A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about spinal cord injuries in clients who are aged 65 years and older. Which of the following should the nurse identify as the most common cause of spinal cord injuries for this age group?
Falls
Gunshot wounds
Sporting accidents
Motor vehicle accidents
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Falls is correct. Among individuals aged 65 years and older, falls are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries. As people age, they may experience changes in balance, mobility, and bone density, which can increase their risk of falling. Falls can occur both at home and in other environments, such as during outdoor activities or in healthcare settings. Spinal cord injuries resulting from falls in older adults can have significant consequences, including decreased mobility, chronic pain, and loss of independence.
Choice B Reason:
Gunshot wounds is incorrect. Gunshot wounds can cause spinal cord injuries, but they are not the most common cause for individuals aged 65 years and older. Gunshot wounds tend to be more common in younger age groups or in specific contexts such as violence-related incidents, which are less frequent in older adults.
Choice C Reason:
Sporting accidents is incorrect. Sporting accidents can also lead to spinal cord injuries, especially in younger and more active individuals participating in high-impact sports. However, among individuals aged 65 years and older, participation in sporting activities that could result in spinal cord injuries is generally less common compared to younger age groups.
Choice D Reason:
Motor vehicle accidents is incorrect.
Motor vehicle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, but they are not as common in the elderly population as they are in younger age groups. Older adults may have reduced driving frequency or may be more cautious on the road, which decreases their risk of motor vehicle accidents compared to younger individuals.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Dyspnea is not commonly seen in other chronic conditions of the aging older adult: This statement is incorrect. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in various chronic conditions commonly seen in aging adults, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and pulmonary fibrosis, among others. Dyspnea can be a symptom of respiratory or cardiovascular issues and is not exclusive to asthma.
Choice B Reason:
Aging is associated with decreased sensitivity to medications: This statement is generally incorrect. Aging can affect drug metabolism and clearance, leading to changes in medication sensitivity. Older adults may have altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, which can increase their sensitivity to certain medications, particularly those with sedative or CNS depressant effects. This increased sensitivity can potentially increase the risk of adverse drug reactions.
Choice C Reason:
Adverse reactions to medications in the aging older adult are lower: This statement is incorrect. While some physiological changes associated with aging may decrease the risk of adverse drug reactions, such as decreased renal function and altered drug metabolism, older adults are still at risk for adverse drug reactions due to factors such as polypharmacy, drug interactions, and increased sensitivity to medications.
Choice D Reason:
Physiological changes in the respiratory system can mimic the presence of airway obstruction: This statement is true. Physiological changes in the aging respiratory system, such as decreased lung elasticity, increased chest wall stiffness, and reduced respiratory muscle strength, can mimic the symptoms of airway obstruction seen in conditions like asthma or COPD. These changes can lead to decreased lung function, reduced exercise tolerance, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Correct Answer is C
No explanation
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