NR 226 Quiz 2

NR 226 Quiz 2

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A client with progressive dementia has reached a stage where independent living is no longer feasible. During a discussion with the client’s only son about healthcare options and long-term living arrangements, the nurse recommends placement in a skilled nursing facility because home care is no longer a safe option for the client.

When assessing an older adult’s understanding of health promotion activities, a reliable indicator is their continued commitment to preventive care. For instance, a client stating, “I still keep my dentist appointments even though I have partials now,” demonstrates awareness of maintaining oral health and regular healthcare visits, which are essential aspects of promoting overall well-being in older adults.

Understanding the distinction between delirium and dementia is crucial in clinical care. Delirium presents with sudden onset of symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, and memory loss, often triggered by an acute illness or medical condition. In contrast, dementia develops gradually, may result from various causes, and does not affect all older adults. Unlike delirium, dementia does not typically cause changes in consciousness.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among older adults, particularly those with multiple comorbidities. Nurses caring for this population should recognize the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment and preventive measures.

Postoperative pain management in cognitively impaired older adults requires careful monitoring. Such clients may have difficulty communicating pain levels, necessitating frequent assessment using validated pain scales or observational methods.

Night terrors are a type of parasomnia often seen in children, characterized by sudden screaming episodes while appearing to be in deep sleep. Parents may express concern about these alarming nocturnal behaviors, and nurses can provide reassurance and guidance on management.

Sleep deprivation is a common contributor to persistent fatigue among young adults, such as college students. Lifestyle factors, academic demands, and inconsistent sleep schedules often exacerbate this problem, highlighting the importance of proper sleep hygiene education.

Older adults frequently nap during the day, which may raise concerns among family members about their nighttime sleep. Nurses should inform families that short daytime naps of 20–30 minutes are typical and generally do not interfere with nighttime sleep.

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is vital for cognitive restoration and emotional processing. During this stage, vivid dreaming occurs, contributing to memory consolidation and overall brain health.

To improve sleep quality among older adults, nurses can recommend environmental and behavioral interventions. Effective strategies include keeping pets out of the bedroom, using room-darkening curtains to minimize light exposure, and maintaining an optimal room temperature for comfort.

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References

• Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., & Rebar, C. R. (2022). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts for interprofessional collaborative care (9th ed.). Elsevier.

• Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2021). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes (9th ed.). Elsevier.

• McCance, K. L., & Huether, S. E. (2021). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children (8th ed.). Elsevier.