Chapter 06: Communicating with Older Adults Touhy: Ebersole & Hess' Toward Healthy Aging, 9th Edition MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. When caring for an ill adult client, the nurse is particularly concerned that the client
communicates well since: a. assessment, planning of care, and even the therapeutic relationship is based on effective communication. b. it is the social connection that all individuals base interpersonal relationships upon. c. how well an individual communicates is a reflection on both his or her physical and emotional well-being. d. the need to communicate is a basic need of all individuals. ANS: A
Good communication skills are the basis for accurate assessment, care planning, and the development of therapeutic relationships between the nurse and the older person. While the other options are true they do not directly address the concerns of an ailing client. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding REF: p. 65 TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance 2. Which statement by the nurse is the strongest example of ageism by professional nurses? a. “It takes a special nurse to provide good care to the older population of clients.” b. “It’s difficult for a nurse to develop an effective relationship with an older client
because of the barriers their age creates.” c. “It is so difficult to find nurses who are truly effective geriatric nurses.” d. “With the older population increasing so dramatically in numbers, nursing will
have a difficult time meeting their needs.” ANS: C
Ageism affects health professionals as well as the general public and this attitude is reflected in the lack of nurses who choose to work in the field of geriatrics. The characteristics of a “good geriatric nurse” are no different than those of any effective nurse. Assuming that age produces barriers to an effective nurse-client relationship is an example of ageism. The growing number of older adults is not an example of ageism. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding REF: p. 66 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance 3. When conducting an admissions interview with an older client, the nurse observes that the
client pauses for a period of time before responding to the questions. The nurse responds to this client based on the assumption that the client is: a. exhibiting signs of mild cognitive impairment. b. nervous and having difficulty concentrating on the questions. c. reluctant to share information with someone with whom he or she has no relationship. d. sorting through his or her vast life experiences in order to answer appropriately.
