COMPREHENSIVE GERO HESI ACTUAL
EXAM PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+
◍ The registered nurse (RN) is caring for an elderly client with functional
incontinence who lives in an assisted living community. The client is alert
and mildly confused and can self-ambulate. Which nursing intervention
should the RN implement?
A. Offer assistance with toileting q2 hours
B. Use protective disposal undergarment instead of underwear
C. Ask if the client has attempted to void q2 hours
D. Obtain a prescription for intermittent catheterization.
Answer: (A) Offer assistance with toileting q2 hoursRationale: Maintaining
independence and self-esteem is important for an older client with
incontinence. (A) decreases the client's chances of accidents and
embarrassment by introducing a toilet training program. (B) is not
implemented unless toileting program is unsuccessful and the client's mental
status declines. A confused client will not remember how many times he or
she frequented the toilet, so (C) is not helpful for the client. (D) is not
indicated for clients with functional intolerance and who can ambulate.
◍ When performing a comprehensive geriatric assessment of an older adult,
focus of the nursing assessment is on the patient's:
A. Physical signs of aging.
B. Immunological function.
C. Functional abilities.
D. Chronic illness..
Answer: C. Functional abilities.
◍ You are caring for a 78 year-old female cardiac patient. In preconference,
, your clinical instructor asks you what is an age-related change in the cardiac
system of the older adult? Your best response would be Student Response
Value Correct Answer Feedback1. Decreased blood pressure 2. Decreased
cardiac output 3. Increase ability to respond to stress 4. Increased heart
recovery rate.
Answer: 2. Decreased cardiac output
◍ A 76-year-old adult female is brought to a neighborhood client after being
found wandering around the local park. The client appears disheveled and
reports being hungry. Which of the following assessment and interview
findings would cause the nurse to suspect elder abuse? (Select all that
apply.)
A. Falls asleep in the examination room B. Repeatedly states, "Don't hurt
me." C. Chafing around wrists and ankles D. Bruises in various stages of
healing.
Answer: B. Repeatedly states, "Don't hurt me." C. Chafing around wrists
and ankles D. Bruises in various stages of healing
◍ A patient is taking delayed-release omeprazole (Prilosec) capsules for the
treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which statement will
the nurse include in the teaching plan about this medication? A. "Take this
medication once a day after breakfast."
B. "You will only have to be on this medication for 2 weeks for a life long
treatment of the reflux disease."
C. "The medication may be dissolved in a liquid for better absorption." D.
"The entire capsule should be taken whole, not crushed, chewed, or
opened.".
Answer: D. "The entire capsule should be taken whole, not crushed, chewed,
or opened."
◍ Which age-related change should the nurse consider when formulating a
plan of care for an older adult? Select all that apply.
A. Difficulty in swallowing
B. Increased sensitivity to heat
, C. Increased sensitivity to glare
D. Diminished sensation of pain
E. Heightened response to stimuli.
Answer: C. D.Changes in the ciliary muscles, decrease in pupil size, and a
more rigid pupil sphincter contribute to an increased sensitivity to
glare.Diminished sensation of pain may make an older adult unaware of a
serious illness, thermal extremes, or excessive pressure.There should be no
interference with swallowing in older adults. Older adults tend to feel the
cold and rarely complain of the heat. There is a decreased response to
stimuli in older adults.
◍ During the quarterly evaluations of the clients in the assisted living
community, the registered nurse (RN) assesses for findings of failure to
thrive in the older population. What findings should the RN document and
report as manifestations related to failure to thrive? (Select all that apply.)
A. Unintentional weight loss
B. Increased weakness
C. Increased amounts of sleep
D. Irritation and agitation
E. Seeking constant attention from caregiver.
Answer: (A) Unintentional weight loss(B) Increased weakness(C) Increased
amounts of sleepRationale: (A, B and C) are correct. Symptoms of failure to
thrive in the older population include weight loss, weakness and excessive
sleep, which should be documented and evaluated by a healthcare provider
immediately. (D and E) are not usual signs and symptoms of failure to thrive
but should be reviewed by the healthcare provider.
◍ The nurse works with elderly clients in a wellness screening clinic on a
weekly basis. Which of the following statements made by the nurse is the
most therapeutic regarding their mobility?
A. "Your shoulder pain is normal for your age." B. "Continue to exercise
your joints regularly to your tolerance level."
C. "Why don't you begin walking 3 to 4 miles a day, and we'll evaluate how
you feel next week."
, D. "Don't worry about taking that combination of medications since your
doctor has prescribed them.".
Answer: B. "Continue to exercise your joints regularly to your tolerance
level."
◍ When caring for an older adult patient, the nurse uses the following
interventions to accommodate visual changes with age: A. Eye glasses in the
bedside table. B. Adequate lighting and uncluttered walkways.
C. Draw drapes in room to prevent glare.
D. Keep bedside rails down..
Answer: B. Adequate lighting and uncluttered walkways.
◍ When assessing an older client, which age-related changes in the
cardiovascular system should the registered nurse (RN) document? (Select
all that apply.)
A. Dyspnea
B. Chest pain
C. Cardiac murmurs
D. Widening pulse pressure
E. Irregular heart rate.
Answer: (C), (D)Rationale: For older clients, the expected age-related
changes in the cardiovascular system include murmurs (C) and widening
pulse pressure (D). (A, B and E) are not normal findings and require further
evaluation.
◍ The leading cause of injury and preventable source of mortality and
morbidity in older adults is 1. presbycusis. 2. car accidents. 3. pneumonia. 4.
falls..
Answer: 4. falls.
◍ Nursing actions for an older adult should include health education and
promotion of self-care. Which is most important when working with an
older adult client?
A. Encouraging frequent naps
B. Strengthening the concept of ageism
EXAM PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+
◍ The registered nurse (RN) is caring for an elderly client with functional
incontinence who lives in an assisted living community. The client is alert
and mildly confused and can self-ambulate. Which nursing intervention
should the RN implement?
A. Offer assistance with toileting q2 hours
B. Use protective disposal undergarment instead of underwear
C. Ask if the client has attempted to void q2 hours
D. Obtain a prescription for intermittent catheterization.
Answer: (A) Offer assistance with toileting q2 hoursRationale: Maintaining
independence and self-esteem is important for an older client with
incontinence. (A) decreases the client's chances of accidents and
embarrassment by introducing a toilet training program. (B) is not
implemented unless toileting program is unsuccessful and the client's mental
status declines. A confused client will not remember how many times he or
she frequented the toilet, so (C) is not helpful for the client. (D) is not
indicated for clients with functional intolerance and who can ambulate.
◍ When performing a comprehensive geriatric assessment of an older adult,
focus of the nursing assessment is on the patient's:
A. Physical signs of aging.
B. Immunological function.
C. Functional abilities.
D. Chronic illness..
Answer: C. Functional abilities.
◍ You are caring for a 78 year-old female cardiac patient. In preconference,
, your clinical instructor asks you what is an age-related change in the cardiac
system of the older adult? Your best response would be Student Response
Value Correct Answer Feedback1. Decreased blood pressure 2. Decreased
cardiac output 3. Increase ability to respond to stress 4. Increased heart
recovery rate.
Answer: 2. Decreased cardiac output
◍ A 76-year-old adult female is brought to a neighborhood client after being
found wandering around the local park. The client appears disheveled and
reports being hungry. Which of the following assessment and interview
findings would cause the nurse to suspect elder abuse? (Select all that
apply.)
A. Falls asleep in the examination room B. Repeatedly states, "Don't hurt
me." C. Chafing around wrists and ankles D. Bruises in various stages of
healing.
Answer: B. Repeatedly states, "Don't hurt me." C. Chafing around wrists
and ankles D. Bruises in various stages of healing
◍ A patient is taking delayed-release omeprazole (Prilosec) capsules for the
treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which statement will
the nurse include in the teaching plan about this medication? A. "Take this
medication once a day after breakfast."
B. "You will only have to be on this medication for 2 weeks for a life long
treatment of the reflux disease."
C. "The medication may be dissolved in a liquid for better absorption." D.
"The entire capsule should be taken whole, not crushed, chewed, or
opened.".
Answer: D. "The entire capsule should be taken whole, not crushed, chewed,
or opened."
◍ Which age-related change should the nurse consider when formulating a
plan of care for an older adult? Select all that apply.
A. Difficulty in swallowing
B. Increased sensitivity to heat
, C. Increased sensitivity to glare
D. Diminished sensation of pain
E. Heightened response to stimuli.
Answer: C. D.Changes in the ciliary muscles, decrease in pupil size, and a
more rigid pupil sphincter contribute to an increased sensitivity to
glare.Diminished sensation of pain may make an older adult unaware of a
serious illness, thermal extremes, or excessive pressure.There should be no
interference with swallowing in older adults. Older adults tend to feel the
cold and rarely complain of the heat. There is a decreased response to
stimuli in older adults.
◍ During the quarterly evaluations of the clients in the assisted living
community, the registered nurse (RN) assesses for findings of failure to
thrive in the older population. What findings should the RN document and
report as manifestations related to failure to thrive? (Select all that apply.)
A. Unintentional weight loss
B. Increased weakness
C. Increased amounts of sleep
D. Irritation and agitation
E. Seeking constant attention from caregiver.
Answer: (A) Unintentional weight loss(B) Increased weakness(C) Increased
amounts of sleepRationale: (A, B and C) are correct. Symptoms of failure to
thrive in the older population include weight loss, weakness and excessive
sleep, which should be documented and evaluated by a healthcare provider
immediately. (D and E) are not usual signs and symptoms of failure to thrive
but should be reviewed by the healthcare provider.
◍ The nurse works with elderly clients in a wellness screening clinic on a
weekly basis. Which of the following statements made by the nurse is the
most therapeutic regarding their mobility?
A. "Your shoulder pain is normal for your age." B. "Continue to exercise
your joints regularly to your tolerance level."
C. "Why don't you begin walking 3 to 4 miles a day, and we'll evaluate how
you feel next week."
, D. "Don't worry about taking that combination of medications since your
doctor has prescribed them.".
Answer: B. "Continue to exercise your joints regularly to your tolerance
level."
◍ When caring for an older adult patient, the nurse uses the following
interventions to accommodate visual changes with age: A. Eye glasses in the
bedside table. B. Adequate lighting and uncluttered walkways.
C. Draw drapes in room to prevent glare.
D. Keep bedside rails down..
Answer: B. Adequate lighting and uncluttered walkways.
◍ When assessing an older client, which age-related changes in the
cardiovascular system should the registered nurse (RN) document? (Select
all that apply.)
A. Dyspnea
B. Chest pain
C. Cardiac murmurs
D. Widening pulse pressure
E. Irregular heart rate.
Answer: (C), (D)Rationale: For older clients, the expected age-related
changes in the cardiovascular system include murmurs (C) and widening
pulse pressure (D). (A, B and E) are not normal findings and require further
evaluation.
◍ The leading cause of injury and preventable source of mortality and
morbidity in older adults is 1. presbycusis. 2. car accidents. 3. pneumonia. 4.
falls..
Answer: 4. falls.
◍ Nursing actions for an older adult should include health education and
promotion of self-care. Which is most important when working with an
older adult client?
A. Encouraging frequent naps
B. Strengthening the concept of ageism
