NU 176 EXAM 4 VERIFIED ANSWERS AND QUESTIONS - MOST
RECENT EDITION 2026
1. Q: How is the Mini-Cog assessment performed?
ANSWER First, use three-word recall by telling the patient three unrelated
words and asking them to repeat them. Second, perform the clock drawing test
by asking the patient to draw a clock with all numbers and set the hands to a
specific time.
2. Q: What interventions can help a patient feel more comfortable and open
up to you?
ANSWER Build rapport by talking about things the patient enjoys, use short
and simple statements, and ask only one question at a time.
3. Q: How should instructions be delivered to an older patient?
ANSWER They should be short and simple, giving only one instruction at a
time.
4. Q: If a patient has lost their job, what is the most appropriate question to
ask?
ANSWER "How has this made you feel?" (Focusing on the emotional
impact).
5. Q: What are "guided choices"?
ANSWER Giving the patient structured but limited options to support their
autonomy while preventing overwhelm.
6. Q: What should you do if a patient is experiencing hallucinations?
ANSWER Stay calm, do not argue about the reality of the hallucination,
acknowledge their feelings, ensure their safety, and redirect them to another
activity.
7. Q: What is a delusion, and what are some common examples?
, ANSWER A fixed false belief that does not change despite evidence.
Examples include believing people are stealing from them, thinking food is
poisoned, or believing a spouse is an imposter.
8. Q: What actions should be taken if a patient becomes physically agitated?
ANSWER Ensure safety and reduce sensory stimulation. Use a calm voice,
identify triggers, and never use restraints unless absolutely required and
ordered. Always consider underlying causes like pain or infection.
9. Q: What factors can cause inappropriate sexual behaviors in older adults?
ANSWER Dementia, delirium, medications (such as dopamine agonists),
unmet emotional needs, or confusion/misinterpretation of social interactions.
10.Q: What are signs that a patient may be planning to commit suicide?
ANSWER Giving away belongings, talking about being a burden,
withdrawing, hoarding pills, making final arrangements, or showing a sudden
calmness after a period of deep depression.
11.Q: What are the common signs and symptoms of depression in older
adults?
ANSWER Decreased appetite, anhedonia (loss of interest), fatigue,
irritability, non-compliance with medications, and social withdrawal.
12.Q: What education should be provided to families of patients
experiencing delirium?
ANSWER Explain that it is usually reversible. Advise keeping the
environment consistent and well-lit, encouraging family presence, and reporting
early signs like restlessness or poor focus.
13.Q: How is dementia defined?
ANSWER A progressive, irreversible decline in cognitive functioning that
interferes with daily life, including memory loss and impaired reasoning.
[Image comparing a healthy brain vs. a brain with Alzheimer's disease]
14.Q: What is considered a restraint?
ANSWER Anything that restricts freedom of movement, including physical
ties, certain bed rails, or "chemical" restraints (medications).
15.Q: Which patients typically require Home Health care?
RECENT EDITION 2026
1. Q: How is the Mini-Cog assessment performed?
ANSWER First, use three-word recall by telling the patient three unrelated
words and asking them to repeat them. Second, perform the clock drawing test
by asking the patient to draw a clock with all numbers and set the hands to a
specific time.
2. Q: What interventions can help a patient feel more comfortable and open
up to you?
ANSWER Build rapport by talking about things the patient enjoys, use short
and simple statements, and ask only one question at a time.
3. Q: How should instructions be delivered to an older patient?
ANSWER They should be short and simple, giving only one instruction at a
time.
4. Q: If a patient has lost their job, what is the most appropriate question to
ask?
ANSWER "How has this made you feel?" (Focusing on the emotional
impact).
5. Q: What are "guided choices"?
ANSWER Giving the patient structured but limited options to support their
autonomy while preventing overwhelm.
6. Q: What should you do if a patient is experiencing hallucinations?
ANSWER Stay calm, do not argue about the reality of the hallucination,
acknowledge their feelings, ensure their safety, and redirect them to another
activity.
7. Q: What is a delusion, and what are some common examples?
, ANSWER A fixed false belief that does not change despite evidence.
Examples include believing people are stealing from them, thinking food is
poisoned, or believing a spouse is an imposter.
8. Q: What actions should be taken if a patient becomes physically agitated?
ANSWER Ensure safety and reduce sensory stimulation. Use a calm voice,
identify triggers, and never use restraints unless absolutely required and
ordered. Always consider underlying causes like pain or infection.
9. Q: What factors can cause inappropriate sexual behaviors in older adults?
ANSWER Dementia, delirium, medications (such as dopamine agonists),
unmet emotional needs, or confusion/misinterpretation of social interactions.
10.Q: What are signs that a patient may be planning to commit suicide?
ANSWER Giving away belongings, talking about being a burden,
withdrawing, hoarding pills, making final arrangements, or showing a sudden
calmness after a period of deep depression.
11.Q: What are the common signs and symptoms of depression in older
adults?
ANSWER Decreased appetite, anhedonia (loss of interest), fatigue,
irritability, non-compliance with medications, and social withdrawal.
12.Q: What education should be provided to families of patients
experiencing delirium?
ANSWER Explain that it is usually reversible. Advise keeping the
environment consistent and well-lit, encouraging family presence, and reporting
early signs like restlessness or poor focus.
13.Q: How is dementia defined?
ANSWER A progressive, irreversible decline in cognitive functioning that
interferes with daily life, including memory loss and impaired reasoning.
[Image comparing a healthy brain vs. a brain with Alzheimer's disease]
14.Q: What is considered a restraint?
ANSWER Anything that restricts freedom of movement, including physical
ties, certain bed rails, or "chemical" restraints (medications).
15.Q: Which patients typically require Home Health care?
