PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 4 V3 |
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. According to Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development, which stage is associated with
late adulthood?
A. Generativity versus Stagnation
B. Integrity versus Despair
C. Identity versus Role Confusion
D. Intimacy versus Isolation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Erikson’s final developmental stage is Integrity versus Despair, which
occurs during late adulthood. In this stage, the older adult reflects on their life
accomplishments and failures to find a sense of meaning. Failure to achieve integrity often
results in feelings of regret and fear of death.
2. An older adult patient presents with acute confusion, hallucinations, and a fluctuating level
of consciousness. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
,D. Major Depressive Disorder
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and
cognitive fluctuations. It is typically reversible and often caused by an underlying medical
condition, such as an infection or drug toxicity. In contrast, dementia involves a slow,
progressive decline in cognitive function.
3. Which physiological change in the gastrointestinal system is considered a normal part of
aging?
A. Increased gastric acid production
B. Increased liver enzyme activity
C. Decreased peristalsis and delayed gastric emptying
D. Enhanced sense of taste and smell
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Aging leads to decreased motility in the gastrointestinal tract, which
results in slower peristalsis. This change increases the risk of constipation and feelings of
fullness in older adults. Furthermore, decreased gastric emptying can affect the absorption
rate of certain medications.
4. When educating an older adult about fall prevention, which extrinsic factor should the
nurse emphasize?
A. Poor visual acuity
, B. Orthostatic hypotension
C. Lower extremity weakness
D. Cluttered hallways and loose rugs
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Extrinsic factors are environmental hazards that contribute to falls,
such as poor lighting or tripping hazards. Cluttered hallways and loose rugs are classic
examples of modifiable environmental risks. Intrinsic factors, such as vision or weakness,
originate from within the patient’s own body.
5. Which of the following describes the ‘Beers Criteria’ in geriatric nursing?
A. A tool used to assess nutritional status in nursing home residents
B. A scale used to predict the risk of pressure ulcer development
C. A list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults
D. A cognitive assessment used to screen for early-stage Alzheimer’s
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria provides a guideline for healthcare professionals
to identify medications that may be unsafe for the elderly. These medications are
associated with a higher risk of adverse drug reactions in older populations due to
physiological changes. Utilizing this criteria helps reduce the incidence of polypharmacy-
related complications.
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. According to Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development, which stage is associated with
late adulthood?
A. Generativity versus Stagnation
B. Integrity versus Despair
C. Identity versus Role Confusion
D. Intimacy versus Isolation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Erikson’s final developmental stage is Integrity versus Despair, which
occurs during late adulthood. In this stage, the older adult reflects on their life
accomplishments and failures to find a sense of meaning. Failure to achieve integrity often
results in feelings of regret and fear of death.
2. An older adult patient presents with acute confusion, hallucinations, and a fluctuating level
of consciousness. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
,D. Major Depressive Disorder
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and
cognitive fluctuations. It is typically reversible and often caused by an underlying medical
condition, such as an infection or drug toxicity. In contrast, dementia involves a slow,
progressive decline in cognitive function.
3. Which physiological change in the gastrointestinal system is considered a normal part of
aging?
A. Increased gastric acid production
B. Increased liver enzyme activity
C. Decreased peristalsis and delayed gastric emptying
D. Enhanced sense of taste and smell
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Aging leads to decreased motility in the gastrointestinal tract, which
results in slower peristalsis. This change increases the risk of constipation and feelings of
fullness in older adults. Furthermore, decreased gastric emptying can affect the absorption
rate of certain medications.
4. When educating an older adult about fall prevention, which extrinsic factor should the
nurse emphasize?
A. Poor visual acuity
, B. Orthostatic hypotension
C. Lower extremity weakness
D. Cluttered hallways and loose rugs
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Extrinsic factors are environmental hazards that contribute to falls,
such as poor lighting or tripping hazards. Cluttered hallways and loose rugs are classic
examples of modifiable environmental risks. Intrinsic factors, such as vision or weakness,
originate from within the patient’s own body.
5. Which of the following describes the ‘Beers Criteria’ in geriatric nursing?
A. A tool used to assess nutritional status in nursing home residents
B. A scale used to predict the risk of pressure ulcer development
C. A list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults
D. A cognitive assessment used to screen for early-stage Alzheimer’s
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria provides a guideline for healthcare professionals
to identify medications that may be unsafe for the elderly. These medications are
associated with a higher risk of adverse drug reactions in older populations due to
physiological changes. Utilizing this criteria helps reduce the incidence of polypharmacy-
related complications.
