PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 3 V3 |
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client who reports a sudden onset of confusion and
disorientation. Which of the following conditions should the nurse investigate first?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Delirium
C. Normal age-related memory loss
D. Depression
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and
is often reversible if the underlying cause is addressed. In contrast, Alzheimer’s disease is a
slow, progressive decline in cognitive function. The nurse must identify triggers such as
infection, dehydration, or medication toxicity immediately to prevent further
complications.
2. An older adult client is prescribed a new medication that is excreted by the kidneys. Which
lab value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Creatinine clearance
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
,C. Serum sodium
D. Serum glucose
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Creatinine clearance is the most reliable indicator of renal function in
the older adult because serum creatinine levels can remain normal even with significant
renal decline due to decreased muscle mass. As kidney function decreases with age, the risk
for drug toxicity increases significantly. Monitoring this value ensures that medication
dosages are adjusted according to the patient’s actual excretory capacity.
3. Which statement by a nurse best describes the ‘Beers Criteria’ in gerontological nursing?
A. A list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults.
B. A guideline for assessing the risk of falls in the home environment.
C. A list of nutritional requirements for residents in long-term care.
D. A standard for determining the need for physical restraints.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria provide a list of medications that are generally
considered inappropriate for older adults due to a high risk of adverse effects. These
guidelines help healthcare providers improve the safety of prescribing for the elderly
population. Implementing these criteria is a key strategy in reducing polypharmacy and
medication-related injuries.
, 4. When assessing an older adult’s skin, the nurse notes purple patches on the forearms.
Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?
A. Senile lentigines
B. Senile purpura
C. Seborrheic keratosis
D. Cherry angioma
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Senile purpura refers to the purple, bruised-looking areas often
found on the forearms and hands of older adults due to increased capillary fragility. These
lesions result from minimal trauma and the thinning of the dermis as part of the aging
process. It is a common benign finding, but the nurse should still assess for clotting
disorders or anticoagulation therapy.
5. Which of the following is a normal age-related change in the respiratory system?
A. Increased vital capacity
B. Increased elastic recoil of the lungs
C. Decreased cough reflex
D. Decreased residual volume
Correct Answer: C
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client who reports a sudden onset of confusion and
disorientation. Which of the following conditions should the nurse investigate first?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Delirium
C. Normal age-related memory loss
D. Depression
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and
is often reversible if the underlying cause is addressed. In contrast, Alzheimer’s disease is a
slow, progressive decline in cognitive function. The nurse must identify triggers such as
infection, dehydration, or medication toxicity immediately to prevent further
complications.
2. An older adult client is prescribed a new medication that is excreted by the kidneys. Which
lab value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Creatinine clearance
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
,C. Serum sodium
D. Serum glucose
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Creatinine clearance is the most reliable indicator of renal function in
the older adult because serum creatinine levels can remain normal even with significant
renal decline due to decreased muscle mass. As kidney function decreases with age, the risk
for drug toxicity increases significantly. Monitoring this value ensures that medication
dosages are adjusted according to the patient’s actual excretory capacity.
3. Which statement by a nurse best describes the ‘Beers Criteria’ in gerontological nursing?
A. A list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults.
B. A guideline for assessing the risk of falls in the home environment.
C. A list of nutritional requirements for residents in long-term care.
D. A standard for determining the need for physical restraints.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria provide a list of medications that are generally
considered inappropriate for older adults due to a high risk of adverse effects. These
guidelines help healthcare providers improve the safety of prescribing for the elderly
population. Implementing these criteria is a key strategy in reducing polypharmacy and
medication-related injuries.
, 4. When assessing an older adult’s skin, the nurse notes purple patches on the forearms.
Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?
A. Senile lentigines
B. Senile purpura
C. Seborrheic keratosis
D. Cherry angioma
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Senile purpura refers to the purple, bruised-looking areas often
found on the forearms and hands of older adults due to increased capillary fragility. These
lesions result from minimal trauma and the thinning of the dermis as part of the aging
process. It is a common benign finding, but the nurse should still assess for clotting
disorders or anticoagulation therapy.
5. Which of the following is a normal age-related change in the respiratory system?
A. Increased vital capacity
B. Increased elastic recoil of the lungs
C. Decreased cough reflex
D. Decreased residual volume
Correct Answer: C
