A nurse manager at a long-term care facility is engaged in efforts to change many staff members' inaccurate and negative views of older adults. When talking with the staff, which statement indicates the need for the nurse manager to intervene?
"It is normal to expect a gradual loss of memory and intelligence with age."
"Older adults' motor skills get progressively slower as they age."
"A lot of the physical changes that accompany aging are inevitable
"Older people seem to have many more chronic health problems than younger people."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "It is normal to expect a gradual loss of memory and intelligence with age." - This statement reflects a negative stereotype about older adults, suggesting that memory decline and decreased intelligence are typical aspects of aging. While some cognitive changes may occur with age, such as slower processing speed, memory decline is not an inevitable part of aging for all older adults. The nurse manager should intervene to address and correct this misconception.
B. "Older adults' motor skills get progressively slower as they age." - This statement acknowledges a common physiological change associated with aging. While motor skills may decline to some extent with age, it is not necessarily negative or inaccurate to recognize this change. However, it is essential to ensure that such statements are not presented in a demeaning or stigmatizing manner.
C. "A lot of the physical changes that accompany aging are inevitable." - This statement acknowledges the reality of physical changes that occur with aging, which is generally accurate. However, it is essential to emphasize that while some changes may be common, they are not necessarily inevitable for all older adults. Intervening to provide a balanced perspective and address any misconceptions would still be beneficial.
D. "Older people seem to have many more chronic health problems than younger people." - This statement reflects a factual observation about the prevalence of chronic health conditions in older adults compared to younger age groups. While it may seem negative, it is generally accurate and does not necessarily require intervention from the nurse manager unless it is presented in a stigmatizing or discriminatory manner.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "This understanding will help your clients stay younger longer and delay the onset of old age.": While understanding the aging process can inform strategies for healthy aging, it is unrealistic to suggest that it will prevent aging altogether or delay its onset significantly. This response may create unrealistic expectations and is not entirely accurate.
B. "It is important to know what happens to help your clients engage in more positive health practices.": This response is appropriate because understanding the aging process allows nurses to educate clients about age-related changes and promote behaviors that support healthy aging. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge in facilitating positive health practices among older adults.
C. "It is crucial so you can help your clients learn to accept their limitations.": While acceptance of limitations is part of adapting to aging, it is not the primary reason for understanding the aging process. This response does not fully capture the breadth of knowledge needed to support older adults' health and well-being.
D. "It is important because it will help your clients live longer with their long-term disabilities.": While understanding aging can help nurses support clients with disabilities, the primary goal is to promote overall well-being and quality of life rather than simply prolonging life with disabilities. This response focuses narrowly on disabilities rather than the broader aspects of aging.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Diseases such as arthritis, which we term 'autoimmune,' make you more likely to catch viruses and other bugs."
This statement incorrectly suggests that autoimmune diseases like arthritis increase the likelihood of catching viruses and other bugs. In reality, autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, but they do not necessarily make individuals more susceptible to infections. This statement could lead to confusion and misunderstanding about the relationship between autoimmune diseases and infectious illnesses.
B. "Changes that we call 'mutations in your cells make your organs more vulnerable to chronic illness and germs."
This statement introduces the concept of mutations in cells, which can lead to various health conditions, including cancer. However, it does not specifically address the role of the immune response and autoimmune activity in the aging process. While mutations can indeed affect organ function and susceptibility to illness, this statement does not provide a comprehensive explanation of how the aging immune system contributes to these processes.
C. "You may have more difficulty fighting off infections because of a weaker immune system, and it is possible your body will attack itself."
This statement effectively communicates two important aspects of the aging immune system: the weakening of the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infections, and the potential for autoimmune activity, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. It accurately describes how these factors contribute to the aging process and its impact on immune function, making it a clear and relevant explanation for the client.
D. "Our bodies seem to have an 'expiration date,' after which all people are far more likely to get infections and develop chronic illness."
This statement oversimplifies the aging process by suggesting that everyone has an "expiration date" after which they are more likely to experience infections and chronic illness. While it is true that aging is associated with changes in immune function and increased susceptibility to certain health conditions, such as infections and chronic diseases, the aging process is complex and varies among individuals. This statement does not provide a nuanced explanation of the role of the immune response and autoimmune activity in aging.
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