NUR163/NUR 163 Exam 3 V1 | Concepts of
Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly
Patients Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient who reports difficulty seeing objects clearly in
their central field of vision while peripheral vision remains intact. Which condition should the
nurse suspect?
A. Macular Degeneration
B. Cataracts
C. Glaucoma
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Macular degeneration is characterized by the loss of central vision while the
peripheral vision usually remains unaffected. It is the leading cause of vision loss in the
elderly population and can significantly impact daily activities like reading or driving. The
nurse should assess for the use of Amsler grids to monitor progression of the disease.
2. An older adult patient is admitted with a sudden onset of confusion, agitation, and visual
hallucinations. Which condition is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
A. Vascular Dementia
,B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Delirium
D. Normal Aging
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute and fluctuating change in mental status
that is often reversible. It is frequently caused by underlying medical issues such as
infections, dehydration, or medication toxicity. The nurse must perform a thorough
assessment to identify and treat the root cause immediately.
3. Which pharmacological guideline should the nurse follow when administering new
medications to an elderly patient?
A. Start low and go slow.
B. Start with the highest dose to ensure efficacy.
C. Administer medications only on an empty stomach.
D. Avoid using liquid formulations.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The principle of ‘start low and go slow’ is essential in geriatric pharmacology
due to age-related changes in metabolism and excretion. Older adults are more susceptible
to adverse drug reactions and toxicity compared to younger patients. The nurse should
closely monitor for side effects after every dose adjustment.
, 4. An elderly patient is being assessed for ‘sundowning.’ At what time of day does the nurse
expect the patient’s confusion to worsen?
A. Late afternoon or evening
B. Midday
C. Early morning
D. During the middle of the night
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sundowning refers to increased confusion, restlessness, and agitation that
occurs in the late afternoon or evening hours. It is commonly seen in patients with
dementia and can be triggered by fatigue or low light levels. The nurse should provide a
calm environment and adequate lighting to help minimize these symptoms.
5. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about preventing osteoporosis. Which type of
exercise should the nurse recommend?
A. Weight-bearing exercises
B. Swimming
C. Biking
D. Stretching only
Correct Answer: A
Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly
Patients Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient who reports difficulty seeing objects clearly in
their central field of vision while peripheral vision remains intact. Which condition should the
nurse suspect?
A. Macular Degeneration
B. Cataracts
C. Glaucoma
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Macular degeneration is characterized by the loss of central vision while the
peripheral vision usually remains unaffected. It is the leading cause of vision loss in the
elderly population and can significantly impact daily activities like reading or driving. The
nurse should assess for the use of Amsler grids to monitor progression of the disease.
2. An older adult patient is admitted with a sudden onset of confusion, agitation, and visual
hallucinations. Which condition is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
A. Vascular Dementia
,B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Delirium
D. Normal Aging
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute and fluctuating change in mental status
that is often reversible. It is frequently caused by underlying medical issues such as
infections, dehydration, or medication toxicity. The nurse must perform a thorough
assessment to identify and treat the root cause immediately.
3. Which pharmacological guideline should the nurse follow when administering new
medications to an elderly patient?
A. Start low and go slow.
B. Start with the highest dose to ensure efficacy.
C. Administer medications only on an empty stomach.
D. Avoid using liquid formulations.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The principle of ‘start low and go slow’ is essential in geriatric pharmacology
due to age-related changes in metabolism and excretion. Older adults are more susceptible
to adverse drug reactions and toxicity compared to younger patients. The nurse should
closely monitor for side effects after every dose adjustment.
, 4. An elderly patient is being assessed for ‘sundowning.’ At what time of day does the nurse
expect the patient’s confusion to worsen?
A. Late afternoon or evening
B. Midday
C. Early morning
D. During the middle of the night
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sundowning refers to increased confusion, restlessness, and agitation that
occurs in the late afternoon or evening hours. It is commonly seen in patients with
dementia and can be triggered by fatigue or low light levels. The nurse should provide a
calm environment and adequate lighting to help minimize these symptoms.
5. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about preventing osteoporosis. Which type of
exercise should the nurse recommend?
A. Weight-bearing exercises
B. Swimming
C. Biking
D. Stretching only
Correct Answer: A
