerontologic nurses from across the United States and
includes comprehensive concepts and dimensions important to those practicing gerontologic
nursing. It was not intended to promote gerontologic nursing practice within acute care
settings, define concepts or dimensions of gerontologic nursing practice, or elevate the
practice of gerontologic nursing.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-1 TOP: N/A
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. When attempting to minimize the effect of ageism on the practice of nursing older adults, a
nurse needs to first
a. recognize that nurses must act as advocates for aging patients.
b. accept that this population represents a substantial portion of those requiring
nursing care.
c. self-reflect and formulate one‟s personal view of aging and the older patient.
d. recognize ageism as a form of bigotry shared by many Americans.
ANS: C
Ageism is an ever-increasing prejudicial view of the effects of the aging process and of the
older population as a whole. With nurses being members of a society holding such views, it
is critical that the individual nurse self-reflects on personal feelings and determines whether
such feelings will affect the nursing care that he or she provides to the aging patient. Acting
as an advocate is an important nursing role in all settings. Simply accepting a fact does not
help end ageism, nor does recognizing ageism as a form of bigotry.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-6 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
3. The nurse planning care for an older adult who has recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid
arthritis views the priority criterion for continued independence to be the patient‟s
a. age.
b. financial status.
c. gender.
d. functional status.
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
ANS: D
Maintaining the functional status of older adults (especially those with chronic health
conditions) may avert the onset of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, two conditions
that increase the likelihood of institutionalization.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Physiologic Integrity
4. A nurse working with the older adult population is most likely to assess a need for a
financial social service‟s referral for which person?
a. White male
b. Black female
c. Hispanic male
d. Asian American female
ANS: B
The poverty rate among older women is substantially higher than that seen among men. The
poverty rates for people of color is higher than that of whites.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
5. A nurse is preparing to complete a health assessment and history on an older patient. Which
statement reflects an understanding of the general health status of this population?
a. “I‟ll need to document the medications the patient is currently prescribed.”
b. “I would like to understand how supportive the patient‟s family members are.”
c. “Most older patients are being treated for a variety of chronic health care issues.”
d. “It will be interesting to see whether this patient sees herself as being healthy.”
ANS: D
It is a misconception that old age is synonymous with disease and illness. In fact, older
adults already tend to view their personal health positively despite the presence of chronic
illness, disease, and impairment. The nurse should always determine the patient‟s sense of
wellness and independence when conducting a health and history assessment. An
assessment of medication use and family support is important for any patient. Many older
adults do have chronic health conditions, but their perception is more important than a
single number.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-4 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
6. The nurse is caring for an older adult who has been admitted to an acute care hospital for
treatment of a fractured femur. The family expresses concern about their father‟s pending
transfer to a subacute care facility. What response by the nurse is best?
a. “Acute care facilities lack the long-term physical therapy your dad requires.”
b. “Your dad will be much happier in a more serene, private environment.”
c. “The subacute facility will focus on helping your dad to maintain his
independence.”
d. “Insurance, including Medicare, will cover only a limited amount of time here.”
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
ANS: C
The transfer of the patient to a subacute facility is based on the need to maintain the
patient‟s level of function and independence, a task the acute care facility is not prepared to
address once the patient is physiologically stable. The acute care facility may or may not be
able to provide long-term therapy. The patient may or may not be happier in the new setting;
the nurse should not make this judgment. It is true that insurance only pays for a limited
amount of time in an acute care facility, but this is not the best reason for the patient to
transfer.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
7. To best assure both the quality of care and the safety of the older adult patient who requires
in-home unlicensed assistive personal (UAP) assistance, which action by the gerontologic
nurse is best?
a. Evaluates the competency of the UAP staff.
b. Assumes the roles of case manager and patient advocate.
c. Arranges for the needed UAP provided services.
d. Assesses the patient for functional limitations.
ANS: A
As more care traditionally provided by professional nurses is being transferred to UAP, the
nurse must assume more responsibility for educating, training, and evaluating the
competency of UAP staff to provide safe, effective care for the older adult patient.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-5
TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
8. The nurse working with older adults understands what information about certification in
gerontologic nursing?
a. It is mandatory for those in long-term care settings.
b. It is voluntary and shows clinical expertise in an area.
c. It allows nurses to be paid by third-party payers.
d. It allows nurses to advance their careers in a job.
ANS: B
Certification is voluntary and shows that a nurse has additional knowledge and expertise in a
certain area of practice. It is not mandatory in specific care settings. It does not allow for
third-party reimbursement. It may be part of a career ladder program, but that is not true of
all work settings.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-2
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
9. A nurse works in a gerontologic clinic. What action by the nurse takes highest priority?
a. Serving as a patient advocate
b. Educating patients about diseases
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
c. Helping patients remain independent
d. Referring patients to home health care
ANS: C
One of the challenges and priorities of the gerontologic nurse is helping patients to maintain
their independence. While nurses do serve as patient advocates, educate patients, and make
referrals, these actions are not specific to gerontologic nursing.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-2
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
10. A nurse is caring for an older patient in the emergency department. What information about
the patient will be most helpful in creating a plan of care?
a. Baseline physical and cognitive functioning
b. Living conditions and family support
c. Medications and current medical problems
d. Results of the Mini-Mental State Examination
ANS: A
The nurse is encouraged to view older patients as individuals and consider their baseline
physical and cognitive functional status as a standard by which to compare the patient‟s
current status. The other information is also important, but the basis of individualized care
begins with the patient‟s strengths and weaknesses.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-2 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
11. The faculty member explains to students that many older Americans continue to work past
the “retirement age.” What best explains this trend?
a. Feeling healthier longer
b. Changing financial outlook
c. Becoming bored in retirement
d. A desire to give back
ANS: B
As financial situations may have declined as a result of many economic factors, more older
adults work past their “retirement age.” The other options may be reasons for some to
continue working, but financial necessity is the reason the majority continue to do so.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-3
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
12. What information does the faculty member teach students about Medicare?
a. Covers anyone with end-stage renal disease
b. Part A covers some prescription costs
c. Part B covers inpatient hospital costs
d. Part D eliminates the drug “donut hole”
ANS: A
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
Although Medicare is primarily for those over the age of 65, it does cover people of any age
with end-stage kidney disease. Part A covers hospital costs. Part B is medical insurance. The
“donut hole” was fixed by the Affordable Care Act.
DIF: Understanding OBJ: 1-3
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
13. A nursing manager notes that many older patients are admitted to the nursing unit for acute
problems. What action can the manager take to most benefit this population?
a. Provide mandatory education on the needs of the older patient.
b. Create programs that minimize functional losses.
c. Ensure staffing numbers are adequate for dependent patients.
d. Encourage all nurses to obtain gerontologic certification.
ANS: B
Many older adults need acute care for sudden illness and injury but the acute care setting is
not ideal for them. Programs that prevent functional decline and promote independence
would make the hospital less dangerous place for older adults. The other actions will help
the older patients cared for in the unit, but only to limited degrees.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-4 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Physiologic Integrity
14. The dean of a new nursing program wishes to ensure graduates are prepared to care for older
patients. What document should guide the dean in designing the curriculum?
a. The Nurse Practice Act for that state
b. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for nurses
c. Healthy People 2020
d. The Recommended Baccalaureate Competencies and Curricular Guidelines
ANS: D
The Recommended Baccalaureate Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for the Nursing
Care of Older Adults is an updated version of The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education
for Professional Nursing Practice. This document was first published by the American
Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in 2008 and was updated in 2010. The other
three documents do not have information about curricular requirements to prepare students
to care for the older population.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-2 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
15. A nurse wants to plan a community event at a retirement center. What topic would most
likely be best received?
a. Heart healthy living
b. Financial planning
c. Avoiding scams
d. Ethnic cooking classes
ANS: A
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
Older adults are demanding more programs and services aimed at health maintenance and
promotion and disease and disability prevention. Based on this information, the heart
healthy living presentation would be best received.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-3 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. The clinic nurse caring for an older diabetic patient with a sixth-grade education anticipates
that the patient may experience difficulty with which of the following? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Recognizing the importance of keeping clinic appointments.
b. Following a low-carbohydrate diet.
c. Paying for insulin and syringes.
d. Deciding on a primary health care provider.
e. Naming a health care surrogate.
ANS: A, B, C
Even though the educational level of the older population has steadily increased, lower
educational level and decreased literacy affects the older adults‟ ability to live a healthy life,
understand the importance of medical follow-up, and manage acute illness and chronic
conditions. These patients may also have fewer financial resources to devote to health care
issues. Choosing a primary provider and naming health care surrogates would not
necessarily be affected.
DIF: Analyzing OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. The nurse studying the history of gerontologic nursing learns which information about the
specialty? (Select all that apply.)
a. The number of older Americans is diminishing.
b. The gerontologic nursing conference group was established in 1962.
c. The gerontologic clinical nurse specialist certification was offered in 1989.
d. There were no writings about the care of older persons until World War II.
e. The first Standards of Practice for Gerontologic Nursing was written in 1969.
ANS: B, C, E
The gerontologic nursing conference group was established in 1962, the gerontologic
clinical nurse specialist certification was first offered in 1989, and the first Standards of
Practice for Gerontologic Nursing was written in 1969. The population of older Americans
is the fastest-growing subset of the population. Writings about care of the aged can be found
from as early as 1900.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-2
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Nursing Process: Assessment
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
3. The student asks the gerontologic clinic nurse why so many older people are women.
Whatinformation does the nurse provide? (Select all that apply.)
a. Reduced maternal mortality
b. Decreased deaths from infectious diseases
c. More deaths from chronic disease in men
d. The protective role of estrogen
e. Women tend to smoke and drink less than men
ANS: A, C, D
A decrease in maternal mortality, more deaths from chronic illness in men, and the
protective effects of estrogen all help account for the disparity in genders as people
age.
DIF: Understanding OBJ: 1-
4TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. The gerontologic nurse plans community programming for older women, noting what
factsabout this population subgroup? (Select all that apply.)
a. More likely to live alone
b. Increased chance of living in poverty
c. Taking care of a spouse
d. Suffering many chronic diseases
e. Living with extended families
ANS: A, B, D
Older women have a greater chance than men of living alone and in poverty. They also have
a greater degree of functional impairment and chronic disease.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-5
TOP: Nursing Process: Analysis MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
5. The nurse knows that the most common causes of death in the older population result
fromwhich diseases? (Select all that apply.)
a. Cerebrovascular disease
b. Communicable diseases
c. Heart disease
d. Cancer
e. Diabetes
ANS: A, C, D, E
Nearly 75% of all deaths stem from the following 10 causes: heart disease, cancer
(lung),chronic respiratory disease (COPD), accidents, stroke, Alzheimer‟s disease,
diabetes, influenza/pneumonia, kidney disease, and suicide.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
, Test Bank - Gerontologic Nursing 6th Edition (Meiner, 2019)
Chapter 02: Theories Related to Care of the Older Adult
Meiner: Gerontologic Nursing, 6th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The practitioner who believes in the free radical theory of aging is likely to recommend that
the older adults
a. avoid excessive intake of zinc or magnesium.
b. supplement his or her diet with vitamins C and E.
c. increase intake of complex carbohydrates.
d. avoid the use of alcohol or tobacco.
ANS: B
Vitamins C and E are two naturally occurring antioxidants that appear to inhibit the
functioning of the free radicals or possibly decrease their production in the body. The free
radical theory of aging is not related to zinc, magnesium, carbohydrates, or alcohol and
tobacco.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 2-5 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. To provide effective care to the older adult, the nurse must understand which of the
following?
a. Older adults are not a homogeneous sociologic group.
b. Little variation exists in cohort groups of older adults.
c. Health problems are much the same for similar age groups of older adults.
d. Withdrawal by an older adult is a normal physiologic response to aging.
ANS: A
Older adults are not a homogenous sociological group, having four distinct cohort groups
and many individual variations within these cohorts. Nurses must take to not treat older
adults as if they were all the same. Health needs will vary among the cohorts and among
individuals. Withdrawal is not a normal part of aging and may signify depression.
DIF: Understanding OBJ: 2-2
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. The nurse is using the eight stages of life theory to help an older adult patient assess the
developmental stage of personal ego differentiation. The nurse does this by assisting the
patient to do which of the following?
a. Determine feelings regarding the effects of aging on the physical being.
b. Describe feelings regarding what he or she expects the future to hold.
c. Identify aspects of work, recreation, and family life that provide self-worth and
pleasure.
d. Elaborate on feelings about the prospect of his or her personal death.
ANS: C
