The nurse is caring for an older patient. What should the nurse realize is an expected age-related change in this patient's musculoskeletal system?

1. difficulty with dexterity after age 50
2. vertebrae lengthening and thinning, which leads to increased bone production
3. decreased bone mass and calcium absorption, which increase risk for fractures
4. pain when ambulating due to increased bone mass and minerals


Correct Answer: 3
Normal aging is associated with a reduction in bone mass and calcium absorption. Bone production does not increase with aging. Pain with ambulation is not associated with increased bone mass. Difficulty with dexterity is not necessarily a usual occurrence after age 50.

Nursing

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The nurse provides discharge teaching to an older patient recovering from a deep vein thrombosis. Which patient statement indicates that teaching has been effective?

1. "I will limit my fluid intake." 2. "I will rest several additional hours every day." 3. "I will take my medication every day as prescribed." 4. "I will only cross my legs when reading after dinner."

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The client sits in the chair during bed making. Which does the nurse implement for bed making?

1. Keeps the bed in the low position 2. Pulls blanket up to head of the bed 3. Instructs client to hold the side rail 4. Delegates task to assistive personnel

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A client in therapy has been postponing speaking to her mother about a traumatic event in her childhood. The client cries when she thinks about bringing this up, saying, "I'll fall apart, and it will kill her."

Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate? A) "What evidence do you have that that will happen?" B) "What is the worst thing that could happen if you spoke to her?" C) "What other options do you realistically have at this point?" D) "Falling apart about this may be a turning point for you."

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The nurse is reinforcing teaching provided to a patient with polycystic kidney disease. Which patient statements indicate a correct understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

a. "It is a hereditary disease." b. "It affects women more than men." c. "Symptoms appear in early childhood." d. "Genetic counseling is appropriate for individuals with this diagnosis." e. "There is no effective treatment to stop the progression of the disease." f. "It is characterized by the formation of multiple grapelike cysts in the kidney."

Nursing