Gerontology HESI Practice
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 - correct answera. 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 - correct answerc. 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 - correct answerb. 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 - correct answera. 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 - correct answerb. 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 - correct answerc. 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 - correct
answera. 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 - correct answera. certain medications may
impact sexual function
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 - correct answera. 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 - correct answerc. 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 - correct answerb. 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 - correct answera. 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 - correct answerb. 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 - correct answerc. 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 - correct
answera. 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 - correct answera. certain medications may
impact sexual function
