Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What should a nurse emphasize in a health education session with elderly clients regarding emotions?

1. Emotion regulation is unnecessary in old age

2. Emotions diminish with age

3. Older adults may have heightened emotional responses to loss

4. Emotional intelligence increases with age

The correct answer is: Older adults may have heightened emotional responses to loss

Emphasizing that older adults may have heightened emotional responses to loss is important in health education because as individuals age, they often experience significant life changes, including the loss of friends, family members, and even their own physical capabilities. These experiences can lead to intensified feelings of grief, sadness, or anxiety. By acknowledging that older adults might experience more profound emotional reactions, healthcare providers can validate their feelings and promote open discussions about these emotions. This understanding can facilitate better coping strategies and support systems among elderly clients, helping them to process their emotions in a healthy way. It also underscores the importance of emotional support and mental health resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by older populations. The other statements do not accurately reflect the emotional experiences typical in older adults. For instance, suggesting that emotion regulation is unnecessary overlooks the benefits of emotional coping strategies, while implying that emotions diminish with age ignores the complexity of emotional responses that can intensify during times of loss or change. Lastly, although emotional intelligence might develop with age, it does not directly relate to the context of heightened emotional responses to loss.