NUR163/NUR 163 Final Exam V1 |
Concepts of Practical Nursing in the Care
of Elderly Patients Q&A with Rationale |
Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing an 80-year-old client for signs of dehydration. Which assessment
finding is the most reliable indicator of fluid volume deficit in an elderly patient?
A. Poor skin turgor on the back of the hand
B. Increased urinary output
C. Decreased thirst sensation
D. Dryness of the mucous membranes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the elderly, skin turgor is often poor due to a loss of subcutaneous fat and
elasticity, making it an unreliable indicator. Dry mucous membranes and a furrowed
tongue are more accurate signs of dehydration in this population. The nurse must also
monitor for confusion and concentrated urine as part of a comprehensive assessment.
2. An elderly patient with dementia is being admitted to a long-term care facility. Which
intervention should the nurse prioritize to promote safety?
A. Applying physical restraints to prevent wandering
B. Providing a high-stimulation environment with loud music
,C. Administering sedatives every night to ensure sleep
D. Placing the bed in the lowest position with the call light within reach
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Safety for a patient with dementia involves minimizing environmental hazards
and preventing falls. Keeping the bed low and the call light accessible allows the patient to
seek help safely. Physical restraints and excessive sedation are avoided as they can
increase agitation and cause further injury.
3. Which physiological change associated with aging contributes to the increased risk of drug
toxicity in older adults?
A. Increased glomerular filtration rate
B. Decreased hepatic blood flow
C. Increased total body water
D. Decreased body fat
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aging results in decreased hepatic blood flow and reduced liver enzyme
activity, which slows down the metabolism of medications. This leads to a longer half-life
for many drugs, increasing the risk of accumulation and toxicity. Nurses must carefully
monitor for adverse effects even when dosages are within standard ranges.
, 4. A nurse is caring for an older adult who is grieving the loss of a spouse. According to
Erikson’s developmental stages, which stage is this patient likely experiencing?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson’s final stage, Integrity vs. Despair, occurs in late adulthood. This stage
involves reflecting on life and achieving a sense of fulfillment or facing regret. Successful
resolution leads to wisdom, while failure can result in bitterness and despair during the
mourning process.
5. An elderly patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion, agitation, and visual
hallucinations. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Depression
C. Delirium
D. Vascular dementia
Correct Answer: C
Concepts of Practical Nursing in the Care
of Elderly Patients Q&A with Rationale |
Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing an 80-year-old client for signs of dehydration. Which assessment
finding is the most reliable indicator of fluid volume deficit in an elderly patient?
A. Poor skin turgor on the back of the hand
B. Increased urinary output
C. Decreased thirst sensation
D. Dryness of the mucous membranes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the elderly, skin turgor is often poor due to a loss of subcutaneous fat and
elasticity, making it an unreliable indicator. Dry mucous membranes and a furrowed
tongue are more accurate signs of dehydration in this population. The nurse must also
monitor for confusion and concentrated urine as part of a comprehensive assessment.
2. An elderly patient with dementia is being admitted to a long-term care facility. Which
intervention should the nurse prioritize to promote safety?
A. Applying physical restraints to prevent wandering
B. Providing a high-stimulation environment with loud music
,C. Administering sedatives every night to ensure sleep
D. Placing the bed in the lowest position with the call light within reach
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Safety for a patient with dementia involves minimizing environmental hazards
and preventing falls. Keeping the bed low and the call light accessible allows the patient to
seek help safely. Physical restraints and excessive sedation are avoided as they can
increase agitation and cause further injury.
3. Which physiological change associated with aging contributes to the increased risk of drug
toxicity in older adults?
A. Increased glomerular filtration rate
B. Decreased hepatic blood flow
C. Increased total body water
D. Decreased body fat
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aging results in decreased hepatic blood flow and reduced liver enzyme
activity, which slows down the metabolism of medications. This leads to a longer half-life
for many drugs, increasing the risk of accumulation and toxicity. Nurses must carefully
monitor for adverse effects even when dosages are within standard ranges.
, 4. A nurse is caring for an older adult who is grieving the loss of a spouse. According to
Erikson’s developmental stages, which stage is this patient likely experiencing?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson’s final stage, Integrity vs. Despair, occurs in late adulthood. This stage
involves reflecting on life and achieving a sense of fulfillment or facing regret. Successful
resolution leads to wisdom, while failure can result in bitterness and despair during the
mourning process.
5. An elderly patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion, agitation, and visual
hallucinations. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Depression
C. Delirium
D. Vascular dementia
Correct Answer: C
