Which statement is true about the mental health of older adults?

Question

a. Nurses should discourage denial and regression so elders can face underlying causes of anxiety directly.
b. Anxiety is distinguished from depression, dementia, and the effects of disease or medication easily.
c. Compulsive rituals surrounding toileting and sleep are signs of a serious mental disorder.
d. The nurse avoids antianxiety medications without an assessment for factors asso-ciated with anxiety.

Answer 1

D

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A Incorrect. Denial and regression may be necessary to enable an older person to cope with underlying stressors.
B Incorrect. Depression, dementia, disease, and medication can produce anxious behavior, and the resultant anxiety can be manifested in a similar manner re-gardless of the cause.
C Incorrect. Compulsive rituals can be a way of coping with challenges leading to anxiety.
D Correct. Without an adequate assessment, medication can exacerbate the prob-lem.