NUR255 Exam 2 V2 | NUR 255 Aging & Mental
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College of
Nursing
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This study guide is intended to help students strengthen their understanding of geriatric
psychiatric disorders, behavioral changes in older adults, and advanced elderly nursing
interventions. The content reflects practical gerontological nursing concepts commonly tested in
nursing examinations.
The questions are designed to simulate actual exam conditions while reinforcing geriatric
prioritization, therapeutic communication, and mental health intervention skills. Detailed expert
explanations are included to support concept mastery and exam preparedness.
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The Exam Covers:
• Cognitive decline disorders
• Behavioral symptoms of dementia
• Depression screening in elderly patients
• Suicide risk in older adults
• Medication management in aging populations
• Therapeutic approaches for confusion
• Psychiatric nursing care for seniors
• Long-term care nursing concepts
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1. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient who has suddenly become confused, agitated,
and is hallucinating. The symptoms fluctuate throughout the day. Which condition does the
nurse suspect?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Delirium
,C. Vascular dementia
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating levels of
consciousness, and is often reversible. Dementia has a slow, progressive onset.
2. Which of the following is a primary risk factor for the development of delirium in the
hospitalized elderly?
A. Urinary tract infection
B. High-fiber diet
C. Regular physical exercise
D. Social interaction
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Infections, particularly UTIs and pneumonia, are leading causes of
delirium in the geriatric population due to physiological stress.
3. An elderly patient with dementia is unable to recognize familiar objects like a hairbrush.
The nurse documents this finding as:
A. Agnosia
B. Apraxia
C. Aphasia
, D. Amnesia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Agnosia is the inability to recognize or identify objects despite intact
sensory function.
4. When communicating with a patient who has late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, which
technique is most effective?
A. Using complex sentences to provide detail
B. Speaking loudly to ensure they hear
C. Asking open-ended questions to encourage conversation
D. Using simple, one-step instructions
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Patients with advanced dementia process information slowly; simple,
direct, one-step instructions reduce frustration and improve comprehension.
5. A nurse is reviewing the medications for an 80-year-old patient. Which medication listed
on the Beer’s Criteria should the nurse question?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Diphenhydramine
C. Lisinopril
D. Metformin
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College of
Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This study guide is intended to help students strengthen their understanding of geriatric
psychiatric disorders, behavioral changes in older adults, and advanced elderly nursing
interventions. The content reflects practical gerontological nursing concepts commonly tested in
nursing examinations.
The questions are designed to simulate actual exam conditions while reinforcing geriatric
prioritization, therapeutic communication, and mental health intervention skills. Detailed expert
explanations are included to support concept mastery and exam preparedness.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Cognitive decline disorders
• Behavioral symptoms of dementia
• Depression screening in elderly patients
• Suicide risk in older adults
• Medication management in aging populations
• Therapeutic approaches for confusion
• Psychiatric nursing care for seniors
• Long-term care nursing concepts
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient who has suddenly become confused, agitated,
and is hallucinating. The symptoms fluctuate throughout the day. Which condition does the
nurse suspect?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Delirium
,C. Vascular dementia
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating levels of
consciousness, and is often reversible. Dementia has a slow, progressive onset.
2. Which of the following is a primary risk factor for the development of delirium in the
hospitalized elderly?
A. Urinary tract infection
B. High-fiber diet
C. Regular physical exercise
D. Social interaction
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Infections, particularly UTIs and pneumonia, are leading causes of
delirium in the geriatric population due to physiological stress.
3. An elderly patient with dementia is unable to recognize familiar objects like a hairbrush.
The nurse documents this finding as:
A. Agnosia
B. Apraxia
C. Aphasia
, D. Amnesia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Agnosia is the inability to recognize or identify objects despite intact
sensory function.
4. When communicating with a patient who has late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, which
technique is most effective?
A. Using complex sentences to provide detail
B. Speaking loudly to ensure they hear
C. Asking open-ended questions to encourage conversation
D. Using simple, one-step instructions
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Patients with advanced dementia process information slowly; simple,
direct, one-step instructions reduce frustration and improve comprehension.
5. A nurse is reviewing the medications for an 80-year-old patient. Which medication listed
on the Beer’s Criteria should the nurse question?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Diphenhydramine
C. Lisinopril
D. Metformin
