NUR255 Exam 2 V1 | NUR 255 Aging & Mental
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College of
Nursing
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This exam preparation resource focuses on dementia care, cognitive disorders, and mental
health interventions for aging adults. The material is designed to strengthen understanding of
geriatric psychiatric conditions and evidence-based nursing care strategies for elderly patients.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual
gerontological nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical
reasoning and patient management skills.
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The Exam Covers:
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Delirium assessment and interventions
• Cognitive impairment management
• Depression in older adults
• Anxiety disorders in aging populations
• Safety interventions for dementia patients
• Caregiver support strategies
• Geriatric mental health assessments
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1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client who is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion
and disorientation. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Vascular dementia
C. Delirium
,D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and
is often reversible once the underlying cause (such as infection or medication) is treated.
2. Which of the following is a key clinical feature that distinguishes delirium from dementia?
A. Gradual decline in memory
B. Difficulty finding words
C. Altered level of consciousness
D. Permanent cognitive impairment
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium involves a fluctuating level of consciousness, whereas
dementia patients usually remain alert but have progressive cognitive deficits.
3. A client with Alzheimer’s disease is unable to recognize familiar objects like a hairbrush.
The nurse documents this finding as:
A. Agnosia
B. Apraxia
C. Aphasia
D. Anomia
, Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Agnosia is the inability to recognize or identify objects despite intact
sensory function.
4. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient with depression. Which symptom is most likely to be
mistaken for dementia?
A. Increased appetite
B. Acute hallucinations
C. Grandiosity
D. Cognitive slowing and forgetfulness
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Depression in older adults often presents with cognitive impairment
(pseudodementia), leading to forgetfulness and slow processing that mimics dementia.
5. The nurse is providing education to a caregiver about ‘sundowning’. Which intervention is
most appropriate?
A. Turning off all lights early in the afternoon
B. Encouraging a vigorous exercise routine at bedtime
C. Providing a quiet, well-lit environment in the evening
D. Administering a strong sedative at 4:00 PM
Correct Answer: C
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College of
Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This exam preparation resource focuses on dementia care, cognitive disorders, and mental
health interventions for aging adults. The material is designed to strengthen understanding of
geriatric psychiatric conditions and evidence-based nursing care strategies for elderly patients.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual
gerontological nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical
reasoning and patient management skills.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Delirium assessment and interventions
• Cognitive impairment management
• Depression in older adults
• Anxiety disorders in aging populations
• Safety interventions for dementia patients
• Caregiver support strategies
• Geriatric mental health assessments
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client who is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion
and disorientation. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Vascular dementia
C. Delirium
,D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and
is often reversible once the underlying cause (such as infection or medication) is treated.
2. Which of the following is a key clinical feature that distinguishes delirium from dementia?
A. Gradual decline in memory
B. Difficulty finding words
C. Altered level of consciousness
D. Permanent cognitive impairment
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium involves a fluctuating level of consciousness, whereas
dementia patients usually remain alert but have progressive cognitive deficits.
3. A client with Alzheimer’s disease is unable to recognize familiar objects like a hairbrush.
The nurse documents this finding as:
A. Agnosia
B. Apraxia
C. Aphasia
D. Anomia
, Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Agnosia is the inability to recognize or identify objects despite intact
sensory function.
4. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient with depression. Which symptom is most likely to be
mistaken for dementia?
A. Increased appetite
B. Acute hallucinations
C. Grandiosity
D. Cognitive slowing and forgetfulness
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Depression in older adults often presents with cognitive impairment
(pseudodementia), leading to forgetfulness and slow processing that mimics dementia.
5. The nurse is providing education to a caregiver about ‘sundowning’. Which intervention is
most appropriate?
A. Turning off all lights early in the afternoon
B. Encouraging a vigorous exercise routine at bedtime
C. Providing a quiet, well-lit environment in the evening
D. Administering a strong sedative at 4:00 PM
Correct Answer: C
