HESI PN GERONTOLOGY EXAM 2024/2025 ALL 70 QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS & RATIONALES || LATEST ACTUAL EXAM || FULLY
UPDATED || A+ GRADED || DETAILED EXPLANATIONS INCLUDED
An older client is receiving hospice care and the spouse and family have expressed several concerns.
Which concern expressed by the family should the practical nurses (PN) address first?
a. The spouse asks about the side effects of the client's pain medication.
b. The client's family requests referrals for support groups to help with the grieving process.
c. The spouse reports that the client finally slept for more than 2 hours last night.
d. The client's spouse wants to know when it is time to call 9-1-1. - CORRECT ANSWERS-d. The
client's spouse wants to know when it is time to call 9-1-1.
This statement by the client's spouse about calling 9-1-1 shows that further education is needed about
hospice and the end-of-life process.
The practical nurse (PN) reinforces nutritional counseling to a group of clients with diabetes. What is the
most important purpose of a diabetic diet?
a. To manage adults with type 1 diabetes
b. To be used during periods of high stress
c. To stabilize the blood glucose level through a balanced diet
d. To normalize the blood glucose level by eliminating sugar - CORRECT ANSWERS-c. To
stabilize the blood glucose level through a balanced diet
The purpose of the diabetic diet is to stabilize the blood glucose level by providing balanced nutrition.
The nurse at a long-term care facility is working with a group of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs)
and is asking the UAPs to provide oral care to the residents. The nurse should explain this is important to
provide for which vital reasons? (Select all that apply.)
,a. Inspecting agencies review medical records for compliance
b. Frequent oral care reduces halitosis, or bad breath, in older adults
c. Dental caries, or cavities, can occur in older adults resulting in teeth loss
d. Dry mouth in older adults may cause a decreased appetite, resulting in poor nutrition
e. If multiple teeth are missing, the older adult has difficulty eating fresh vegetables - CORRECT
ANSWERS-c. Dental caries, or cavities, can occur in older adults resulting in teeth loss
d. Dry mouth in older adults may cause a decreased appetite, resulting in poor nutrition
e. If multiple teeth are missing, the older adult has difficulty eating fresh vegetables
It is important to ensure that older adults receive adequate oral care, because cavities, dry mouth, and
missing teeth can lead to teeth loss. This can cause severe nutritional problems due to the inability to
chew meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other essential food items. While it is true that inspecting
agencies often review medical records, this is not the most crucial reason to provide this care. Halitosis
can be caused by poor oral hygiene, but this is also not the most crucial reason to provide care.
An 83-year-old client diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus has been admitted to home health care for
an ulcer on the heel of the left foot. Which changes in the foot should the practical nurse (PN) expect to
find? (Select all that apply.)
a. Pedal pulses will be weak or absent in the left foot.
b. The client states that the left foot is usually warm.
c. Flexion and extension of the left foot will be limited.
d. Capillary refill of the client's left toes is longer than 2 seconds.
e. The client denies any pain in the left foot. - CORRECT ANSWERS-a. Pedal pulses will be
weak or absent in the left foot.
e. The client denies any pain in the left foot.
Symptoms associated with decreased blood supply are weak or absent pedal and tibial pulses. The client
denying any pain is a common complication with type 2 diabetes in the elderly.
The nurse has reinforced education regarding safety aspects for antihypertensive medication with an
older adult. Which statement by the client best indicates learning has been effective?
,a. "I should rest in bed most of the day when I take this medication."
b. "I will be sure to keep this medication out of the reach of children."
c. "I will need to make sure that I take this medication with some food."
d. "I will make sure that I stand up slowly if I have been sitting down." - CORRECT ANSWERS-
d. "I will make sure that I stand up slowly if I have been sitting down."
Older adults are particularly likely to develop orthostatic hypotension after taking medications to treat
hypertension. It is not necessary for the older adult to stay in bed while taking this medication. Some
medications should be taken with food, others on an empty stomach. Each medication should be
individually researched. While it is important to prevent children from consuming medications intended
for the older adult, the focus of this question is the safety of the older adult.
An older adult client tells the nurse "I do not understand how I could have a sexually transmitted
disease! My partner seems like such a nice, clean person." Which explanation should the nurse provide?
a. Most people in your age are not interested in sexual relationships.
b. You should have discussed this with your family before you started dating.
c. Maybe you should go back to just holding hands and hugging on dates.
d. Sexually transmitted diseases are possible to have at any age of your life. - CORRECT
ANSWERS-d. Sexually transmitted diseases are possible to have at any age of your life.
Sexually transmitted diseases are possible at any age. It is inappropriate, untrue, and ageist to comment
that older adults are not interested in sexual relations. It is very judgmental for the nurse to suggest the
older adult should have sought their family's input or that the older adult should stop having sexual
relations.
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. - CORRECT ANSWERS-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.
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. - CORRECT ANSWERS-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.
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 - CORRECT ANSWERS-a. Change in the level of consciousness
e. 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.
VERIFIED ANSWERS & RATIONALES || LATEST ACTUAL EXAM || FULLY
UPDATED || A+ GRADED || DETAILED EXPLANATIONS INCLUDED
An older client is receiving hospice care and the spouse and family have expressed several concerns.
Which concern expressed by the family should the practical nurses (PN) address first?
a. The spouse asks about the side effects of the client's pain medication.
b. The client's family requests referrals for support groups to help with the grieving process.
c. The spouse reports that the client finally slept for more than 2 hours last night.
d. The client's spouse wants to know when it is time to call 9-1-1. - CORRECT ANSWERS-d. The
client's spouse wants to know when it is time to call 9-1-1.
This statement by the client's spouse about calling 9-1-1 shows that further education is needed about
hospice and the end-of-life process.
The practical nurse (PN) reinforces nutritional counseling to a group of clients with diabetes. What is the
most important purpose of a diabetic diet?
a. To manage adults with type 1 diabetes
b. To be used during periods of high stress
c. To stabilize the blood glucose level through a balanced diet
d. To normalize the blood glucose level by eliminating sugar - CORRECT ANSWERS-c. To
stabilize the blood glucose level through a balanced diet
The purpose of the diabetic diet is to stabilize the blood glucose level by providing balanced nutrition.
The nurse at a long-term care facility is working with a group of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs)
and is asking the UAPs to provide oral care to the residents. The nurse should explain this is important to
provide for which vital reasons? (Select all that apply.)
,a. Inspecting agencies review medical records for compliance
b. Frequent oral care reduces halitosis, or bad breath, in older adults
c. Dental caries, or cavities, can occur in older adults resulting in teeth loss
d. Dry mouth in older adults may cause a decreased appetite, resulting in poor nutrition
e. If multiple teeth are missing, the older adult has difficulty eating fresh vegetables - CORRECT
ANSWERS-c. Dental caries, or cavities, can occur in older adults resulting in teeth loss
d. Dry mouth in older adults may cause a decreased appetite, resulting in poor nutrition
e. If multiple teeth are missing, the older adult has difficulty eating fresh vegetables
It is important to ensure that older adults receive adequate oral care, because cavities, dry mouth, and
missing teeth can lead to teeth loss. This can cause severe nutritional problems due to the inability to
chew meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other essential food items. While it is true that inspecting
agencies often review medical records, this is not the most crucial reason to provide this care. Halitosis
can be caused by poor oral hygiene, but this is also not the most crucial reason to provide care.
An 83-year-old client diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus has been admitted to home health care for
an ulcer on the heel of the left foot. Which changes in the foot should the practical nurse (PN) expect to
find? (Select all that apply.)
a. Pedal pulses will be weak or absent in the left foot.
b. The client states that the left foot is usually warm.
c. Flexion and extension of the left foot will be limited.
d. Capillary refill of the client's left toes is longer than 2 seconds.
e. The client denies any pain in the left foot. - CORRECT ANSWERS-a. Pedal pulses will be
weak or absent in the left foot.
e. The client denies any pain in the left foot.
Symptoms associated with decreased blood supply are weak or absent pedal and tibial pulses. The client
denying any pain is a common complication with type 2 diabetes in the elderly.
The nurse has reinforced education regarding safety aspects for antihypertensive medication with an
older adult. Which statement by the client best indicates learning has been effective?
,a. "I should rest in bed most of the day when I take this medication."
b. "I will be sure to keep this medication out of the reach of children."
c. "I will need to make sure that I take this medication with some food."
d. "I will make sure that I stand up slowly if I have been sitting down." - CORRECT ANSWERS-
d. "I will make sure that I stand up slowly if I have been sitting down."
Older adults are particularly likely to develop orthostatic hypotension after taking medications to treat
hypertension. It is not necessary for the older adult to stay in bed while taking this medication. Some
medications should be taken with food, others on an empty stomach. Each medication should be
individually researched. While it is important to prevent children from consuming medications intended
for the older adult, the focus of this question is the safety of the older adult.
An older adult client tells the nurse "I do not understand how I could have a sexually transmitted
disease! My partner seems like such a nice, clean person." Which explanation should the nurse provide?
a. Most people in your age are not interested in sexual relationships.
b. You should have discussed this with your family before you started dating.
c. Maybe you should go back to just holding hands and hugging on dates.
d. Sexually transmitted diseases are possible to have at any age of your life. - CORRECT
ANSWERS-d. Sexually transmitted diseases are possible to have at any age of your life.
Sexually transmitted diseases are possible at any age. It is inappropriate, untrue, and ageist to comment
that older adults are not interested in sexual relations. It is very judgmental for the nurse to suggest the
older adult should have sought their family's input or that the older adult should stop having sexual
relations.
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. - CORRECT ANSWERS-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.
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. - CORRECT ANSWERS-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.
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 - CORRECT ANSWERS-a. Change in the level of consciousness
e. 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.
