Which conditions are likely to cause an older adult chronic pain? (Select all that apply.)
Low back pain
Hypoproteinemia
Headaches
Osteoarthritis
Hip replacement
Correct Answer : A,D,E
Choice A reason: Low back pain is a common condition that affects many older adults, as it can be caused by degenerative changes in the spine, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, or muscle strain. Low back pain can be chronic, meaning it lasts for more than three months, and can interfere with daily activities and quality of life.
Choice B reason: Hypoproteinemia is a condition where the level of protein in the blood is abnormally low, which can be caused by malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or inflammation. Hypoproteinemia can cause symptoms such as edema, fatigue, weakness, or hair loss, but it does not usually cause chronic pain.
Choice C reason: Headaches are a common symptom that can affect people of any age, but they are not necessarily chronic or related to aging. Headaches can be caused by various factors, such as stress, dehydration, sinus infection, migraine, or medication. Headaches can be acute, meaning they last for a short time, or chronic, meaning they occur for more than 15 days a month.
Choice D reason: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects many older adults, as it causes the cartilage that cushions the joints to wear away, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is more common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Osteoarthritis can be chronic, meaning it worsens over time, and can limit the ability to perform daily tasks and enjoy life.
Choice E reason: Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial one, which can improve pain, function, and quality of life. However, hip replacement can also cause chronic pain, either due to complications, such as infection, dislocation, or loosening of the implant, or due to persistent inflammation, nerve damage, or scar tissue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Older African American women do not have the highest risk of suicide among older adults. According to the CDC, suicide rates are highest among adults age 75 and older, and highest among males age 75 and older.
Choice B reason: Older adults and younger adults do not manifest suicidal intent in a similar manner. Older adults tend to plan suicide more carefully, use more lethal means, and have fewer warning signs than younger adults.
Choice C reason: A major crisis experienced by the client can contribute to the risk of suicide. Older adults may face various stressors, such as bereavement, loneliness, chronic illness, or loss of independence, that can trigger suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Choice D reason: Ethics do not require that the nurse respects a person’s intent to terminate his or her own life. Nurses have a duty to protect the safety and well-being of their clients, and to intervene if they suspect suicidal risk.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Organize the reperfusion recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) infusion is not the appropriate step, as it is a treatment for acute ischemic stroke, which has not been confirmed in this client. tPA is a clot-busting drug that can restore blood flow to the brain, but it has strict criteria and time window for its use. The nurse should not assume that the client has a stroke without further assessment and diagnosis.
Choice B reason: Determine symptom onset or when the fall occurred is not the appropriate step, as it is not the priority for this client. The nurse should first assess the client's vital signs, neurologic status, and potential injuries from the fall. The symptom onset or fall time may be relevant for the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause, but it is not the most urgent information to obtain.
Choice C reason: Arrange for a transfer immediately to the radiology department is not the appropriate step, as it is not the most immediate intervention for this client. The nurse should first stabilize the client's condition, perform a thorough assessment, and obtain orders from the medical provider. The radiology department may be needed for diagnostic tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but it is not the first destination for this client.
Choice D reason: Perform a comprehensive neurologic assessment is the appropriate step, as it can help identify the possible cause of the client's balance problem and rule out a stroke or other serious condition. A neurologic assessment includes checking the client's level of consciousness, orientation, speech, cranial nerve function, motor strength, sensory perception, coordination, and reflexes. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose levels.
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