PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 3 V2 |
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. An older adult patient presents with an acute, fluctuating change in mental status and
difficulty focusing. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Clinical Depression
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of cognitive impairment
that often fluctuates throughout the day. It is considered a medical emergency and is
usually reversible once the underlying cause is addressed. Unlike dementia, delirium
involves an acute disturbance in attention and awareness.
2. When assessing an older adult for polypharmacy, which factor most significantly increases
the risk for adverse drug reactions?
A. Increased gastric acidity
B. Decreased glomerular filtration rate
C. Decreased body fat percentage
,D. Increased total body water
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: A decrease in the glomerular filtration rate is a common physiological
change in aging that affects renal clearance. This leads to the accumulation of drugs in the
system, significantly elevating the risk for toxicity. The nurse must monitor kidney function
tests to adjust dosages appropriately.
3. Which age-related vision change makes it difficult for an older adult to see clearly in low-
light environments?
A. Cataracts
B. Presbyopia
C. Delayed dark adaptation
D. Increased sensitivity to glare
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delayed dark adaptation occurs because the pupil becomes smaller
and reacts more slowly to light changes as one ages. This makes transitioning from a bright
area to a dark area hazardous for older adults. Nurses should advise patients to use
nightlights and ensure adequate lighting to prevent falls.
4. An older patient complains of chronic dry skin (xerosis). Which intervention should the
nurse recommend?
A. Daily hot baths with antibacterial soap
, B. Using a humidifier and applying emollient after bathing
C. Applying alcohol-based lotions twice daily
D. Vigorous towel drying to stimulate circulation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Xerosis is common in older adults due to decreased sebum
production and thinning of the epidermis. Using a humidifier helps maintain environmental
moisture, while emollients trap water in the skin when applied immediately after a
lukewarm bath. Hot water and harsh soaps should be avoided as they further strip natural
oils.
5. Which of the following is a normal age-related change in the respiratory system?
A. Increased elastic recoil of the lungs
B. Decreased residual volume
C. Increased number of functioning alveoli
D. Stiffening of the chest wall
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Stiffening of the chest wall and calcification of costal cartilage are
expected changes in the aging respiratory system. These changes lead to decreased lung
expansion and an increased work of breathing. This makes older adults more vulnerable to
respiratory infections and complications during illness.
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. An older adult patient presents with an acute, fluctuating change in mental status and
difficulty focusing. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Clinical Depression
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of cognitive impairment
that often fluctuates throughout the day. It is considered a medical emergency and is
usually reversible once the underlying cause is addressed. Unlike dementia, delirium
involves an acute disturbance in attention and awareness.
2. When assessing an older adult for polypharmacy, which factor most significantly increases
the risk for adverse drug reactions?
A. Increased gastric acidity
B. Decreased glomerular filtration rate
C. Decreased body fat percentage
,D. Increased total body water
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: A decrease in the glomerular filtration rate is a common physiological
change in aging that affects renal clearance. This leads to the accumulation of drugs in the
system, significantly elevating the risk for toxicity. The nurse must monitor kidney function
tests to adjust dosages appropriately.
3. Which age-related vision change makes it difficult for an older adult to see clearly in low-
light environments?
A. Cataracts
B. Presbyopia
C. Delayed dark adaptation
D. Increased sensitivity to glare
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delayed dark adaptation occurs because the pupil becomes smaller
and reacts more slowly to light changes as one ages. This makes transitioning from a bright
area to a dark area hazardous for older adults. Nurses should advise patients to use
nightlights and ensure adequate lighting to prevent falls.
4. An older patient complains of chronic dry skin (xerosis). Which intervention should the
nurse recommend?
A. Daily hot baths with antibacterial soap
, B. Using a humidifier and applying emollient after bathing
C. Applying alcohol-based lotions twice daily
D. Vigorous towel drying to stimulate circulation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Xerosis is common in older adults due to decreased sebum
production and thinning of the epidermis. Using a humidifier helps maintain environmental
moisture, while emollients trap water in the skin when applied immediately after a
lukewarm bath. Hot water and harsh soaps should be avoided as they further strip natural
oils.
5. Which of the following is a normal age-related change in the respiratory system?
A. Increased elastic recoil of the lungs
B. Decreased residual volume
C. Increased number of functioning alveoli
D. Stiffening of the chest wall
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Stiffening of the chest wall and calcification of costal cartilage are
expected changes in the aging respiratory system. These changes lead to decreased lung
expansion and an increased work of breathing. This makes older adults more vulnerable to
respiratory infections and complications during illness.
