1. When caring for an older patient with hypertension who has been hospitalized after a transient ischemic

(TIA), which topic is the most important for the nurseto include in the discharge teaching?

a) Effect of atherosclerosis on blood vessels

b) Mechanism of action of anticoagulant drug therapy

c) Symptoms indicating that the patient should contact the health care provider

d) Impact of the patient’s family history on likelihood of developing a seriousstroke

ANS: C

One of the tasks for patients with chronic illnesses is to prevent and manage a crisis. The patient needs

instruction on recognition of symptoms of hypertensionand TIA and appropriate actions to take if these

symptoms occur. The other information may also be included in patient teaching but is not as essential in the

patient’s self-management of the illness.

2. The nurse performs a comprehensive assessment of an older patient who is considering admission to an

assisted living facility. Which question is the most important for the nurse to ask?

a) “Have you had any recent infections?”

b) “How frequently do you see a doctor?”

c) “Do you have a history of heart disease?”

d) “Are you able to prepare your own meals?”

ANS: D

The patient’s functional abilities, rather than the presence of an acute or chronicillness, are more useful in

determining how well the patient might adapt to an