NU176 | NU 176 Geriatric Nursing Exam 2 v2 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which of the following is considered a normal age-related change in the
cardiovascular system?
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Increased heart rate response to stress
C. Decreased peripheral resistance
D. Stiffening of the blood vessels
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: As people age, the blood vessels and heart valves tend to
become stiffer and less elastic. This change often leads to an increase in systolic
blood pressure and can contribute to various cardiovascular issues. It is important
for nurses to monitor these changes to differentiate between normal aging and
pathological conditions.
2. When assessing an older adult for delirium, which characteristic is most indicative
of this condition?
A. Slow, progressive decline in memory
B. Consistent level of consciousness
,C. Sudden onset of confusion and fluctuating course
D. Permanent cognitive impairment
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid, acute onset of confusion
that often fluctuates throughout the day. Unlike dementia, which is a slow and
progressive decline, delirium is usually reversible if the underlying cause is
addressed. Prompt identification and treatment of the precipitating factor are
essential in geriatric care.
3. An older adult patient is diagnosed with sarcopenia. What should the nurse include
in the teaching plan?
A. Begin a regimen of resistance exercises
B. Increase intake of simple carbohydrates
C. Decrease daily protein consumption
D. Avoid any physical activity to prevent falls
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Sarcopenia refers to the age-related loss of muscle mass and
strength, which can significantly impact mobility. Resistance training or strength-
building exercises are the most effective ways to combat muscle loss and improve
,physical function. The nurse should also encourage adequate protein intake to
support muscle repair and growth.
4. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication class should be used with
extreme caution in the elderly due to the risk of falls?
A. Antibiotics
B. Benzodiazepines
C. Proton pump inhibitors
D. Statin medications
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of cognitive impairment,
delirium, and falls in older adults due to their sedative effects. The Beers Criteria
specifically lists them as potentially inappropriate medications for this population
because the risks often outweigh the benefits. Nurses must advocate for safer
alternatives or the lowest effective dose when these are necessary.
5. Which type of urinary incontinence is characterized by the sudden, strong urge to
void followed by involuntary leakage?
A. Stress incontinence
B. Overflow incontinence
, C. Functional incontinence
D. Urge incontinence
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Urge incontinence is often associated with an overactive
bladder muscle that contracts unpredictably. Patients typically report that they
cannot reach the toilet in time once they feel the need to urinate. Management
strategies include bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, and sometimes
pharmacological interventions.
6. What is the primary goal of palliative care for an older adult with a terminal illness?
A. Curing the underlying disease
B. Restricting all medical treatments
C. Shortening the dying process
D. Providing comfort and improving quality of life
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing
the stress of a serious illness for both the patient and the family. It can be provided
at any stage of a disease and alongside curative treatments if appropriate. The main
objective is to ensure the patient lives as comfortably and fully as possible.
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which of the following is considered a normal age-related change in the
cardiovascular system?
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Increased heart rate response to stress
C. Decreased peripheral resistance
D. Stiffening of the blood vessels
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: As people age, the blood vessels and heart valves tend to
become stiffer and less elastic. This change often leads to an increase in systolic
blood pressure and can contribute to various cardiovascular issues. It is important
for nurses to monitor these changes to differentiate between normal aging and
pathological conditions.
2. When assessing an older adult for delirium, which characteristic is most indicative
of this condition?
A. Slow, progressive decline in memory
B. Consistent level of consciousness
,C. Sudden onset of confusion and fluctuating course
D. Permanent cognitive impairment
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid, acute onset of confusion
that often fluctuates throughout the day. Unlike dementia, which is a slow and
progressive decline, delirium is usually reversible if the underlying cause is
addressed. Prompt identification and treatment of the precipitating factor are
essential in geriatric care.
3. An older adult patient is diagnosed with sarcopenia. What should the nurse include
in the teaching plan?
A. Begin a regimen of resistance exercises
B. Increase intake of simple carbohydrates
C. Decrease daily protein consumption
D. Avoid any physical activity to prevent falls
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Sarcopenia refers to the age-related loss of muscle mass and
strength, which can significantly impact mobility. Resistance training or strength-
building exercises are the most effective ways to combat muscle loss and improve
,physical function. The nurse should also encourage adequate protein intake to
support muscle repair and growth.
4. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication class should be used with
extreme caution in the elderly due to the risk of falls?
A. Antibiotics
B. Benzodiazepines
C. Proton pump inhibitors
D. Statin medications
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of cognitive impairment,
delirium, and falls in older adults due to their sedative effects. The Beers Criteria
specifically lists them as potentially inappropriate medications for this population
because the risks often outweigh the benefits. Nurses must advocate for safer
alternatives or the lowest effective dose when these are necessary.
5. Which type of urinary incontinence is characterized by the sudden, strong urge to
void followed by involuntary leakage?
A. Stress incontinence
B. Overflow incontinence
, C. Functional incontinence
D. Urge incontinence
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Urge incontinence is often associated with an overactive
bladder muscle that contracts unpredictably. Patients typically report that they
cannot reach the toilet in time once they feel the need to urinate. Management
strategies include bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, and sometimes
pharmacological interventions.
6. What is the primary goal of palliative care for an older adult with a terminal illness?
A. Curing the underlying disease
B. Restricting all medical treatments
C. Shortening the dying process
D. Providing comfort and improving quality of life
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing
the stress of a serious illness for both the patient and the family. It can be provided
at any stage of a disease and alongside curative treatments if appropriate. The main
objective is to ensure the patient lives as comfortably and fully as possible.
