Which assessment finding of an older adult living in an assisted-living facility indicates the highest risk for suicide?

Older adult declines company, is preoccupied with lethal weapons.

Liver failure is due to alcohol abuse, older adult is popular at meals.

Refuses to allow a large, extended family to help him.

The older adult had an overdose of acetaminophen 20 years ago; is in a sewing group.

None of the above.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Older adult declines company, is preoccupied with lethal weapons is the highest risk factor for suicide, as it indicates social isolation, hopelessness, and suicidal intent. The older adult may be suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that impair their quality of life and increase their likelihood of harming themselves.

Choice B reason: Liver failure is due to alcohol abuse, older adult is popular at meals is not the highest risk factor for suicide, as it does not indicate suicidal ideation or behavior. The older adult may have a chronic medical condition that affects their liver function, but they may also have a supportive social network and coping skills that reduce their risk of suicide.

Choice C reason: Refuses to allow a large, extended family to help him is not the highest risk factor for suicide, as it does not indicate suicidal ideation or behavior. The older adult may have a preference for independence and autonomy, or they may have a strained relationship with their family. However, they may also have other sources of support and meaning in their life that lower their risk of suicide.

Choice D reason: The older adult had an overdose of acetaminophen 20 years ago; is in a sewing group is not the highest risk factor for suicide, as it does not indicate current suicidal ideation or behavior. The older adult may have a history of a suicide attempt, but they may also have recovered from their past crisis and found a positive outlet for their emotions and interests in the sewing group.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that indicates the highest risk for suicide.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: ASA (aspirin) is not the best choice, as it can cause bleeding, ulcers, and allergic reactions in some older adults. ASA is also metabolized by the liver, which may be affected by chronic kidney disease.

Choice B reason: Meperidine (Demerol) is not the best choice, as it is a narcotic analgesic that can cause respiratory depression, sedation, and dependence in older adults. Meperidine is also excreted by the kidneys, which may be impaired by chronic kidney disease.

Choice C reason: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is not the best choice, as it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause kidney damage, fluid retention, and hypertension in older adults. Ibuprofen is also contraindicated in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Choice D reason: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the best choice, as it is a mild analgesic that can relieve pain without causing significant side effects in older adults. Acetaminophen is also safe to use in patients with chronic kidney disease, as long as the dose is adjusted according to the liver function.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the best choice for treating mild back pain in an older adult who has chronic kidney disease.

A. The classic symptoms may not be present in older adults. B. There are no recognizable symptoms; it is a 'silent killer'. C. Presenting symptoms occur very quickly. D. The disease rarely occurs in older adults.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because thyroid disorders can cause nonspecific symptoms in older adults, such as fatigue, weight loss, depression, or cognitive impairment, that may be attributed to aging or other conditions.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because there are recognizable symptoms of thyroid disorders, such as goiter, palpitations, tremors, heat intolerance, or cold intolerance, depending on whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive. However, these symptoms may be less obvious or absent in older adults.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because presenting symptoms of thyroid disorders do not occur very quickly, but rather gradually over time. This may delay the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because the disease is not rare in older adults, but rather more common, especially in women. The prevalence of thyroid disorders increases with age, and can affect up to 20% of older adults.

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Which assessment finding of an older adult living in an assisted-living facility indicates the highest risk for suicide?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following would be the best choice for treating mild back pain in an older adult who has chronic kidney disease? Liver enzymes are within normal limits.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which is the most likely reason that thyroid disorders are often difficult to diagnose in older adults?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

After completing an admission assessment on a client who recently experienced a stroke, the nurse should choose which of the following nursing diagnoses as a priority?

When educating a client on the use of an adjuvant medication, which statement best demonstrates the nurse’s understanding of this therapy?

The nurse notices that an older adult’s urine is concentrated. Which step should the nurse implement next?

The nurse uses comfort measures to enhance an older adult's pharmacological pain management. Which of the following would be most helpful for the nurse to use to identify the relationships between the comfort measures, activity, and pharmacotherapy, and the older adult's pain level?

You realize that your client's bladder functions are only slightly altered by the physiological changes of age. What might you expect if an older person is experiencing urinary incontinence?

Which of the following assessments should be included in a post-fall prevention assessment of an older adult? (Select all that apply)

A large residual urine volume characterizes what type of incontinence?