NU176 | NU 176 Geriatric Nursing Exam 1 v3 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body is like a machine and eventually parts
fail due to repeated use?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Programmed Longevity Theory
D. Cross-Linking Theory
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory posits that cellular damage
accumulates over time because of the repeated use of body parts. This theory
suggests that internal and external stressors eventually cause the system to wear
out. It is one of the oldest theories used to explain the biological process of aging.
2. According to Erikson, what is the primary developmental task for the older adult
population?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Integrity vs. Despair
,D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Erikson identified Integrity vs. Despair as the final stage of
psychosocial development occurring in late adulthood. During this phase,
individuals reflect on their lives to determine if they have lived a meaningful
existence. Success leads to wisdom, while failure results in regret and bitterness.
3. An elderly patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Which
condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Dementia
B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Delirium
D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute and sudden change in
mental status, often triggered by an underlying medical issue such as infection.
Unlike dementia, delirium is usually reversible once the primary cause is treated.
Nurses must assess for physiological triggers like UTIs or dehydration in these
cases.
,4. Which physiological change in the cardiovascular system is considered a normal
part of aging?
A. Thinning of the left ventricular wall
B. Increased elasticity of blood vessels
C. Decreased heart rate response to stress
D. Increased maximum cardiac output
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: As individuals age, the heart becomes less responsive to
catecholamines, leading to a decreased heart rate response during physical or
emotional stress. The blood vessels actually become stiffer and less elastic,
increasing peripheral resistance. These changes contribute to a higher risk of
orthostatic hypotension and reduced exercise tolerance.
5. A nurse is reviewing medications for an 80-year-old patient. Why is this patient at a
higher risk for drug toxicity?
A. Increased total body water
B. Reduced hepatic blood flow
C. Increased glomerular filtration rate
D. Decreased body fat percentage
, Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Aging is associated with reduced hepatic blood flow and
decreased enzyme activity in the liver, which slows drug metabolism. Additionally, a
decline in renal function reduces the clearance of medications from the body. These
combined factors lead to prolonged half-lives of drugs and a higher risk for toxic
accumulation.
6. What is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent falls in a hospitalized
geriatric patient?
A. Applying bilateral side rails to the bed
B. Restricting the patient to bed rest only
C. Administering a mild sedative at bedtime
D. Assessing the patient using a standardized fall risk tool
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Using a validated tool like the Morse Fall Scale allows the
nurse to identify specific risk factors and tailor interventions accordingly.
Standardized assessments are the foundation of a proactive safety plan in any
healthcare setting. Other methods like side rails or sedatives can actually increase
the risk of injury or confusion.
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body is like a machine and eventually parts
fail due to repeated use?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Programmed Longevity Theory
D. Cross-Linking Theory
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory posits that cellular damage
accumulates over time because of the repeated use of body parts. This theory
suggests that internal and external stressors eventually cause the system to wear
out. It is one of the oldest theories used to explain the biological process of aging.
2. According to Erikson, what is the primary developmental task for the older adult
population?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Integrity vs. Despair
,D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Erikson identified Integrity vs. Despair as the final stage of
psychosocial development occurring in late adulthood. During this phase,
individuals reflect on their lives to determine if they have lived a meaningful
existence. Success leads to wisdom, while failure results in regret and bitterness.
3. An elderly patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Which
condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Dementia
B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Delirium
D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute and sudden change in
mental status, often triggered by an underlying medical issue such as infection.
Unlike dementia, delirium is usually reversible once the primary cause is treated.
Nurses must assess for physiological triggers like UTIs or dehydration in these
cases.
,4. Which physiological change in the cardiovascular system is considered a normal
part of aging?
A. Thinning of the left ventricular wall
B. Increased elasticity of blood vessels
C. Decreased heart rate response to stress
D. Increased maximum cardiac output
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: As individuals age, the heart becomes less responsive to
catecholamines, leading to a decreased heart rate response during physical or
emotional stress. The blood vessels actually become stiffer and less elastic,
increasing peripheral resistance. These changes contribute to a higher risk of
orthostatic hypotension and reduced exercise tolerance.
5. A nurse is reviewing medications for an 80-year-old patient. Why is this patient at a
higher risk for drug toxicity?
A. Increased total body water
B. Reduced hepatic blood flow
C. Increased glomerular filtration rate
D. Decreased body fat percentage
, Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Aging is associated with reduced hepatic blood flow and
decreased enzyme activity in the liver, which slows drug metabolism. Additionally, a
decline in renal function reduces the clearance of medications from the body. These
combined factors lead to prolonged half-lives of drugs and a higher risk for toxic
accumulation.
6. What is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent falls in a hospitalized
geriatric patient?
A. Applying bilateral side rails to the bed
B. Restricting the patient to bed rest only
C. Administering a mild sedative at bedtime
D. Assessing the patient using a standardized fall risk tool
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Using a validated tool like the Morse Fall Scale allows the
nurse to identify specific risk factors and tailor interventions accordingly.
Standardized assessments are the foundation of a proactive safety plan in any
healthcare setting. Other methods like side rails or sedatives can actually increase
the risk of injury or confusion.
