Based on an understanding of the cognitive changes that normally occur with aging. what would the nurse expect a newly hospitalized older adult to do?
Interrupt with frequent questions
Answer slowly and be confused
Withdraw from strangers
Take longer to respond and react
The Correct Answer is D
A) Interrupt with frequent questions: While older adults may have questions, they typically do not interrupt frequently. This behavior is more indicative of anxiety or agitation rather than a cognitive change associated with aging.
B) Answer slowly and be confused: While some older adults may exhibit slower responses, confusion is not a normal cognitive change associated with aging. Confusion may suggest underlying issues such as delirium or dementia, rather than typical age-related cognitive changes.
C) Withdraw from strangers: Social withdrawal can occur in some older adults, but it is not a universal expectation. Many older adults remain engaged and sociable, and withdrawal is more commonly associated with mental health issues rather than cognitive changes.
D) Take longer to respond and react: It is common for older adults to take longer to process information and respond due to normal cognitive slowing. This may reflect changes in processing speed rather than a decline in cognitive function, and it is an expected part of aging.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) To determine the location of the pain: While knowing the location of the pain can be relevant for overall assessment, this is not the main reason for reassessing pain after treatment. The focus is more on understanding the response to treatment rather than just identifying where the pain is.
B) To establish the effectiveness of medication: Reassessing pain after treatment is essential to evaluate how well the medication has alleviated the pain. This helps the nurse determine if the current pain management approach is effective or if modifications are necessary to improve the patient's comfort.
C) To make changes to the patient's pain goal: While understanding pain levels can inform care planning, the primary purpose of reassessing pain is to gauge treatment effectiveness rather than directly changing the pain management goals at that moment.
D) To measure the pain's duration: Measuring the duration of pain may be useful in a broader context of pain management, but it is not the immediate rationale for reassessing pain after treatment. The focus should be on the effectiveness of the intervention rather than just how long the pain lasts.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Subjective report: The most reliable indicator of pain is the patient's own description of their experience. Pain is inherently subjective, and individuals may perceive and express pain differently. Listening to the client's self-report provides valuable insight into their pain intensity, quality, and impact on daily life, which cannot be accurately assessed through objective measures alone.
B) Physical exam: While a physical exam can provide important information about potential sources of pain or related conditions, it may not accurately reflect the intensity or nature of the pain the patient is experiencing. Physical findings may vary widely among individuals with similar pain complaints, making this a less reliable indicator.
C) Results of a CAT scan: Imaging studies like CAT scans can identify structural issues, such as fractures or tumors, but they do not measure pain. Many patients with significant pain may have normal imaging results, while others with severe findings may report minimal discomfort, underscoring the limitations of relying solely on diagnostic tests.
D) The client's vital signs: Vital signs can indicate physiological responses to pain, such as increased heart rate or blood pressure, but they are not specific indicators of pain severity. Many factors can influence vital signs, including anxiety and other medical conditions, making them unreliable for assessing pain levels independently.