NUR255 Exam 4 V1 | NUR 255 Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen
College of Nursing
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This exam preparation resource focuses on advanced concepts related to community-based
geriatric care, mental health services for aging populations, and complex elderly nursing
interventions. The material is designed to strengthen understanding of interdisciplinary geriatric
care and evidence-based nursing management strategies.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual aging
and mental health nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve
analytical reasoning, patient advocacy, and geriatric nursing care planning.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Community resources for older adults
• Home healthcare nursing
• Mental health services for seniors
• Elderly patient advocacy
• Legal issues in geriatric care
• Cultural competence in aging care
• Interdisciplinary geriatric collaboration
• Health promotion for aging populations
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1. An older adult patient is admitted with a sudden onset of confusion and visual
hallucinations. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Normal Aging
C. Clinical Depression
,D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and
is often accompanied by sensory disturbances like hallucinations. Unlike dementia, which
is progressive and slow, delirium is a medical emergency that requires immediate
identification of the underlying cause. Common triggers in the elderly include urinary tract
infections, medication side effects, or electrolyte imbalances.
2. When assessing an elderly patient for depression, which symptom is often more prominent
than a ‘sad mood’?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Somatic complaints such as pain or fatigue
C. Hyperactivity and restlessness
D. Enhanced short-term memory
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Older adults frequently manifest depression through physical or
somatic symptoms rather than reporting feelings of sadness. This phenomenon is
sometimes referred to as ‘masked depression’ in the geriatric population. Nurses must look
for persistent pain, gastrointestinal issues, or chronic fatigue as potential indicators of
underlying mental health distress.
, 3. A nurse is conducting a home safety assessment for a client with early-stage dementia.
Which recommendation is the most critical for fall prevention?
A. Removing all area rugs and clutter from walkways
B. Installing a security system on the front door
C. Increasing the wattage of all light bulbs
D. Labeling all kitchen cabinets with pictures
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Removing trip hazards like throw rugs and clutter is a primary
intervention to prevent falls in the elderly. Decreased depth perception and changes in gait
increase the risk of accidents significantly. While lighting and security are important,
physical obstacles in common walking paths represent the most immediate threat to safety.
4. Which legal document allows a patient to appoint a specific person to make medical
decisions if they become incapacitated?
A. Last Will and Testament
B. Living Will
C. Patient Bill of Rights
D. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
Correct Answer: D
Mental Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen
College of Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This exam preparation resource focuses on advanced concepts related to community-based
geriatric care, mental health services for aging populations, and complex elderly nursing
interventions. The material is designed to strengthen understanding of interdisciplinary geriatric
care and evidence-based nursing management strategies.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual aging
and mental health nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve
analytical reasoning, patient advocacy, and geriatric nursing care planning.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Community resources for older adults
• Home healthcare nursing
• Mental health services for seniors
• Elderly patient advocacy
• Legal issues in geriatric care
• Cultural competence in aging care
• Interdisciplinary geriatric collaboration
• Health promotion for aging populations
════════════════════════════════════
1. An older adult patient is admitted with a sudden onset of confusion and visual
hallucinations. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Normal Aging
C. Clinical Depression
,D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and
is often accompanied by sensory disturbances like hallucinations. Unlike dementia, which
is progressive and slow, delirium is a medical emergency that requires immediate
identification of the underlying cause. Common triggers in the elderly include urinary tract
infections, medication side effects, or electrolyte imbalances.
2. When assessing an elderly patient for depression, which symptom is often more prominent
than a ‘sad mood’?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Somatic complaints such as pain or fatigue
C. Hyperactivity and restlessness
D. Enhanced short-term memory
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Older adults frequently manifest depression through physical or
somatic symptoms rather than reporting feelings of sadness. This phenomenon is
sometimes referred to as ‘masked depression’ in the geriatric population. Nurses must look
for persistent pain, gastrointestinal issues, or chronic fatigue as potential indicators of
underlying mental health distress.
, 3. A nurse is conducting a home safety assessment for a client with early-stage dementia.
Which recommendation is the most critical for fall prevention?
A. Removing all area rugs and clutter from walkways
B. Installing a security system on the front door
C. Increasing the wattage of all light bulbs
D. Labeling all kitchen cabinets with pictures
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Removing trip hazards like throw rugs and clutter is a primary
intervention to prevent falls in the elderly. Decreased depth perception and changes in gait
increase the risk of accidents significantly. While lighting and security are important,
physical obstacles in common walking paths represent the most immediate threat to safety.
4. Which legal document allows a patient to appoint a specific person to make medical
decisions if they become incapacitated?
A. Last Will and Testament
B. Living Will
C. Patient Bill of Rights
D. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
Correct Answer: D
