NUR255 Exam 3 V2 | NUR 255 Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen
College of Nursing
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This study guide is intended to provide comprehensive preparation for gerontological nursing
assessments related to chronic aging disorders, mental wellness in late adulthood, and
advanced nursing interventions for older adults. The content reflects practical nursing
concepts commonly tested in aging and mental health examinations.
This version contains realistic exam-style questions designed to strengthen understanding of
psychosocial care, symptom management, and patient advocacy strategies for aging adults.
Detailed expert explanations support concept mastery and practical nursing application.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Arthritis and chronic pain management
• Cardiovascular disorders in aging
• Coping mechanisms in late adulthood
• Spiritual care in geriatric nursing
• Care transitions and discharge planning
• Depression and isolation in seniors
• Elderly nutrition and hydration
• Patient dignity and autonomy
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1. An 80-year-old patient with osteoarthritis reports increased joint stiffness in the morning.
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to include in the care plan?
A. Encourage a high-impact aerobic exercise routine.
B. Advise the patient to remain immobile until the pain subsides.
C. Apply ice packs to the affected joints for 30 minutes every morning.
,D. Suggest a warm shower or bath immediately upon awakening.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Heat therapy, such as a warm shower, helps decrease joint stiffness
and increase blood flow in osteoarthritis. High-impact exercise and prolonged immobility
can worsen the condition, while ice is typically used for acute inflammation rather than
morning stiffness.
2. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) rather than
Osteoarthritis (OA)?
A. Systemic symptoms like fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
B. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
C. Asymmetrical joint involvement.
D. Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: RA is an autoimmune, systemic inflammatory disease that often
presents with fatigue and fever. OA is a degenerative localized disorder characterized by
asymmetrical involvement and nodes on the finger joints.
3. An older adult is prescribed daily NSAIDs for chronic pain. The nurse should prioritize
monitoring for which potential complication?
A. Urinary retention.
, B. Gastrointestinal bleeding.
C. Orthostatic hypotension.
D. Increased respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Older adults are at a higher risk for gastric ulcers and GI bleeding
when taking NSAIDs due to age-related changes in the gastric mucosa and decreased renal
clearance.
4. Which assessment tool is the most reliable for evaluating pain in a patient with advanced
dementia who is non-verbal?
A. PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) Scale.
B. Numeric Rating Scale (0-10).
C. Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
D. Wong-Baker FACES Scale.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The PAINAD scale is specifically designed to assess pain in non-
verbal patients by observing breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body language, and
consolability.
Mental Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen
College of Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This study guide is intended to provide comprehensive preparation for gerontological nursing
assessments related to chronic aging disorders, mental wellness in late adulthood, and
advanced nursing interventions for older adults. The content reflects practical nursing
concepts commonly tested in aging and mental health examinations.
This version contains realistic exam-style questions designed to strengthen understanding of
psychosocial care, symptom management, and patient advocacy strategies for aging adults.
Detailed expert explanations support concept mastery and practical nursing application.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Arthritis and chronic pain management
• Cardiovascular disorders in aging
• Coping mechanisms in late adulthood
• Spiritual care in geriatric nursing
• Care transitions and discharge planning
• Depression and isolation in seniors
• Elderly nutrition and hydration
• Patient dignity and autonomy
════════════════════════════════════
1. An 80-year-old patient with osteoarthritis reports increased joint stiffness in the morning.
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to include in the care plan?
A. Encourage a high-impact aerobic exercise routine.
B. Advise the patient to remain immobile until the pain subsides.
C. Apply ice packs to the affected joints for 30 minutes every morning.
,D. Suggest a warm shower or bath immediately upon awakening.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Heat therapy, such as a warm shower, helps decrease joint stiffness
and increase blood flow in osteoarthritis. High-impact exercise and prolonged immobility
can worsen the condition, while ice is typically used for acute inflammation rather than
morning stiffness.
2. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) rather than
Osteoarthritis (OA)?
A. Systemic symptoms like fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
B. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
C. Asymmetrical joint involvement.
D. Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: RA is an autoimmune, systemic inflammatory disease that often
presents with fatigue and fever. OA is a degenerative localized disorder characterized by
asymmetrical involvement and nodes on the finger joints.
3. An older adult is prescribed daily NSAIDs for chronic pain. The nurse should prioritize
monitoring for which potential complication?
A. Urinary retention.
, B. Gastrointestinal bleeding.
C. Orthostatic hypotension.
D. Increased respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Older adults are at a higher risk for gastric ulcers and GI bleeding
when taking NSAIDs due to age-related changes in the gastric mucosa and decreased renal
clearance.
4. Which assessment tool is the most reliable for evaluating pain in a patient with advanced
dementia who is non-verbal?
A. PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) Scale.
B. Numeric Rating Scale (0-10).
C. Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
D. Wong-Baker FACES Scale.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The PAINAD scale is specifically designed to assess pain in non-
verbal patients by observing breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body language, and
consolability.
