Chapter 01: Introduction to Healthy Aging Touhy & Jett: Ebersole and Hess’ Gerontological Nursing & Healthy Aging, 5th Edition

1. A man is terminally ill with end-stage prostate cancer. Which is the best statement about this man’s wellness? a. Wellness can only be achieved with aggressive medical interventions. b. Wellness is not a real option for this client because he is terminally ill. c. Wellness is defined as the absence of disease. d. Nursing interventions can help empower a client to achieve a higher level of wellness. ANS: D Nursing interventions can help empower a client to achieve a higher level of wellness; a nurse can foster wellness in his or her clients. Wellness is defined by the individual and is multidimensional. It is not just the absence of disease. A wellness perspective is based on the belief that every person has an optimal level of health independent of his or her situation or functional level. Even in the presence of chronic illness or while dying, a movement toward wellness is possible if emphasis of care is placed on the promotion of well-being in a supportive environment. PTS: 1 DIF: Apply REF: p. 7 TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance 2. In differentiating between health and wellness in health care, which of the following statements is true? a. Health is a broad term encompassing attitudes and behaviors. b. The concept of illness prevention was never considered by previous generations. c. Wellness and self-actualization develop through learning and growth. d. Wellness is impossible when one’s health is compromised. ANS: A Health is a broad term that encompasses attitudes and behaviors; holistically, health includes wellness, which involves one’s whole being. The concept of illness prevention was never considered by previous generations; throughout history, basic self-care requirements have been recognized. Wellness and self-actualization develop through learning and growth—as basic needs are met, higher level needs can be satisfied in turn, with ever-deepening richness to life. Wellness is possible when one’s health is compromised—even with chronic illness, with multiple disabilities, or in dying, movement toward a higher level of wellness is possible. PTS: 1 DIF: Understand REF: p. 7 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance 3. Which racial or ethnic group has the highest life expectancy in the United States? a. Native Americans b. African Americans c. Hispanic Americans d. Asian and Pacific Island Americans ANS: C As shown in Figure 1.4, Hispanic men and women have the highest life expectancy of all. In 2011, for those of Hispanic origin of any race, the overall life expectancy at 65 years of age was 20.7 more years in 2011 (19.1 years for men and 21.8 years for women). PTS: 1 DIF: U