A nurse working in a community clinic is talking with an older adult client who states that their life has no purpose. The nurse should identify that the client is in which of the following stages of Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development?
Ego integrity vs. despair.
Generativity vs. self-absorption.
Identity vs. role confusion.
Intimacy vs. isolation.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Ego integrity vs. despair.
Choice A rationale:
Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development outlines various stages of development that individuals go through across their lifespan. In the final stage, which occurs in late adulthood, individuals either experience a sense of ego integrity or despair. Ego integrity is characterized by a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with one's life choices, while despair is marked by feelings of regret and a sense of unfulfillment. The older adult client expressing that their life has no purpose suggests a struggle with finding meaning and satisfaction, aligning with the ego integrity vs. despair stage.
Choice B rationale:
Generativity vs. self-absorption is a stage that occurs during middle adulthood. It involves concerns about contributing to society and the next generation. This stage is not applicable to the scenario described with an older adult who is grappling with a lack of purpose in life.
Choice C rationale:
Identity vs. role confusion is a stage that occurs during adolescence, where individuals explore their sense of self and develop their identities. This stage is not relevant to the older adult client's situation of feeling purposeless.
Choice D rationale:
Intimacy vs. isolation is a stage that typically occurs during young adulthood, where individuals seek close and meaningful relationships with others. This stage is not appropriate for the older adult's feelings of lacking purpose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choiced. "Describe your concerns about sleeping to me.".
Choice A rationale:
While offering frequent checks can provide some reassurance, it does not address the underlying fear the client is experiencing. It is more of a practical solution rather than a therapeutic one.
Choice B rationale:
Agreeing with the client’s fear without offering a solution or support can increase their anxiety. It is important to acknowledge their feelings but also to provide comfort and reassurance.
Choice C rationale:
Offering sleeping medication might help the client fall asleep, but it does not address the root cause of their fear. It is important to understand and address the client’s concerns directly.
Choice D rationale:
Asking the client to describe their concerns is a therapeutic approach that encourages them to express their fears.This allows the nurse to understand the client’s perspective and provide appropriate emotional support.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Pallor with scaly skin.
Choice A rationale:
"Heart rate 89/min." Heart rate within the range of 60-100 beats per minute is generally considered normal for adults at rest. This value doesn't specifically indicate malnourishment.
Choice B rationale:
"Pink mucous membranes." Pink mucous membranes indicate adequate oxygenation and hydration but don't necessarily reflect nutritional status or malnourishment.
Choice C rationale:
"Pallor with scaly skin." Pallor (pale skin) along with scaly skin can be indicative of malnourishment. Malnourished individuals may not receive adequate n

Choice D rationale:
"Body mass index 23." A body mass index (BMI) of 23 falls within the normal range (18.5-24.9), so it doesn't necessarily indicate malnourishment. However, BMI alone may not fully capture malnourishment, as it doesn't consider other factors like muscle mass and specific nutrient deficiencies.
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