NUR255 Exam 4 V3 | NUR 255 Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen
College of Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This comprehensive exam-style preparation material is designed to support students preparing
for advanced aging and mental health nursing assessments involving specialized geriatric
populations, community healthcare systems, and complex elderly nursing interventions. The
content focuses on integrating gerontological nursing knowledge into real-world clinical
decision-making scenarios.
The questions are structured to closely mirror actual course assessments while reinforcing
analytical reasoning, prioritization, and safe geriatric nursing interventions. Detailed expert
explanations are included to improve comprehension and academic performance.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Geriatric case management
• Elderly psychosocial assessment
• Community mental health nursing
• Long-term care regulations
• Family caregiver education
• Patient rights in geriatric care
• Interdisciplinary healthcare planning
• Comprehensive aging and mental health review
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for signs of depression. Which finding is most
characteristic of depression in the geriatric population compared to younger adults?
A. Overt expressions of sadness and crying
B. Hyperactivity and increased social engagement
,C. Consistent verbalization of suicidal ideation
D. Physical complaints such as unexplained pain or fatigue
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In older adults, depression often manifests as somatic or physical
complaints rather than typical emotional symptoms. This is sometimes referred to as
‘masked depression’ where the patient focuses on aches, pains, or exhaustion. Recognizing
these physical signs is crucial for early intervention and effective mental health
management in the elderly.
2. An 80-year-old client is admitted with acute confusion and a suspected urinary tract
infection. Which condition does the nurse recognize as the most likely cause of this cognitive
change?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Normal Age-Related Memory Loss
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, rapid onset of confusion, often
triggered by an underlying medical condition like an infection. Unlike dementia, delirium is
usually reversible once the primary physiological cause is treated. The nurse must
,prioritize identifying and treating the infection to restore the patient’s baseline mental
status.
3. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which task is primary for the
older adult?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Autonomy vs. Shame
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Erikson defines the final stage of life as Integrity vs. Despair, where
individuals reflect on their life achievements and failures. Achieving integrity leads to a
sense of fulfillment and wisdom, whereas failure results in regret and bitterness. Nursing
care should support this process by encouraging life review and reminiscence therapy.
4. A nurse is educating a family caregiver about ‘respite care.’ Which statement by the
caregiver indicates an understanding of this service?
A. ‘Respite care is a permanent placement for my mother in a nursing home.’
B. ‘This service only provides end-of-life care when treatment is no longer working.’
C. ‘It provides short-term relief for me by having someone else care for my mother.’
D. ‘Respite care is a legal service that helps manage my mother’s finances.’
, Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Respite care is designed to provide temporary relief to primary
caregivers, reducing the risk of caregiver burnout. It allows the caregiver to attend to
personal needs while ensuring the patient receives safe, professional care in the interim.
This service is essential for maintaining the long-term health and stability of the home care
environment.
5. The nurse is reviewing the ‘Beers Criteria’ for a 75-year-old client. What is the primary
purpose of using this tool?
A. To assess the patient’s risk for developing pressure ulcers
B. To calculate the correct dosage of insulin for geriatric patients
C. To determine the patient’s eligibility for Medicare benefits
D. To identify medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria is a standardized list used by clinicians to identify
medications that may pose more risks than benefits in the geriatric population. It helps
prevent adverse drug events and polypharmacy complications common in older adults.
Nurses use this tool to advocate for safer medication alternatives during interdisciplinary
team meetings.
Mental Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen
College of Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This comprehensive exam-style preparation material is designed to support students preparing
for advanced aging and mental health nursing assessments involving specialized geriatric
populations, community healthcare systems, and complex elderly nursing interventions. The
content focuses on integrating gerontological nursing knowledge into real-world clinical
decision-making scenarios.
The questions are structured to closely mirror actual course assessments while reinforcing
analytical reasoning, prioritization, and safe geriatric nursing interventions. Detailed expert
explanations are included to improve comprehension and academic performance.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Geriatric case management
• Elderly psychosocial assessment
• Community mental health nursing
• Long-term care regulations
• Family caregiver education
• Patient rights in geriatric care
• Interdisciplinary healthcare planning
• Comprehensive aging and mental health review
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for signs of depression. Which finding is most
characteristic of depression in the geriatric population compared to younger adults?
A. Overt expressions of sadness and crying
B. Hyperactivity and increased social engagement
,C. Consistent verbalization of suicidal ideation
D. Physical complaints such as unexplained pain or fatigue
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In older adults, depression often manifests as somatic or physical
complaints rather than typical emotional symptoms. This is sometimes referred to as
‘masked depression’ where the patient focuses on aches, pains, or exhaustion. Recognizing
these physical signs is crucial for early intervention and effective mental health
management in the elderly.
2. An 80-year-old client is admitted with acute confusion and a suspected urinary tract
infection. Which condition does the nurse recognize as the most likely cause of this cognitive
change?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Normal Age-Related Memory Loss
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, rapid onset of confusion, often
triggered by an underlying medical condition like an infection. Unlike dementia, delirium is
usually reversible once the primary physiological cause is treated. The nurse must
,prioritize identifying and treating the infection to restore the patient’s baseline mental
status.
3. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which task is primary for the
older adult?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Autonomy vs. Shame
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Erikson defines the final stage of life as Integrity vs. Despair, where
individuals reflect on their life achievements and failures. Achieving integrity leads to a
sense of fulfillment and wisdom, whereas failure results in regret and bitterness. Nursing
care should support this process by encouraging life review and reminiscence therapy.
4. A nurse is educating a family caregiver about ‘respite care.’ Which statement by the
caregiver indicates an understanding of this service?
A. ‘Respite care is a permanent placement for my mother in a nursing home.’
B. ‘This service only provides end-of-life care when treatment is no longer working.’
C. ‘It provides short-term relief for me by having someone else care for my mother.’
D. ‘Respite care is a legal service that helps manage my mother’s finances.’
, Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Respite care is designed to provide temporary relief to primary
caregivers, reducing the risk of caregiver burnout. It allows the caregiver to attend to
personal needs while ensuring the patient receives safe, professional care in the interim.
This service is essential for maintaining the long-term health and stability of the home care
environment.
5. The nurse is reviewing the ‘Beers Criteria’ for a 75-year-old client. What is the primary
purpose of using this tool?
A. To assess the patient’s risk for developing pressure ulcers
B. To calculate the correct dosage of insulin for geriatric patients
C. To determine the patient’s eligibility for Medicare benefits
D. To identify medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria is a standardized list used by clinicians to identify
medications that may pose more risks than benefits in the geriatric population. It helps
prevent adverse drug events and polypharmacy complications common in older adults.
Nurses use this tool to advocate for safer medication alternatives during interdisciplinary
team meetings.
