PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 4 V1 |
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who has a life expectancy of less than 6 months.
Which type of care should the nurse prioritize to manage symptoms and provide emotional
support?
A. Curative care
B. Hospice care
C. Rehabilitative care
D. Acute care
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hospice care is specifically designed for patients with a terminal
diagnosis and a prognosis of 6 months or less. It focuses on comfort and quality of life
rather than curing the underlying disease. This approach provides holistic support for both
the patient and their family members during the dying process.
2. When assessing an older adult patient, the nurse notes a sudden onset of confusion,
altered consciousness, and incoherent speech. Which condition is most likely occurring?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
,C. Delirium
D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden change in mental status
and is often reversible if the underlying cause is treated. Unlike dementia, which is a slow
and progressive decline, delirium happens quickly over hours or days. It is frequently
caused by infections, medication side effects, or metabolic imbalances in the elderly.
3. An older patient is being evaluated for elder abuse. The nurse notices the patient has
multiple bruises in various stages of healing and appears fearful when the caregiver enters
the room. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Report the findings to the appropriate state authorities or adult protective services.
B. Confront the caregiver immediately about the bruises.
C. Document the findings and wait for the next shift to confirm.
D. Ask the patient to fill out a written statement in front of the caregiver.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Nurses are mandatory reporters of elder abuse and must report
suspected cases to the authorities according to state law and facility policy. The safety of
the patient is the primary concern, and professional intervention is required to investigate
the situation. Documentation is necessary, but reporting should not be delayed when signs
of physical abuse and fear are present.
, 4. Which legal document allows a patient to specify exactly which medical treatments they
want or do not want in the event they become incapacitated?
A. Living Will
B. Durable Power of Attorney
C. Health Care Proxy
D. Patient’s Bill of Rights
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A Living Will is a specific legal document that outlines a patient’s
preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments like intubation or feeding tubes. It is
different from a Durable Power of Attorney, which designates a person to make decisions.
Having a Living Will ensures the patient’s autonomy is respected even when they can no
longer communicate.
5. A nurse is providing post-mortem care. Which action is appropriate to perform before the
family views the body?
A. Leave the patient’s eyes open to appear natural.
B. Close the patient’s mouth and place a small pillow under the head.
C. Remove all pillows to keep the head flat.
D. Wait at least 6 hours before cleaning the body.
Correct Answer: B
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who has a life expectancy of less than 6 months.
Which type of care should the nurse prioritize to manage symptoms and provide emotional
support?
A. Curative care
B. Hospice care
C. Rehabilitative care
D. Acute care
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hospice care is specifically designed for patients with a terminal
diagnosis and a prognosis of 6 months or less. It focuses on comfort and quality of life
rather than curing the underlying disease. This approach provides holistic support for both
the patient and their family members during the dying process.
2. When assessing an older adult patient, the nurse notes a sudden onset of confusion,
altered consciousness, and incoherent speech. Which condition is most likely occurring?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
,C. Delirium
D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden change in mental status
and is often reversible if the underlying cause is treated. Unlike dementia, which is a slow
and progressive decline, delirium happens quickly over hours or days. It is frequently
caused by infections, medication side effects, or metabolic imbalances in the elderly.
3. An older patient is being evaluated for elder abuse. The nurse notices the patient has
multiple bruises in various stages of healing and appears fearful when the caregiver enters
the room. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Report the findings to the appropriate state authorities or adult protective services.
B. Confront the caregiver immediately about the bruises.
C. Document the findings and wait for the next shift to confirm.
D. Ask the patient to fill out a written statement in front of the caregiver.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Nurses are mandatory reporters of elder abuse and must report
suspected cases to the authorities according to state law and facility policy. The safety of
the patient is the primary concern, and professional intervention is required to investigate
the situation. Documentation is necessary, but reporting should not be delayed when signs
of physical abuse and fear are present.
, 4. Which legal document allows a patient to specify exactly which medical treatments they
want or do not want in the event they become incapacitated?
A. Living Will
B. Durable Power of Attorney
C. Health Care Proxy
D. Patient’s Bill of Rights
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A Living Will is a specific legal document that outlines a patient’s
preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments like intubation or feeding tubes. It is
different from a Durable Power of Attorney, which designates a person to make decisions.
Having a Living Will ensures the patient’s autonomy is respected even when they can no
longer communicate.
5. A nurse is providing post-mortem care. Which action is appropriate to perform before the
family views the body?
A. Leave the patient’s eyes open to appear natural.
B. Close the patient’s mouth and place a small pillow under the head.
C. Remove all pillows to keep the head flat.
D. Wait at least 6 hours before cleaning the body.
Correct Answer: B
