Gerontology HESI / HESI PN-
Gerontology Practice Actual
Exam Solved Combined 400+
Questions With Revised Correct
Detailed Answers & Rationales
>>>Latest Update>
1. When observing an older client with dementia for symptoms of
Sundowning syndrome, it is most important that the practical nurse (PN)
assesses for which finding?
a. Observe for agitation at the end of the day.
b. Perform a neurological and mental status examination.
c. Monitor for medication side effects.
d. Assess for decreased gross motor movement. - ANSWER a.
Observe for agitation at the end of the day.
Sundowning syndrome is a pattern of agitated behavior in the evening,
believed to be associated with tiredness at the end of the day combined with
fewer orienting stimuli, such as activities and interactions.
2. The practical nurse (PN) working at an assisted living facility is visiting
with a client whose spouse died 8 months ago. Which behavior by the
client suggests ineffective coping with the spouse's death?
a. Frequently neglects to shower and shave.
b. Insists on visiting the gravesite once a month.
c. Joins an exercise class at the assisted living facility.
, d. Keeps their photo albums out and looks through them
frequently. - ANSWER a. Frequently neglects to shower and
shave.
Ineffective coping is manifested by behaviors that may be physically or
psychologically harmful to the individual. Neglecting personal hygiene is an
example of ineffective coping.
3. When initially monitoring a client after a fall, which information should
the practical nurse (PN) communicate immediately to the health care
provider? (Select all that apply.)
a. Change in the level of consciousness
b. Increasing muscular weakness
c. Changes in pupil size bilaterally
d. Progressive nuchal rigidity
e. Onset of nausea and vomiting - ANSWER a. Change in the
level of consciousness
f. Onset of nausea and vomiting
A decrease or change in the level of consciousness is usually the first
indication of neurological deterioration. Nausea and vomiting may also be
present.
4. An older adult client is seen in the clinic for problems with urinary
frequency, urgency, and nocturia. The symptoms are an example of which
condition?
a. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
b. Normal aging changes
c. Side effect of the diuretic furosemide
d. Partial obstruction of the urethra - ANSWER b. Normal
aging changes
,Normal aging changes in the bladder are decreased capacity, increased
irritability, and incomplete emptying; these changes lead to frequency,
nocturia, urgency, and vulnerability to infection. The majority of UTIs in the
older adult are asymptomatic. Classic signs of UTIs are fever, dysuria, and
flank pain.
5. An older adult client is recovering from a hip fracture. The health care
provider has prescribed home health care nursing upon discharge. Which
statement describes the primary goal for the client?
a. Return the client to his or her previous lifestyle.
b. Avoid dependency on medication therapy.
c. Establish self-care and independence.
d. Maintain a friendly relationship with family members. -
ANSWER c. Establish self-care and independence.
Loss of independence is a significant issue with the aging population and is
one of the most important issues for the home health practical nurse (PN) to
establish with the client. Establishing the client's individual goals is the
primary concern of the home health care PN.
6. An older client at a long-term care facility is to be monitored for early
signs of pneumonia. The practical nurse's (PN) observation of the client
will most likely show which early sign(s)/symptom(s)? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Fever
b. Abnormal breath sounds
c. Tachycardia
d. Confusion
e. Tachypnea - ANSWER c. Tachycardia
, 7. d. Confusion
8. e. Tachypnea
The onset of pneumonia in the older adult may be signaled by general
deterioration, confusion, increased heart rate, or increased respiratory rate.
Fever and abnormal breath sounds occur later with the older adult.
9. The nurse is assisting with data collection for an older adult who is taking
daily aspirin to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event. Which concern
should the nurse report to the health care provider as soon as possible?
a. "I feel really cold much of the time."
b. "I wish my children would visit more."
c. "Lately it's harder to drive a car at night."
d. "My stools are sticky and are dark black." - ANSWER d. "My
stools are sticky and are dark black."
Dark tarry stools are an indication of gastrointestinal bleeding, an adverse
effect of the daily aspirin this client is taking. There is no immediate need to
contact the health care provider about the client feeling cold or wishing
children would visit more. This client's inability to drive at night is a concern,
and should be discussed, but gastrointestinal bleeding needs to be dealt with
first.
10.The nurse is reinforcing education with an older adult regarding smoking
cessation. The nurse recognizes teaching has been effective if the client
makes which statement?
a. "Stopping smoking reverses damage from emphysema."
Gerontology Practice Actual
Exam Solved Combined 400+
Questions With Revised Correct
Detailed Answers & Rationales
>>>Latest Update>
1. When observing an older client with dementia for symptoms of
Sundowning syndrome, it is most important that the practical nurse (PN)
assesses for which finding?
a. Observe for agitation at the end of the day.
b. Perform a neurological and mental status examination.
c. Monitor for medication side effects.
d. Assess for decreased gross motor movement. - ANSWER a.
Observe for agitation at the end of the day.
Sundowning syndrome is a pattern of agitated behavior in the evening,
believed to be associated with tiredness at the end of the day combined with
fewer orienting stimuli, such as activities and interactions.
2. The practical nurse (PN) working at an assisted living facility is visiting
with a client whose spouse died 8 months ago. Which behavior by the
client suggests ineffective coping with the spouse's death?
a. Frequently neglects to shower and shave.
b. Insists on visiting the gravesite once a month.
c. Joins an exercise class at the assisted living facility.
, d. Keeps their photo albums out and looks through them
frequently. - ANSWER a. Frequently neglects to shower and
shave.
Ineffective coping is manifested by behaviors that may be physically or
psychologically harmful to the individual. Neglecting personal hygiene is an
example of ineffective coping.
3. When initially monitoring a client after a fall, which information should
the practical nurse (PN) communicate immediately to the health care
provider? (Select all that apply.)
a. Change in the level of consciousness
b. Increasing muscular weakness
c. Changes in pupil size bilaterally
d. Progressive nuchal rigidity
e. Onset of nausea and vomiting - ANSWER a. Change in the
level of consciousness
f. Onset of nausea and vomiting
A decrease or change in the level of consciousness is usually the first
indication of neurological deterioration. Nausea and vomiting may also be
present.
4. An older adult client is seen in the clinic for problems with urinary
frequency, urgency, and nocturia. The symptoms are an example of which
condition?
a. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
b. Normal aging changes
c. Side effect of the diuretic furosemide
d. Partial obstruction of the urethra - ANSWER b. Normal
aging changes
,Normal aging changes in the bladder are decreased capacity, increased
irritability, and incomplete emptying; these changes lead to frequency,
nocturia, urgency, and vulnerability to infection. The majority of UTIs in the
older adult are asymptomatic. Classic signs of UTIs are fever, dysuria, and
flank pain.
5. An older adult client is recovering from a hip fracture. The health care
provider has prescribed home health care nursing upon discharge. Which
statement describes the primary goal for the client?
a. Return the client to his or her previous lifestyle.
b. Avoid dependency on medication therapy.
c. Establish self-care and independence.
d. Maintain a friendly relationship with family members. -
ANSWER c. Establish self-care and independence.
Loss of independence is a significant issue with the aging population and is
one of the most important issues for the home health practical nurse (PN) to
establish with the client. Establishing the client's individual goals is the
primary concern of the home health care PN.
6. An older client at a long-term care facility is to be monitored for early
signs of pneumonia. The practical nurse's (PN) observation of the client
will most likely show which early sign(s)/symptom(s)? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Fever
b. Abnormal breath sounds
c. Tachycardia
d. Confusion
e. Tachypnea - ANSWER c. Tachycardia
, 7. d. Confusion
8. e. Tachypnea
The onset of pneumonia in the older adult may be signaled by general
deterioration, confusion, increased heart rate, or increased respiratory rate.
Fever and abnormal breath sounds occur later with the older adult.
9. The nurse is assisting with data collection for an older adult who is taking
daily aspirin to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event. Which concern
should the nurse report to the health care provider as soon as possible?
a. "I feel really cold much of the time."
b. "I wish my children would visit more."
c. "Lately it's harder to drive a car at night."
d. "My stools are sticky and are dark black." - ANSWER d. "My
stools are sticky and are dark black."
Dark tarry stools are an indication of gastrointestinal bleeding, an adverse
effect of the daily aspirin this client is taking. There is no immediate need to
contact the health care provider about the client feeling cold or wishing
children would visit more. This client's inability to drive at night is a concern,
and should be discussed, but gastrointestinal bleeding needs to be dealt with
first.
10.The nurse is reinforcing education with an older adult regarding smoking
cessation. The nurse recognizes teaching has been effective if the client
makes which statement?
a. "Stopping smoking reverses damage from emphysema."
