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
promote the practice of gerontologic nursing within the acute care setting. a.
define the concepts and dimensions of gerontologic nursing practice. b.
elevate the practice of gerontologic nursing. c.
incorporate the concepts of health promotion, health maintenance, disease d.
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
recognize that nurses must act as advocates for aging patients. a.
accept that this population represents a substantial portion of those requiring b.
nursing care.
self-reflect and formulate one’s personal view of aging and the older patient. c.
recognize ageism as a form of bigotry shared by many Americans. d.
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
age. a.
financial status. b.
, gender. c.
functional status. d.
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?
White male a.
Black female b.
Hispanic male c.
Asian American female d.
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?
“I’ll need to document the medications the patient is currently prescribed.” a.
“I would like to understand how supportive the patient’s family members are.” b.
“Most older patients are being treated for a variety of chronic health care issues.” c.
“It will be interesting to see whether this patient sees herself as being healthy.” d.
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?
“Acute care facilities lack the long-term physical therapy your dad requires.” a.
“Your dad will be much happier in a more serene, private environment.” b.
, “The subacute facility will focus on helping your dad to maintain his c.
independence.”
“Insurance, including Medicare, will cover only a limited amount of time here.” d.
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?
Evaluates the competency of the UAP staff. a.
Assumes the roles of case manager and patient advocate. b.
Arranges for the needed UAP provided services. c.
Assesses the patient for functional limitations. d.
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?
It is mandatory for those in long-term care settings. a.
It is voluntary and shows clinical expertise in an area. b.
It allows nurses to be paid by third-party payers. c.
It allows nurses to advance their careers in a job. d.
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?
Serving as a patient advocate a.
Educating patients about diseases b.
Helping patients remain independent c.
Referring patients to home health care d.
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?
Baseline physical and cognitive functioning a.
Living conditions and family support b.
Medications and current medical problems c.
Results of the Mini-Mental State Examination d.
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?
Feeling healthier longer a.
Changing financial outlook b.
Becoming bored in retirement c.
A desire to give back d.
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?
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
promote the practice of gerontologic nursing within the acute care setting. a.
define the concepts and dimensions of gerontologic nursing practice. b.
elevate the practice of gerontologic nursing. c.
incorporate the concepts of health promotion, health maintenance, disease d.
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
recognize that nurses must act as advocates for aging patients. a.
accept that this population represents a substantial portion of those requiring b.
nursing care.
self-reflect and formulate one’s personal view of aging and the older patient. c.
recognize ageism as a form of bigotry shared by many Americans. d.
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
age. a.
financial status. b.
, gender. c.
functional status. d.
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?
White male a.
Black female b.
Hispanic male c.
Asian American female d.
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?
“I’ll need to document the medications the patient is currently prescribed.” a.
“I would like to understand how supportive the patient’s family members are.” b.
“Most older patients are being treated for a variety of chronic health care issues.” c.
“It will be interesting to see whether this patient sees herself as being healthy.” d.
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?
“Acute care facilities lack the long-term physical therapy your dad requires.” a.
“Your dad will be much happier in a more serene, private environment.” b.
, “The subacute facility will focus on helping your dad to maintain his c.
independence.”
“Insurance, including Medicare, will cover only a limited amount of time here.” d.
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?
Evaluates the competency of the UAP staff. a.
Assumes the roles of case manager and patient advocate. b.
Arranges for the needed UAP provided services. c.
Assesses the patient for functional limitations. d.
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?
It is mandatory for those in long-term care settings. a.
It is voluntary and shows clinical expertise in an area. b.
It allows nurses to be paid by third-party payers. c.
It allows nurses to advance their careers in a job. d.
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?
Serving as a patient advocate a.
Educating patients about diseases b.
Helping patients remain independent c.
Referring patients to home health care d.
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?
Baseline physical and cognitive functioning a.
Living conditions and family support b.
Medications and current medical problems c.
Results of the Mini-Mental State Examination d.
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?
Feeling healthier longer a.
Changing financial outlook b.
Becoming bored in retirement c.
A desire to give back d.
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?
