NU 176 EXAM 3: (Latest 2026/2027) Geriatric Health –
Reproductive, Musculoskeletal, Neurologic, Sensory, Endocrine &
Integumentary Systems | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: Female/Male Reproductive Changes, Vulvitis/Vaginitis, BPH, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Parkinson's,
CVA, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Pressure Ulcers, Skin Cancer & Insulin Types
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Geriatrics / NU 176 Galen Exam 3 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What are the female age‑related changes of the reproductive system?
CORRECT ANSWER
Flattened labia, loss of subcutaneous tissue/hair, thinning epithelium, more dry/alkaline (uncomfortable
intercourse), atrophy of cervix/uterus/fallopian tubes, uterus/ovaries decrease in size, endometrium still
responds to hormones, fallopian tubes short/straight, breast sag/less firm, nipple retraction, firm linear
strands from fibrosis/calcification.
RATIONALE
• Decreased estrogen leads to atrophic vaginitis, dryness, and increased pH.
• Reproductive health promotion: annual GYN exam with Pap smear and breast self‑exam.
• Men: prostatic hypertrophy exam q6 months and testicular self‑exam.
Q2
What is vulvitis and what are its characteristics in geriatric women?
CORRECT ANSWER
Inflammation of the vulva (external). Pruritis is primary symptom. Incontinence and poor hygiene can
cause swelling, inflammation, or drainage. Confused/non‑communicative pts may be restless when genital
area is touched.
RATIONALE
• Vulvar problems may reflect serious disease (diabetes, hepatitis, leukemia, pernicious anemia).
• Teaching: no scented soap/perfume, cotton underwear, sitz baths, saline compress, steroid cream, keep incontinent
patients clean/dry.
• Vaginitis: inflammation/infection of vagina, post‑menopause; s/s: soreness, pruritis, burning, redness, foul discharge.
, Q3
What is BPH and what are its signs/symptoms and treatment?
CORRECT ANSWER
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – enlarged prostate puts pressure on urethra. S/S: dribbling, incontinence,
bleeding, dysuria, urinary retention. Treatment: prostatic massage, urinary antiseptics, avoid
diuretics/anticholinergics/antiarrhythmics, or prostatectomy.
RATIONALE
• Most older men have some degree of BPH; may be embarrassed to seek treatment.
• Untreated BPH can cause kidney damage.
• Prostate cancer screening: routine PSA testing not recommended without family history.
Q4
What is sarcopenia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Age‑related reduction of muscle mass/function resulting from reduction in protein synthesis and increase in
muscle protein degeneration; can lead to disability.
RATIONALE
• Musculoskeletal changes: decline in muscle fibers, reduced strength, decreased flexibility.
• Exercise guidelines: warm up >10 min, cool down, monitor HR, progress gradually.
• Key elements of strength training: resistance and progression.
Q5
What are the characteristics of osteoporosis in geriatric patients?
CORRECT ANSWER
Most prevalent metabolic bone disease – demineralization. Associated with inadequate calcium intake,
excessive calcium loss, or poor calcium absorption. Most common in postmenopausal women.
RATIONALE
• Osteoporosis can cause kyphosis (hunchback) and vertebral compression fractures.
• Causes: inactivity/immobility, disease (Cushing's, hyperthyroidism), reduction of sex hormones, poor diet, medications
(heparin, furosemide, corticosteroids).
• Encourage calcium/vitamin D, weight‑bearing exercise, fall prevention.
Reproductive, Musculoskeletal, Neurologic, Sensory, Endocrine &
Integumentary Systems | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: Female/Male Reproductive Changes, Vulvitis/Vaginitis, BPH, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Parkinson's,
CVA, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Pressure Ulcers, Skin Cancer & Insulin Types
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Geriatrics / NU 176 Galen Exam 3 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What are the female age‑related changes of the reproductive system?
CORRECT ANSWER
Flattened labia, loss of subcutaneous tissue/hair, thinning epithelium, more dry/alkaline (uncomfortable
intercourse), atrophy of cervix/uterus/fallopian tubes, uterus/ovaries decrease in size, endometrium still
responds to hormones, fallopian tubes short/straight, breast sag/less firm, nipple retraction, firm linear
strands from fibrosis/calcification.
RATIONALE
• Decreased estrogen leads to atrophic vaginitis, dryness, and increased pH.
• Reproductive health promotion: annual GYN exam with Pap smear and breast self‑exam.
• Men: prostatic hypertrophy exam q6 months and testicular self‑exam.
Q2
What is vulvitis and what are its characteristics in geriatric women?
CORRECT ANSWER
Inflammation of the vulva (external). Pruritis is primary symptom. Incontinence and poor hygiene can
cause swelling, inflammation, or drainage. Confused/non‑communicative pts may be restless when genital
area is touched.
RATIONALE
• Vulvar problems may reflect serious disease (diabetes, hepatitis, leukemia, pernicious anemia).
• Teaching: no scented soap/perfume, cotton underwear, sitz baths, saline compress, steroid cream, keep incontinent
patients clean/dry.
• Vaginitis: inflammation/infection of vagina, post‑menopause; s/s: soreness, pruritis, burning, redness, foul discharge.
, Q3
What is BPH and what are its signs/symptoms and treatment?
CORRECT ANSWER
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – enlarged prostate puts pressure on urethra. S/S: dribbling, incontinence,
bleeding, dysuria, urinary retention. Treatment: prostatic massage, urinary antiseptics, avoid
diuretics/anticholinergics/antiarrhythmics, or prostatectomy.
RATIONALE
• Most older men have some degree of BPH; may be embarrassed to seek treatment.
• Untreated BPH can cause kidney damage.
• Prostate cancer screening: routine PSA testing not recommended without family history.
Q4
What is sarcopenia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Age‑related reduction of muscle mass/function resulting from reduction in protein synthesis and increase in
muscle protein degeneration; can lead to disability.
RATIONALE
• Musculoskeletal changes: decline in muscle fibers, reduced strength, decreased flexibility.
• Exercise guidelines: warm up >10 min, cool down, monitor HR, progress gradually.
• Key elements of strength training: resistance and progression.
Q5
What are the characteristics of osteoporosis in geriatric patients?
CORRECT ANSWER
Most prevalent metabolic bone disease – demineralization. Associated with inadequate calcium intake,
excessive calcium loss, or poor calcium absorption. Most common in postmenopausal women.
RATIONALE
• Osteoporosis can cause kyphosis (hunchback) and vertebral compression fractures.
• Causes: inactivity/immobility, disease (Cushing's, hyperthyroidism), reduction of sex hormones, poor diet, medications
(heparin, furosemide, corticosteroids).
• Encourage calcium/vitamin D, weight‑bearing exercise, fall prevention.
