MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY NUR 323 – GERONTOLOGY
NURSING EXAM 3|QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS|GRADED A+|2026 UPDATE
1. Which is a normal cardiovascular change in older adults?
A. Increased systolic blood pressure
B. Decreased arterial stiffness
C. Increased resting cardiac output
D. Bradycardia at rest
Answer: A
Rationale: Aging leads to arterial stiffening, which increases systolic blood pressure.
2. Which symptom may indicate early heart failure?
A. Dyspnea on exertion
B. Severe headache
C. Rash
D. High fever
Answer: A
Rationale: Shortness of breath during activity often precedes overt heart failure.
3. Which intervention helps prevent orthostatic hypotension?
A. Encourage slow position changes
B. Rapid standing from bed
C. Limit fluid intake
D. Avoid leg movement
Answer: A
Rationale: Gradual changes allow cardiovascular adjustment and reduce dizziness.
4. Which lab is most reliable for long-term nutritional status?
A. Albumin
B. Sodium
C. Creatinine
D. Glucose
Answer: A
Rationale: Albumin reflects protein status over weeks.
,5. Which musculoskeletal change increases fall risk?
A. Sarcopenia and decreased bone density
B. Increased joint flexibility
C. Rapid muscle growth
D. Increased tendon elasticity
Answer: A
Rationale: Loss of muscle and bone mass weakens balance and stability.
6. Which intervention promotes mobility?
A. Encourage regular walking and resistance exercises
B. Prolonged bed rest
C. Avoid physical activity
D. Only passive range of motion exercises
Answer: A
Rationale: Activity maintains muscle strength, balance, and joint flexibility.
7. Which respiratory change is normal with aging?
A. Decreased lung elasticity
B. Increased tidal volume
C. Increased alveolar surface area
D. Rapid recovery from hypoxia
Answer: A
Rationale: Aging reduces lung compliance and gas exchange efficiency.
8. Which symptom is often an atypical sign of infection in older adults?
A. Confusion or delirium
B. High fever
C. Rash
D. Severe pain
Answer: A
Rationale: Older adults may not develop classic fever; cognitive changes can indicate
infection.
9. Which factor increases fall risk?
A. Polypharmacy
B. Strong leg muscles
C. Handrails
D. Adequate lighting
Answer: A
Rationale: Multiple medications can cause dizziness, hypotension, and balance issues.
, 10. Which intervention reduces fall risk at home?
A. Remove loose rugs and obstacles
B. Encourage slippery socks
C. Dim lighting
D. Avoid handrails
Answer: A
Rationale: Environmental safety modifications prevent tripping.
11. Which is a common gastrointestinal change in older adults?
A. Decreased gastric acid secretion
B. Rapid nutrient absorption
C. Increased appetite
D. Increased peristalsis
Answer: A
Rationale: Reduced gastric acid can impair digestion and nutrient absorption.
12. Which intervention prevents constipation?
A. High-fiber diet, hydration, and physical activity
B. Prolonged bed rest
C. Limit fluids
D. Avoid fruits and vegetables
Answer: A
Rationale: Fiber, fluids, and exercise support bowel regularity.
13. Which psychosocial change is common in older adults?
A. Social isolation
B. Sudden personality shifts
C. Complete dependence
D. Inability to form relationships
Answer: A
Rationale: Retirement, mobility limitations, and loss of peers can cause isolation.
14. Which factor increases risk of delirium?
A. Acute illness, infection, or medications
B. Stable routines
C. Adequate hydration
D. Familiar caregivers
NURSING EXAM 3|QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS|GRADED A+|2026 UPDATE
1. Which is a normal cardiovascular change in older adults?
A. Increased systolic blood pressure
B. Decreased arterial stiffness
C. Increased resting cardiac output
D. Bradycardia at rest
Answer: A
Rationale: Aging leads to arterial stiffening, which increases systolic blood pressure.
2. Which symptom may indicate early heart failure?
A. Dyspnea on exertion
B. Severe headache
C. Rash
D. High fever
Answer: A
Rationale: Shortness of breath during activity often precedes overt heart failure.
3. Which intervention helps prevent orthostatic hypotension?
A. Encourage slow position changes
B. Rapid standing from bed
C. Limit fluid intake
D. Avoid leg movement
Answer: A
Rationale: Gradual changes allow cardiovascular adjustment and reduce dizziness.
4. Which lab is most reliable for long-term nutritional status?
A. Albumin
B. Sodium
C. Creatinine
D. Glucose
Answer: A
Rationale: Albumin reflects protein status over weeks.
,5. Which musculoskeletal change increases fall risk?
A. Sarcopenia and decreased bone density
B. Increased joint flexibility
C. Rapid muscle growth
D. Increased tendon elasticity
Answer: A
Rationale: Loss of muscle and bone mass weakens balance and stability.
6. Which intervention promotes mobility?
A. Encourage regular walking and resistance exercises
B. Prolonged bed rest
C. Avoid physical activity
D. Only passive range of motion exercises
Answer: A
Rationale: Activity maintains muscle strength, balance, and joint flexibility.
7. Which respiratory change is normal with aging?
A. Decreased lung elasticity
B. Increased tidal volume
C. Increased alveolar surface area
D. Rapid recovery from hypoxia
Answer: A
Rationale: Aging reduces lung compliance and gas exchange efficiency.
8. Which symptom is often an atypical sign of infection in older adults?
A. Confusion or delirium
B. High fever
C. Rash
D. Severe pain
Answer: A
Rationale: Older adults may not develop classic fever; cognitive changes can indicate
infection.
9. Which factor increases fall risk?
A. Polypharmacy
B. Strong leg muscles
C. Handrails
D. Adequate lighting
Answer: A
Rationale: Multiple medications can cause dizziness, hypotension, and balance issues.
, 10. Which intervention reduces fall risk at home?
A. Remove loose rugs and obstacles
B. Encourage slippery socks
C. Dim lighting
D. Avoid handrails
Answer: A
Rationale: Environmental safety modifications prevent tripping.
11. Which is a common gastrointestinal change in older adults?
A. Decreased gastric acid secretion
B. Rapid nutrient absorption
C. Increased appetite
D. Increased peristalsis
Answer: A
Rationale: Reduced gastric acid can impair digestion and nutrient absorption.
12. Which intervention prevents constipation?
A. High-fiber diet, hydration, and physical activity
B. Prolonged bed rest
C. Limit fluids
D. Avoid fruits and vegetables
Answer: A
Rationale: Fiber, fluids, and exercise support bowel regularity.
13. Which psychosocial change is common in older adults?
A. Social isolation
B. Sudden personality shifts
C. Complete dependence
D. Inability to form relationships
Answer: A
Rationale: Retirement, mobility limitations, and loss of peers can cause isolation.
14. Which factor increases risk of delirium?
A. Acute illness, infection, or medications
B. Stable routines
C. Adequate hydration
D. Familiar caregivers
