Gerontology HESI Practice Exam 2022, (Answered) With
Rationale
An older resident is newly admitted to an assisted living community. Which
action should the registered nurse (RN) implement to provide the resident to
maintain safe medication administration? [select all that apply]
a. locked medication storage in the client's room
b. medication administration record (MAR)
c. payment forms for prescribed medications
d. delivery of adequate supply of medication
e. list of findings indicating medication effectiveness
a. locked medication storage in the client's room
b. medication administration record (MAR)
d. delivery of adequate supply of medication
e. list of findings indicating medication effectiveness
When assessing an older client, which age-related changes in the cardiovascular
system should the registered nurse (RN) document? [select all that apply]
a. dyspnea
b. chest pain
c. cardiac murmurs
d. widening pulse pressure
e. irregular heart rate
c. cardiac murmurs
d. widening pulse pressure
An older client who recently moved into an assisted living community refuses to
eat or join any activities. When evaluating the client further, what should the
registered nurse (RN) focus on during next examination?
a. anxiety
b. depression
c. exhaustion
d. confusion
b. depression
Depression is a symptom that an older client is likely to experience with a sudden
change in living accommodations when a loss of personal identity can create low self-
esteem.
The registered nurse (RN) is caring for an elderly client with functional
incontinence who lives in an assisted living community. The client is alert and
mildly confused and can self ambulate. Which nursing intervention should the RN
implement?
a. offer assistance with toileting Q2 hours
b. use protective disposal undergarment instead of underwear
c. ask if the client has attempted to void Q2 hours
d. obtain a prescription for intermittent catheterization
,a. offer assistance with toileting Q2 hours
Toileting assistance maintains independence and self-esteem which are important for
an older client with incontinence. A toileting schedule also decreases the clients
chances of accidents and embarrassment.
The healthcare provider prescribes a new medication, atorvastatin (Lipitor), for an
older client who arrives at the clinic for an annual physical examination. What
common side effect should the registered nurse (RN) advise the client to observe
for with this medication?
a. constipation
b. headaches
c. muscle weakness
d. nausea and vomiting
b. headaches
Headaches are the most common side effect of atorvastatin (Lipitor).
The registered nurse (RN) is re-enforcing discharge instructions with the family of
an older client who was recently admitted for an intestinal obstruction. Which
statement indicates that the family understands the instructions?
a. increase protein and carbohydrates in the daily diet
b. limit activity to bed rest for the first week and increase mobility incrementally
each week
c. report abdominal distention, constipation, or any nausea and vomiting to the
healthcare provider
d. drink liquids 2 hours after meals instead of during meals
c. report abdominal distention, constipation, or any nausea and vomiting to the
healthcare provider
These symptoms occur with intestinal obstruction and should be addressed
immediately.
An older male client asks the registered nurse (RN) how he can reduce his
incidents of hemorrhoidal flare ups. What information should the RN offer the
client about how to prevent rectal discomfort? [select all that apply]
a. increase fiber and liquids in the diet to help prevent constipation and straining
b. change exercise program to reflect less cardio-exercise and more weight
training
c. use a therapeutic cushion or frequent repositioning for periods of prolonged
sitting
d. take frequent warm sitz baths and do not use abrasive paper that can
traumatize tissues
e. establish bowel habits by scheduling daily time to defecate when the client is
not rushed
a. increase fiber and liquids in the diet to help prevent constipation and straining
c. use a therapeutic cushion or frequent repositioning for periods of prolonged sitting
d. take frequent warm sitz baths and do not use abrasive paper that can traumatize
tissues
, e. establish bowel habits by scheduling daily time to defecate when the client is not
rushed
Fluids, comfort measures, and establishment of a regular bowel pattern help reduce
incidents of hemorrhoid inflammation.
An older male client is seeking counseling about his recent sexual issues with his
partner. What issue should the registered nurse (RN) explore in this discussion?
a. certain medications may impact sexual function
b. normal aging affects sexual function in male clients
c. safe sex is not necessary with older sexually active elders
d. sexual interest usually declines with aging in male clients
a. certain medications may impact sexual function
During the quarterly evaluations of the clients in the assisted living community,
the registered nurse (RN) assesses for findings of failure to thrive in the older
population. Which findings should the RN document and report as manifestations
related to failure to thrive? [select all that apply]
a. unintentional weight loss
b. increased weakness
c. increased amounts of sleep
d. irritation and agitation
e. seeking constant attention from caregiver
a. unintentional weight loss
b. increased weakness
c. increased amounts of sleep
Symptoms of failure to thrive in the older population include weight loss, weakness, and
excessive sleep, which should be documented and evaluated by a healthcare provider
immediately.
The registered nurse (RN) is reinforcing discharge instructions to the family of an
older client with failure to thrive. What information should the RN include to
promote nutritional intake for the client? [select all that apply]
a. minimize stress level by providing the client with a quiet environment during
meals
b. provide food variations that the client can manage without assistance
c. assist the client with eating meals in bed in a semi Fowler's position
d. encourage fluid intake before melas to decrease dehydration
e. offer any type of food to the client as long as calories are consumed
a. minimize stress level by providing the client with a quiet environment during meals
b. provide food variations that the client can manage without assistance
A and B continue to promote independence and decreased stress for the client, which
will increase the opportunity for nutritional intake
An older woman asks the registered nurse (RN) how she can decrease her
chances of getting cystitis. What information should the RN provide?
a. void and empty the bladder completely every 2 to 3 hours
b. take warm sitz baths with bubble bath to cleanse the vulva
Rationale
An older resident is newly admitted to an assisted living community. Which
action should the registered nurse (RN) implement to provide the resident to
maintain safe medication administration? [select all that apply]
a. locked medication storage in the client's room
b. medication administration record (MAR)
c. payment forms for prescribed medications
d. delivery of adequate supply of medication
e. list of findings indicating medication effectiveness
a. locked medication storage in the client's room
b. medication administration record (MAR)
d. delivery of adequate supply of medication
e. list of findings indicating medication effectiveness
When assessing an older client, which age-related changes in the cardiovascular
system should the registered nurse (RN) document? [select all that apply]
a. dyspnea
b. chest pain
c. cardiac murmurs
d. widening pulse pressure
e. irregular heart rate
c. cardiac murmurs
d. widening pulse pressure
An older client who recently moved into an assisted living community refuses to
eat or join any activities. When evaluating the client further, what should the
registered nurse (RN) focus on during next examination?
a. anxiety
b. depression
c. exhaustion
d. confusion
b. depression
Depression is a symptom that an older client is likely to experience with a sudden
change in living accommodations when a loss of personal identity can create low self-
esteem.
The registered nurse (RN) is caring for an elderly client with functional
incontinence who lives in an assisted living community. The client is alert and
mildly confused and can self ambulate. Which nursing intervention should the RN
implement?
a. offer assistance with toileting Q2 hours
b. use protective disposal undergarment instead of underwear
c. ask if the client has attempted to void Q2 hours
d. obtain a prescription for intermittent catheterization
,a. offer assistance with toileting Q2 hours
Toileting assistance maintains independence and self-esteem which are important for
an older client with incontinence. A toileting schedule also decreases the clients
chances of accidents and embarrassment.
The healthcare provider prescribes a new medication, atorvastatin (Lipitor), for an
older client who arrives at the clinic for an annual physical examination. What
common side effect should the registered nurse (RN) advise the client to observe
for with this medication?
a. constipation
b. headaches
c. muscle weakness
d. nausea and vomiting
b. headaches
Headaches are the most common side effect of atorvastatin (Lipitor).
The registered nurse (RN) is re-enforcing discharge instructions with the family of
an older client who was recently admitted for an intestinal obstruction. Which
statement indicates that the family understands the instructions?
a. increase protein and carbohydrates in the daily diet
b. limit activity to bed rest for the first week and increase mobility incrementally
each week
c. report abdominal distention, constipation, or any nausea and vomiting to the
healthcare provider
d. drink liquids 2 hours after meals instead of during meals
c. report abdominal distention, constipation, or any nausea and vomiting to the
healthcare provider
These symptoms occur with intestinal obstruction and should be addressed
immediately.
An older male client asks the registered nurse (RN) how he can reduce his
incidents of hemorrhoidal flare ups. What information should the RN offer the
client about how to prevent rectal discomfort? [select all that apply]
a. increase fiber and liquids in the diet to help prevent constipation and straining
b. change exercise program to reflect less cardio-exercise and more weight
training
c. use a therapeutic cushion or frequent repositioning for periods of prolonged
sitting
d. take frequent warm sitz baths and do not use abrasive paper that can
traumatize tissues
e. establish bowel habits by scheduling daily time to defecate when the client is
not rushed
a. increase fiber and liquids in the diet to help prevent constipation and straining
c. use a therapeutic cushion or frequent repositioning for periods of prolonged sitting
d. take frequent warm sitz baths and do not use abrasive paper that can traumatize
tissues
, e. establish bowel habits by scheduling daily time to defecate when the client is not
rushed
Fluids, comfort measures, and establishment of a regular bowel pattern help reduce
incidents of hemorrhoid inflammation.
An older male client is seeking counseling about his recent sexual issues with his
partner. What issue should the registered nurse (RN) explore in this discussion?
a. certain medications may impact sexual function
b. normal aging affects sexual function in male clients
c. safe sex is not necessary with older sexually active elders
d. sexual interest usually declines with aging in male clients
a. certain medications may impact sexual function
During the quarterly evaluations of the clients in the assisted living community,
the registered nurse (RN) assesses for findings of failure to thrive in the older
population. Which findings should the RN document and report as manifestations
related to failure to thrive? [select all that apply]
a. unintentional weight loss
b. increased weakness
c. increased amounts of sleep
d. irritation and agitation
e. seeking constant attention from caregiver
a. unintentional weight loss
b. increased weakness
c. increased amounts of sleep
Symptoms of failure to thrive in the older population include weight loss, weakness, and
excessive sleep, which should be documented and evaluated by a healthcare provider
immediately.
The registered nurse (RN) is reinforcing discharge instructions to the family of an
older client with failure to thrive. What information should the RN include to
promote nutritional intake for the client? [select all that apply]
a. minimize stress level by providing the client with a quiet environment during
meals
b. provide food variations that the client can manage without assistance
c. assist the client with eating meals in bed in a semi Fowler's position
d. encourage fluid intake before melas to decrease dehydration
e. offer any type of food to the client as long as calories are consumed
a. minimize stress level by providing the client with a quiet environment during meals
b. provide food variations that the client can manage without assistance
A and B continue to promote independence and decreased stress for the client, which
will increase the opportunity for nutritional intake
An older woman asks the registered nurse (RN) how she can decrease her
chances of getting cystitis. What information should the RN provide?
a. void and empty the bladder completely every 2 to 3 hours
b. take warm sitz baths with bubble bath to cleanse the vulva
