Gerontological Nursing Assessment and Care Flashcards

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards based on geriatric nursing assessment questions covering functional status, medication safety, sleep, and pain management.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

In older adults, negative consequences such as this are associated with obesity, heart failure, and alcohol use disorder.

Postoperative Pain Priority

The nurse's priority when managing a client one day post-surgery is the need to provide prompt and adequate relief of the pain.

Spiritual Needs Assessment Question

When assessing an older adult in the ICU, the nurse asks: "Is there a spiritual leader we can call for you?"

Optimal Functional Status

Indicated by a client's ability to independently bathe, dress, toilet, and meet all activities of daily living (ADLs).

Sleep Deficiency Initial Action

The first action a nurse should take to address sleep needs is to assess and determine the client's sleep patterns.

Older Adult Medication Risk

Nursing staff should be taught that older adults face an increased risk of adverse medication effects.

Gerontological Nursing Practice Improvement

The profession addresses practice deficits through increased nursing education and clinical experience specific to older adult clients.

Health Promotion Activity Intervention

An ideal intervention involves a low-impact walking program using paths in the facility gardens or modified classes providing access for various mobility levels.

Indicator of Persistent Pain

In older adults, persistent pain may be present even if the client's vital signs are unchanged.

Walker Safety Intervention

When a client frequently stumbles with an assistive device, the nurse must first assess the client's mobility and the appropriateness of the device.

Therapeutic Communication for Nursing Home Admission

The best response to family ambivalence is acknowledging: "I am sure this is a difficult decision and that you want the safest best way to care for your family member."

Nursing Home Relocation Trigger

The shift from assisted living to a nursing home is most likely prompted by the onset of dementia and dependency in basic care tasks like bathing and dressing.

Natural Supplement Misconception

Education is needed if a client believes herbal supplements are safe purely because they are "all natural."

Medication Discrepancy Consequence

Failing to identify duplicate or similar medications can results in readmission to an acute care facility within 30 days from discharge.

Heart Disease Health Promotion Misconception

Education is required if a client believes they can eat poorly as long as they are taking their prescribed cholesterol medication.

Adult Day Care Misconception

It is incorrect to believe that an adult day care center can serve as an alternative to medical care.

Minimizing Out-of-pocket Expenses

Nurses can help clients afford care by becoming familiar with various funding sources and their eligibility requirements.

Geriatric Assessment Complexity

Assessment is complex because signs and symptoms of illness are often obscure and less predictable among older adults.

Home Care Plan Priority

When creating a plan of care for a new client, the nurse should prioritize the importance of the client's safety.

Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)

An example of this type of functional task is the ability to clean and maintain an apartment.

Functional Assessment Focus

An evaluation of the client's ability to perform self-care tasks with a focus on rehabilitation.

Sleep Quality Follow-up Question

When a client reports lying awake at night, the nurse asks "How long do you lie awake each night?" to quantify the issue.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Dietary Intervention

A nurse should address low iron levels by suggesting the addition of foods high in iron to the client's diet.