NUR255 Exam 4 V2 | NUR 255 Aging & Mental
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College of
Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This study guide is intended to help students strengthen their understanding of advanced
geriatric nursing care, community mental health interventions for older adults, and
specialized elderly healthcare services. The content reflects practical gerontological nursing
concepts frequently tested in nursing examinations.
The questions are designed to simulate actual exam conditions while reinforcing geriatric
prioritization, therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Detailed
expert explanations are included to support concept mastery and exam preparedness.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Assisted living and long-term care
• Elderly community support programs
• Mental health advocacy for seniors
• Aging population healthcare challenges
• Ethical dilemmas in elderly care
• Care coordination strategies
• Family education and support
• Advanced geriatric assessment concepts
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult for signs of depression. Which screening tool is most
appropriate for this specific population?
A. PHQ-9
B. Morse Fall Scale
,C. Braden Scale
D. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is specifically designed for
older adults and omits somatic symptoms that might overlap with normal aging. It is a
reliable tool for identifying depressive symptoms in the elderly. Proper assessment is the
first step in mental health advocacy for seniors.
2. An 80-year-old patient is diagnosed with delirium. Which characteristic distinguishes
delirium from dementia?
A. Slow, progressive onset
B. Irreversible cognitive decline
C. Permanent memory loss
D. Sudden onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid, acute onset and fluctuating
levels of consciousness, often caused by an underlying medical condition like an infection.
Dementia, conversely, is a slow, progressive, and usually irreversible decline. Identifying
the cause of delirium is a critical geriatric nursing intervention.
, 3. Which community-based program is designed to provide comprehensive medical and social
services to frail elderly individuals while they live at home?
A. Hospice care
B. Acute care hospital
C. Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
D. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The PACE program allows older adults who meet the criteria for
nursing home care to stay in their community. It provides interdisciplinary care, including
medical and social services, to promote independence. This model focuses on care
coordination and reducing hospitalizations.
4. A nurse suspects financial exploitation of an elderly client by a family member. What is the
nurse’s primary legal responsibility?
A. Confront the family member immediately
B. Report the suspicion to Adult Protective Services (APS)
C. Advise the client to change their will
D. Wait for more evidence before taking action
Correct Answer: B
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College of
Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This study guide is intended to help students strengthen their understanding of advanced
geriatric nursing care, community mental health interventions for older adults, and
specialized elderly healthcare services. The content reflects practical gerontological nursing
concepts frequently tested in nursing examinations.
The questions are designed to simulate actual exam conditions while reinforcing geriatric
prioritization, therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Detailed
expert explanations are included to support concept mastery and exam preparedness.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Assisted living and long-term care
• Elderly community support programs
• Mental health advocacy for seniors
• Aging population healthcare challenges
• Ethical dilemmas in elderly care
• Care coordination strategies
• Family education and support
• Advanced geriatric assessment concepts
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult for signs of depression. Which screening tool is most
appropriate for this specific population?
A. PHQ-9
B. Morse Fall Scale
,C. Braden Scale
D. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is specifically designed for
older adults and omits somatic symptoms that might overlap with normal aging. It is a
reliable tool for identifying depressive symptoms in the elderly. Proper assessment is the
first step in mental health advocacy for seniors.
2. An 80-year-old patient is diagnosed with delirium. Which characteristic distinguishes
delirium from dementia?
A. Slow, progressive onset
B. Irreversible cognitive decline
C. Permanent memory loss
D. Sudden onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid, acute onset and fluctuating
levels of consciousness, often caused by an underlying medical condition like an infection.
Dementia, conversely, is a slow, progressive, and usually irreversible decline. Identifying
the cause of delirium is a critical geriatric nursing intervention.
, 3. Which community-based program is designed to provide comprehensive medical and social
services to frail elderly individuals while they live at home?
A. Hospice care
B. Acute care hospital
C. Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
D. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The PACE program allows older adults who meet the criteria for
nursing home care to stay in their community. It provides interdisciplinary care, including
medical and social services, to promote independence. This model focuses on care
coordination and reducing hospitalizations.
4. A nurse suspects financial exploitation of an elderly client by a family member. What is the
nurse’s primary legal responsibility?
A. Confront the family member immediately
B. Report the suspicion to Adult Protective Services (APS)
C. Advise the client to change their will
D. Wait for more evidence before taking action
Correct Answer: B
