NUR255 Exam 1 V1 | NUR 255 Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen
College of Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This exam preparation resource is designed to help students strengthen their understanding of
gerontological nursing concepts, mental health care for older adults, and age-related
physiological and psychosocial changes. The material emphasizes evidence-based nursing
interventions, therapeutic communication, and patient-centered care strategies for the aging
population.
The questions included in this version are structured to closely mirror the actual course exam
format and level of difficulty. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical
judgment, geriatric nursing skills, and exam readiness.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Foundations of gerontological nursing
• Normal aging processes
• Mental health assessment in older adults
• Therapeutic communication with elderly patients
• Age-related physiological changes
• Health promotion in aging populations
• Ethical considerations in geriatric care
• Nursing process for older adults
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing an 80-year-old patient who has become suddenly confused and
agitated. What is the most likely cause of this acute change in mental status?
A. Delirium caused by a systemic infection
B. Normal age-related cognitive decline
C. Progressive Alzheimer’s disease
,D. Early-onset Lewy body dementia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute and sudden change in mental
status, often triggered by physical illness like a UTI. Unlike dementia, delirium is typically
reversible once the underlying cause is addressed. This patient’s sudden agitation and
confusion are hallmark signs of this medical emergency.
2. Which developmental stage, according to Erikson, is the primary focus for older adults?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The developmental task of the older adult is Integrity vs. Despair,
where they reflect on their life achievements. Success in this stage leads to a sense of
fulfillment and wisdom. Failure to achieve integrity can result in bitterness, regret, and a
fear of death.
3. An older adult patient complains of difficulty seeing clearly in low-light environments.
Which physiological change of aging explains this?
A. Increased sensitivity to glare
, B. Yellowing of the lens
C. Decreased pupil size and light entry
D. Thinning of the retinal layers
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: As people age, the pupil tends to become smaller and less responsive
to changes in light. This results in less light reaching the retina, making it difficult to see in
dimly lit rooms. Nurses should ensure adequate lighting to promote safety and prevent
falls.
4. What is the most effective nursing intervention to improve communication with a patient
experiencing presbycusis?
A. Shout loudly into the patient’s better ear
B. Face the patient and speak in a low-pitched, normal volume
C. Speak in a high-pitched, clear tone
D. Use rapid speech to keep the patient engaged
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Presbycusis involves the loss of high-frequency hearing, so speaking
in a lower pitch is more effective. Facing the patient allows them to use visual cues and lip-
reading to supplement their hearing. Shouting should be avoided as it can distort sound
and may be perceived as aggressive.
Mental Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen
College of Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This exam preparation resource is designed to help students strengthen their understanding of
gerontological nursing concepts, mental health care for older adults, and age-related
physiological and psychosocial changes. The material emphasizes evidence-based nursing
interventions, therapeutic communication, and patient-centered care strategies for the aging
population.
The questions included in this version are structured to closely mirror the actual course exam
format and level of difficulty. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical
judgment, geriatric nursing skills, and exam readiness.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Foundations of gerontological nursing
• Normal aging processes
• Mental health assessment in older adults
• Therapeutic communication with elderly patients
• Age-related physiological changes
• Health promotion in aging populations
• Ethical considerations in geriatric care
• Nursing process for older adults
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing an 80-year-old patient who has become suddenly confused and
agitated. What is the most likely cause of this acute change in mental status?
A. Delirium caused by a systemic infection
B. Normal age-related cognitive decline
C. Progressive Alzheimer’s disease
,D. Early-onset Lewy body dementia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute and sudden change in mental
status, often triggered by physical illness like a UTI. Unlike dementia, delirium is typically
reversible once the underlying cause is addressed. This patient’s sudden agitation and
confusion are hallmark signs of this medical emergency.
2. Which developmental stage, according to Erikson, is the primary focus for older adults?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The developmental task of the older adult is Integrity vs. Despair,
where they reflect on their life achievements. Success in this stage leads to a sense of
fulfillment and wisdom. Failure to achieve integrity can result in bitterness, regret, and a
fear of death.
3. An older adult patient complains of difficulty seeing clearly in low-light environments.
Which physiological change of aging explains this?
A. Increased sensitivity to glare
, B. Yellowing of the lens
C. Decreased pupil size and light entry
D. Thinning of the retinal layers
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: As people age, the pupil tends to become smaller and less responsive
to changes in light. This results in less light reaching the retina, making it difficult to see in
dimly lit rooms. Nurses should ensure adequate lighting to promote safety and prevent
falls.
4. What is the most effective nursing intervention to improve communication with a patient
experiencing presbycusis?
A. Shout loudly into the patient’s better ear
B. Face the patient and speak in a low-pitched, normal volume
C. Speak in a high-pitched, clear tone
D. Use rapid speech to keep the patient engaged
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Presbycusis involves the loss of high-frequency hearing, so speaking
in a lower pitch is more effective. Facing the patient allows them to use visual cues and lip-
reading to supplement their hearing. Shouting should be avoided as it can distort sound
and may be perceived as aggressive.
