MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY NUR 323 – GERONTOLOGY
NURSING EXAM 2|QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS|2026 UPDATE|GRADED A+
1. Which is a common risk factor for heart failure in older adults?
A. Hypertension
B. Low cholesterol
C. Frequent exercise
D. Adequate hydration
Answer: A
Rationale: Chronic hypertension increases cardiac workload, leading to ventricular
hypertrophy and heart failure.
2. Which symptom may indicate early heart failure in older adults?
A. Dyspnea on exertion
B. High fever
C. Rash
D. Severe headache
Answer: A
Rationale: Dyspnea during activity often appears before overt heart failure symptoms.
3. Which intervention helps prevent orthostatic hypotension?
A. Encourage slow position changes
B. Rapid standing from bed
C. Avoid fluid intake
D. Restrict lower extremity movement
Answer: A
Rationale: Gradual position changes allow the cardiovascular system to adjust,
preventing dizziness and falls.
4. Which is a normal gastrointestinal change in aging?
A. Decreased gastric acid secretion
B. Rapid nutrient absorption
C. Increased appetite
D. Increased peristalsis
Answer: A
, Rationale: Gastric acid production decreases, which can affect digestion and absorption
of certain nutrients.
5. Which nursing intervention reduces constipation in older adults?
A. Increase fiber and fluid intake
B. Encourage prolonged bed rest
C. Limit water consumption
D. Avoid fruits and vegetables
Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate fiber and hydration promote bowel regularity.
6. Which is a common respiratory change in older adults?
A. Decreased lung elasticity
B. Increased tidal volume
C. Rapid alveolar regeneration
D. Increased respiratory muscle strength
Answer: A
Rationale: Aging reduces lung compliance and alveolar elasticity, affecting gas exchange.
7. Which is an early sign of infection in older adults?
A. Confusion or delirium
B. High fever
C. Rash
D. Severe pain
Answer: A
Rationale: Older adults may not mount typical fever responses; altered mental status is
often the first sign.
8. Which factor increases risk of falls in older adults?
A. Polypharmacy
B. Strong leg muscles
C. Adequate lighting
D. Use of handrails
Answer: A
Rationale: Multiple medications increase dizziness, hypotension, and fall risk.
9. Which intervention reduces fall risk at home?
A. Remove loose rugs and obstacles
B. Encourage slippery socks
C. Dim lighting
, D. Avoid handrails
Answer: A
Rationale: Environmental modifications prevent tripping and improve safety.
10. Which lab reflects kidney function in older adults?
A. Creatinine
B. Sodium
C. Glucose
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: A
Rationale: Creatinine and GFR indicate renal function, which declines with age.
11. Which is a normal musculoskeletal change in aging?
A. Decreased muscle mass and strength
B. Increased joint flexibility
C. Rapid muscle growth
D. Increased tendon elasticity
Answer: A
Rationale: Sarcopenia reduces strength and mobility, increasing fall risk.
12. Which intervention helps maintain mobility in older adults?
A. Regular exercise and resistance training
B. Prolonged bed rest
C. Avoiding physical activity
D. Only passive ROM exercises
Answer: A
Rationale: Activity preserves strength, balance, and joint flexibility.
13. Which factor contributes to polypharmacy risk?
A. Multiple chronic conditions
B. Single-prescription therapy
C. Adequate monitoring
D. Occasional OTC use
Answer: A
Rationale: Managing multiple conditions often requires several medications, increasing
risk for interactions.
14. Which intervention reduces risk of aspiration in older adults?
A. Upright positioning during meals
NURSING EXAM 2|QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS|2026 UPDATE|GRADED A+
1. Which is a common risk factor for heart failure in older adults?
A. Hypertension
B. Low cholesterol
C. Frequent exercise
D. Adequate hydration
Answer: A
Rationale: Chronic hypertension increases cardiac workload, leading to ventricular
hypertrophy and heart failure.
2. Which symptom may indicate early heart failure in older adults?
A. Dyspnea on exertion
B. High fever
C. Rash
D. Severe headache
Answer: A
Rationale: Dyspnea during activity often appears before overt heart failure symptoms.
3. Which intervention helps prevent orthostatic hypotension?
A. Encourage slow position changes
B. Rapid standing from bed
C. Avoid fluid intake
D. Restrict lower extremity movement
Answer: A
Rationale: Gradual position changes allow the cardiovascular system to adjust,
preventing dizziness and falls.
4. Which is a normal gastrointestinal change in aging?
A. Decreased gastric acid secretion
B. Rapid nutrient absorption
C. Increased appetite
D. Increased peristalsis
Answer: A
, Rationale: Gastric acid production decreases, which can affect digestion and absorption
of certain nutrients.
5. Which nursing intervention reduces constipation in older adults?
A. Increase fiber and fluid intake
B. Encourage prolonged bed rest
C. Limit water consumption
D. Avoid fruits and vegetables
Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate fiber and hydration promote bowel regularity.
6. Which is a common respiratory change in older adults?
A. Decreased lung elasticity
B. Increased tidal volume
C. Rapid alveolar regeneration
D. Increased respiratory muscle strength
Answer: A
Rationale: Aging reduces lung compliance and alveolar elasticity, affecting gas exchange.
7. Which is an early sign of infection in older adults?
A. Confusion or delirium
B. High fever
C. Rash
D. Severe pain
Answer: A
Rationale: Older adults may not mount typical fever responses; altered mental status is
often the first sign.
8. Which factor increases risk of falls in older adults?
A. Polypharmacy
B. Strong leg muscles
C. Adequate lighting
D. Use of handrails
Answer: A
Rationale: Multiple medications increase dizziness, hypotension, and fall risk.
9. Which intervention reduces fall risk at home?
A. Remove loose rugs and obstacles
B. Encourage slippery socks
C. Dim lighting
, D. Avoid handrails
Answer: A
Rationale: Environmental modifications prevent tripping and improve safety.
10. Which lab reflects kidney function in older adults?
A. Creatinine
B. Sodium
C. Glucose
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: A
Rationale: Creatinine and GFR indicate renal function, which declines with age.
11. Which is a normal musculoskeletal change in aging?
A. Decreased muscle mass and strength
B. Increased joint flexibility
C. Rapid muscle growth
D. Increased tendon elasticity
Answer: A
Rationale: Sarcopenia reduces strength and mobility, increasing fall risk.
12. Which intervention helps maintain mobility in older adults?
A. Regular exercise and resistance training
B. Prolonged bed rest
C. Avoiding physical activity
D. Only passive ROM exercises
Answer: A
Rationale: Activity preserves strength, balance, and joint flexibility.
13. Which factor contributes to polypharmacy risk?
A. Multiple chronic conditions
B. Single-prescription therapy
C. Adequate monitoring
D. Occasional OTC use
Answer: A
Rationale: Managing multiple conditions often requires several medications, increasing
risk for interactions.
14. Which intervention reduces risk of aspiration in older adults?
A. Upright positioning during meals
