A nurse manager is teaching a newly licensed nurse about pain management for an older adult client. Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"Opioids should not be given to older adults."
"Pain perception is decreased in older adult clients."
"Older adults report pain less frequently than younger clients."
"Older adults require higher doses of pain medication."
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. "Opioids should not be given to older adults.": Opioids can be given to older adults when necessary, but with caution. The dose may need adjustment due to age-related changes in metabolism and increased sensitivity, not outright avoidance.
B. "Pain perception is decreased in older adult clients.": Pain perception does not decrease with age. Older adults may have conditions that affect communication or cognition, but their ability to feel pain remains intact, and they can still experience significant discomfort.
C. "Older adults report pain less frequently than younger clients.": Older adults often underreport pain due to beliefs that pain is a normal part of aging or fear of treatment consequences. This makes active assessment and trust-building essential in managing their pain effectively.
D. "Older adults require higher doses of pain medication.": Older adults typically require lower or more carefully titrated doses due to slower metabolism, decreased renal clearance, and heightened drug sensitivity, especially to central nervous system effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. “You can obtain a personal response system that will be activated if you fall.": Personal emergency response systems (PERS) allow individuals who live alone to call for help immediately in case of a fall or emergency.
B. “You need to move to a skilled nursing facility where they can prevent falls.": Moving to a skilled nursing facility is a major step and is not necessary solely due to fear of falling. It may also provoke anxiety or feelings of loss of autonomy, especially if less invasive alternatives are available.
C. "You can have an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) come to your house daily to stay with you.": Daily UAP support may not be realistic or necessary for someone who is still generally independent. This level of care may be excessive unless the client has significant mobility or cognitive impairments.
D. "You should contact a family member once a week to keep in touch.": While weekly contact with family can offer emotional support, it does not provide real-time assistance in the event of a fall. It’s not a sufficient solution for immediate safety concerns.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Troponin level: Troponin is a cardiac biomarker used to detect myocardial injury or infarction. It is not an indicator of nutritional status and does not reflect protein levels or nutrient balance.
B. Serum albumin: Albumin is a plasma protein synthesized in the liver and commonly used as a marker of long-term nutritional status. Low levels may suggest protein-energy malnutrition or chronic illness affecting nutrient absorption or intake.
C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation or infection. While chronic disease can indirectly affect nutrition, ESR does not directly assess nutrient levels or dietary sufficiency.
D. Serum sodium: Sodium levels reflect fluid balance and electrolyte status but are not indicators of nutritional status. They may be influenced by hydration, renal function, or hormonal imbalances, not by dietary protein intake.
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