The nurse attempts to help an 86-year-old patient describe his pain because the nurse is aware the older adult may not express pain because they:.
fear taking pain medication.
are reluctant to bother the nursing staff.
are unaware of their discomfort.
have been culturally trained not to complain.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Some older adults may indeed have concerns about taking pain medication, but this is not a primary reason for their hesitance to express pain. The fear of taking medication is not a universal characteristic of older adults.
Choice B rationale:
While older adults may be reluctant to bother nursing staff, this is not the primary reason for their reluctance to express pain. It is a consideration but not the main factor.
Choice C rationale:
The unawareness of discomfort is not a common reason for older adults to avoid expressing pain. Most older adults are aware of their discomfort but may not express it for other reasons.
Choice D rationale:
Older adults may have been culturally trained not to complain about pain or discomfort. In some cultures, stoicism and not burdening others with one's pain are highly valued. This cultural training can lead older adults to underreport their pain.
Choice E rationale:
Believing pain is a natural consequence of aging is a misconception, but it is not the primary reason why older adults may not express their pain. They may believe this, but cultural and societal factors have a more significant impact.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: C. Decreased energy.
Choice A reason: Hypotension is not typically associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is more commonly linked with hypertension due to the frequent arousals during sleep that activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased blood pressure.
Choice B reason: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and is not a direct consequence of OSA. While OSA can affect the respiratory system, it does not cause pneumonia. However, individuals with OSA may have a higher risk of respiratory infections due to compromised breathing during sleep.
Choice C reason: Decreased energy is a common symptom of OSA. People with OSA experience repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and insufficient rest. This results in daytime sleepiness and fatigue, which are hallmark signs of the condition.
Choice D reason: Thyroid disease, specifically hypothyroidism, can be associated with OSA, but it is not a direct finding of the condition. Hypothyroidism can lead to changes in the soft tissues of the upper airway and contribute to the development of OSA, but it is not a symptom used to diagnose OSA.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sedatives and hypnotics are not typically recommended for long-term relief of sleep problems. They are more commonly used for short-term management of insomnia or acute sleep disturbances. Using these medications for an extended period can lead to tolerance, dependence, and potential side effects.
Choice B rationale:
Neuritis secondary to diabetes is not directly related to the use of sedatives and hypnotics for sleep. This choice does not affect the true or false statement about the long-term use of these medications.
Choice C rationale:
A severely sprained ankle does not impact the use of sedatives and hypnotics for sleep. This choice is not relevant to the true or false statement regarding the long-term use of these medications.
Choice D rationale:
Impaired peripheral circulation is not a determining factor for the long-term use of sedatives and hypnotics for sleep. This choice does not influence the true or false statement in question.
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