NU176 | NU 176 Geriatric Nursing Midterm v1 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body and its cells are damaged by toxins,
waste products, and free radicals over time?
A. Programmed Theory
B. Disengagement Theory
C. Continuity Theory
D. Wear and Tear Theory
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory is a stochastic theory proposing
that aging is the result of use and environmental insults over time. It compares the
human body to a machine that eventually breaks down after years of functioning
and exposure to stressors. This theory emphasizes the accumulation of metabolic
waste and cellular damage as the primary cause of aging.
2. An older adult patient experiences a loss of central vision while peripheral vision
remains intact. Which condition is most likely?
A. Cataracts
B. Glaucoma
,C. Macular Degeneration
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) specifically affects
the macula, which is responsible for sharp, central vision. Patients with AMD often
struggle with tasks like reading or driving while maintaining their side vision. This
condition is a leading cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 60.
3. Which part of Medicare provides coverage for hospital insurance, including
inpatient care and skilled nursing facilities?
A. Medicare Part B
B. Medicare Part A
C. Medicare Part C
D. Medicare Part D
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Medicare Part A is designed to cover inpatient services, such
as hospital stays, hospice care, and limited home health services. It is generally
premium-free for those who have paid into the system through payroll taxes. Parts
,B, C, and D cover outpatient services, private insurance alternatives, and
prescription drugs respectively.
4. A nurse is assessing an 80-year-old patient who has recently become confused and
agitated. What is the most common cause of acute delirium in this population?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
C. Normal aging process
D. Severe Depression
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: In older adults, infections like a UTI often present atypically
with confusion or delirium rather than traditional symptoms like fever or dysuria.
Delirium is an acute and reversible condition, unlike the progressive decline seen in
Alzheimer’s. Prompt identification and treatment of the underlying infection are
critical to returning the patient to their baseline cognitive function.
5. What is the primary goal of the ‘Beers Criteria’ in geriatric nursing?
A. To calculate appropriate medication dosages based on weight
B. To identify medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults
C. To provide a list of medications that are covered by Medicare
, D. To determine the lethal dose of medications in the elderly
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria is a clinical tool used to identify
medications that may pose a higher risk of adverse effects in older adults. It helps
healthcare providers avoid prescribing drugs that could lead to falls, confusion, or
toxicity in the elderly population. Using this list improves patient safety by
encouraging the use of safer alternatives.
6. When communicating with an older adult who has presbycusis, which strategy is
most effective for the nurse?
A. Speaking in a lower-pitched, clear voice
B. Using a higher-pitched voice
C. Shouting directly into the patient’s ear
D. Exaggerating all facial expressions
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss that typically affects
the ability to hear high-frequency sounds first. Speaking in a lower pitch makes it
easier for the patient to distinguish words and follow the conversation. It is also
important to face the patient directly and speak at a moderate pace without
shouting.
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body and its cells are damaged by toxins,
waste products, and free radicals over time?
A. Programmed Theory
B. Disengagement Theory
C. Continuity Theory
D. Wear and Tear Theory
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory is a stochastic theory proposing
that aging is the result of use and environmental insults over time. It compares the
human body to a machine that eventually breaks down after years of functioning
and exposure to stressors. This theory emphasizes the accumulation of metabolic
waste and cellular damage as the primary cause of aging.
2. An older adult patient experiences a loss of central vision while peripheral vision
remains intact. Which condition is most likely?
A. Cataracts
B. Glaucoma
,C. Macular Degeneration
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) specifically affects
the macula, which is responsible for sharp, central vision. Patients with AMD often
struggle with tasks like reading or driving while maintaining their side vision. This
condition is a leading cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 60.
3. Which part of Medicare provides coverage for hospital insurance, including
inpatient care and skilled nursing facilities?
A. Medicare Part B
B. Medicare Part A
C. Medicare Part C
D. Medicare Part D
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Medicare Part A is designed to cover inpatient services, such
as hospital stays, hospice care, and limited home health services. It is generally
premium-free for those who have paid into the system through payroll taxes. Parts
,B, C, and D cover outpatient services, private insurance alternatives, and
prescription drugs respectively.
4. A nurse is assessing an 80-year-old patient who has recently become confused and
agitated. What is the most common cause of acute delirium in this population?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
C. Normal aging process
D. Severe Depression
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: In older adults, infections like a UTI often present atypically
with confusion or delirium rather than traditional symptoms like fever or dysuria.
Delirium is an acute and reversible condition, unlike the progressive decline seen in
Alzheimer’s. Prompt identification and treatment of the underlying infection are
critical to returning the patient to their baseline cognitive function.
5. What is the primary goal of the ‘Beers Criteria’ in geriatric nursing?
A. To calculate appropriate medication dosages based on weight
B. To identify medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults
C. To provide a list of medications that are covered by Medicare
, D. To determine the lethal dose of medications in the elderly
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria is a clinical tool used to identify
medications that may pose a higher risk of adverse effects in older adults. It helps
healthcare providers avoid prescribing drugs that could lead to falls, confusion, or
toxicity in the elderly population. Using this list improves patient safety by
encouraging the use of safer alternatives.
6. When communicating with an older adult who has presbycusis, which strategy is
most effective for the nurse?
A. Speaking in a lower-pitched, clear voice
B. Using a higher-pitched voice
C. Shouting directly into the patient’s ear
D. Exaggerating all facial expressions
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss that typically affects
the ability to hear high-frequency sounds first. Speaking in a lower pitch makes it
easier for the patient to distinguish words and follow the conversation. It is also
important to face the patient directly and speak at a moderate pace without
shouting.
