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

The classic symptoms may not be present in older adults.

There are no recognizable symptoms; it is a 'silent killer'.

Presenting symptoms occur very quickly.

The disease rarely occurs in older adults.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Changing facial expression is not a likely action to be observed during the assessment, as PD causes reduced facial expression or mask-like face. The client may have difficulty blinking, smiling, or showing emotions.

Choice B reason: Frequent movement is not a likely action to be observed during the assessment, as PD causes slowed movement or bradykinesia. The client may have difficulty initiating, continuing, or completing movements.

Choice C reason: Resting hand tremors is a likely action to be observed during the assessment, as PD causes rhythmic shaking of the hands, fingers, or other body parts. The tremors usually occur when the affected limb is at rest and may decrease when the client is performing tasks.

Choice D reason: Fast movements is not a likely action to be observed during the assessment, as PD causes impaired movement or dyskinesia. The client may have involuntary, jerky, or twisting movements that are often unpredictable and uncontrollable.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is a likely action to be observed during the assessment.

A. Type 2 diabetes is the result of the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin. B. The incidence of diabetes mellitus does not increase with age. C. Diabetes is diagnosed after two fasting plasma glucose readings over 125 mg/dL. D. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is another name for type 1 diabetes.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This statement is false, as type 2 diabetes is not the result of the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin, but rather the result of the reduced sensitivity of the cells to insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels. The pancreas may still produce some insulin, but not enough to meet the body's needs.

Choice B reason: This statement is false, as the incidence of diabetes mellitus does increase with age, due to various factors, such as decreased physical activity, increased weight, reduced muscle mass, or impaired insulin secretion or action.

Choice C reason: This statement is true, as diabetes is diagnosed after two fasting plasma glucose readings over 125 mg/dL, according to the American Diabetes Association. Fasting plasma glucose is the blood sugar level measured after at least eight hours of fasting.

Choice D reason: This statement is false, as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is another name for type 2 diabetes, not type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, as it requires insulin injections or pumps to control the blood sugar levels.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A new nurse in a long-term care facility is caring for a client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). The nurse should note that which one of the following actions is likely to be observed during the assessment?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which of the following statements is true about diabetes mellitus?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which of the following statements is true about Parkinson disease (PD)?

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A nurse measures an older adult's blood pressure on the right arm and notes a reading of 150/100. The nurse waits 5 minutes and measures the blood pressure again in the right arm and obtains a reading of 152/100. What is the next action by the nurse?