NUR 255 Final Exam: Aging and Mental Health Nursing 2026 Galen
Nursing
1. Which physiological change is considered a normal part of the aging process
in the cardiovascular system?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Decreased systolic blood pressure
C. Increased elasticity of the blood vessels
D. Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors
Answer: D
Rationale: Aging leads to decreased baroreceptor sensitivity, which increases the risk of
orthostatic hypotension. Rest heart rate stays similar or slightly decreases, vessels become
stiffer, and systolic BP usually rises.
2. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, which conflict must older adults
resolve?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Answer: D
Rationale: Older adults (65+) face the stage of Ego Integrity vs. Despair, reflecting on their
lives to achieve a sense of fulfillment or feeling regret.
,3. A nurse is assessing an elderly patient for ‘presbycusis.’ Which finding is
consistent with this condition?
A. Loss of central vision
B. Inability to see objects clearly at a distance
C. Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
D. Sensitivity to low-frequency background noise
Answer: C
Rationale: Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss, typically characterized by the loss of
ability to hear high-frequency sounds.
4. Which of the following is the primary risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s
Disease?
A. Low educational level
B. History of head trauma
C. Advanced age
D. Sedentary lifestyle
Answer: C
Rationale: While several factors contribute, advancing age is the single greatest known
risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease.
5. A patient presents with acute onset of confusion, agitation, and fluctuating
consciousness. The nurse suspects:
A. Dementia
B. Delirium
C. Depression
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by acute onset, fluctuating levels of consciousness,
and is often reversible if the underlying cause is treated.
, 6. The nurse is administering Donepezil (Aricept) to a patient. What is the
mechanism of action for this drug?
A. Blocking dopamine receptors
B. Increasing serotonin availability
C. Antagonizing NMDA receptors
D. Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase
Answer: D
Rationale: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of
acetylcholine, helping improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients.
7. Which electrolyte imbalance is a common cause of delirium in the elderly
population?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyponatremia (low sodium) is a frequent metabolic cause of acute confusion
and delirium in older adults.
8. A patient with Alzheimer’s experiences ‘sundowning.’ Which intervention
should the nurse implement?
A. Provide a vigorous exercise routine before bed
B. Turn on bright lights in the evening
C. Administer a stimulant medication in the afternoon
D. Restrict fluid intake after 4 PM
Answer: B
Rationale: Managing light exposure by keeping the environment well-lit during late
afternoon can help reduce the confusion associated with sundowning.
Nursing
1. Which physiological change is considered a normal part of the aging process
in the cardiovascular system?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Decreased systolic blood pressure
C. Increased elasticity of the blood vessels
D. Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors
Answer: D
Rationale: Aging leads to decreased baroreceptor sensitivity, which increases the risk of
orthostatic hypotension. Rest heart rate stays similar or slightly decreases, vessels become
stiffer, and systolic BP usually rises.
2. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, which conflict must older adults
resolve?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Answer: D
Rationale: Older adults (65+) face the stage of Ego Integrity vs. Despair, reflecting on their
lives to achieve a sense of fulfillment or feeling regret.
,3. A nurse is assessing an elderly patient for ‘presbycusis.’ Which finding is
consistent with this condition?
A. Loss of central vision
B. Inability to see objects clearly at a distance
C. Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
D. Sensitivity to low-frequency background noise
Answer: C
Rationale: Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss, typically characterized by the loss of
ability to hear high-frequency sounds.
4. Which of the following is the primary risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s
Disease?
A. Low educational level
B. History of head trauma
C. Advanced age
D. Sedentary lifestyle
Answer: C
Rationale: While several factors contribute, advancing age is the single greatest known
risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease.
5. A patient presents with acute onset of confusion, agitation, and fluctuating
consciousness. The nurse suspects:
A. Dementia
B. Delirium
C. Depression
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by acute onset, fluctuating levels of consciousness,
and is often reversible if the underlying cause is treated.
, 6. The nurse is administering Donepezil (Aricept) to a patient. What is the
mechanism of action for this drug?
A. Blocking dopamine receptors
B. Increasing serotonin availability
C. Antagonizing NMDA receptors
D. Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase
Answer: D
Rationale: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of
acetylcholine, helping improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients.
7. Which electrolyte imbalance is a common cause of delirium in the elderly
population?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyponatremia (low sodium) is a frequent metabolic cause of acute confusion
and delirium in older adults.
8. A patient with Alzheimer’s experiences ‘sundowning.’ Which intervention
should the nurse implement?
A. Provide a vigorous exercise routine before bed
B. Turn on bright lights in the evening
C. Administer a stimulant medication in the afternoon
D. Restrict fluid intake after 4 PM
Answer: B
Rationale: Managing light exposure by keeping the environment well-lit during late
afternoon can help reduce the confusion associated with sundowning.
