NUR255 Exam 3 V2 | Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion
and agitation. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Delirium
D. Vascular dementia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and
is often reversible. In contrast, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia involve a slow,
progressive decline in cognitive function. The nurse must identify the underlying cause of
delirium, such as infection or medication toxicity, to provide appropriate treatment.
2. When assessing an elderly client for depression, which symptom is most commonly
mistaken for dementia?
A. Increased appetite
,B. Excessive talkativeness
C. Cognitive impairment or pseudodementia
D. Hyperactivity
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Depression in older adults can present as ‘pseudodementia,’ where
the client experiences significant cognitive slowing and memory issues. These symptoms
often resolve once the depression is effectively treated with therapy or medication. It is
vital for nurses to differentiate between these conditions to ensure the client receives the
correct psychiatric care.
3. Which of the following is a primary safety concern for a patient diagnosed with late-stage
Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Learning new hobbies
B. Wandering and falls
C. Weight gain
D. Hyper-verbal communication
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Late-stage Alzheimer’s patients often experience gait instability and a
tendency to wander, which significantly increases the risk of injury. Nursing interventions
should focus on providing a secure environment and using bed alarms to monitor
, movement. Ensuring the environment is free of clutter is also a critical step in fall
prevention.
4. An older adult client is prescribed a new benzodiazepine for anxiety. What is the nurse’s
priority assessment?
A. Weight changes
B. Improvement in social skills
C. Dizziness and fall risk
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Benzodiazepines can cause significant sedation and ataxia in the
elderly, leading to a high risk of falls and fractures. The aging liver and kidneys process
these medications more slowly, which can lead to toxicity or prolonged effects. Nurses
must educate patients on rising slowly from a sitting position to prevent orthostatic issues.
5. Which statement by a client indicates a potential diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
(GAD)?
A. ‘I have been worrying about almost everything for over six months.’
B. ‘I only feel nervous when I have to speak in public.’
C. ‘I suddenly felt like I was having a heart attack for ten minutes.’
D. ‘I keep checking the stove to make sure it is off.’
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion
and agitation. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Delirium
D. Vascular dementia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and
is often reversible. In contrast, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia involve a slow,
progressive decline in cognitive function. The nurse must identify the underlying cause of
delirium, such as infection or medication toxicity, to provide appropriate treatment.
2. When assessing an elderly client for depression, which symptom is most commonly
mistaken for dementia?
A. Increased appetite
,B. Excessive talkativeness
C. Cognitive impairment or pseudodementia
D. Hyperactivity
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Depression in older adults can present as ‘pseudodementia,’ where
the client experiences significant cognitive slowing and memory issues. These symptoms
often resolve once the depression is effectively treated with therapy or medication. It is
vital for nurses to differentiate between these conditions to ensure the client receives the
correct psychiatric care.
3. Which of the following is a primary safety concern for a patient diagnosed with late-stage
Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Learning new hobbies
B. Wandering and falls
C. Weight gain
D. Hyper-verbal communication
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Late-stage Alzheimer’s patients often experience gait instability and a
tendency to wander, which significantly increases the risk of injury. Nursing interventions
should focus on providing a secure environment and using bed alarms to monitor
, movement. Ensuring the environment is free of clutter is also a critical step in fall
prevention.
4. An older adult client is prescribed a new benzodiazepine for anxiety. What is the nurse’s
priority assessment?
A. Weight changes
B. Improvement in social skills
C. Dizziness and fall risk
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Benzodiazepines can cause significant sedation and ataxia in the
elderly, leading to a high risk of falls and fractures. The aging liver and kidneys process
these medications more slowly, which can lead to toxicity or prolonged effects. Nurses
must educate patients on rising slowly from a sitting position to prevent orthostatic issues.
5. Which statement by a client indicates a potential diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
(GAD)?
A. ‘I have been worrying about almost everything for over six months.’
B. ‘I only feel nervous when I have to speak in public.’
C. ‘I suddenly felt like I was having a heart attack for ten minutes.’
D. ‘I keep checking the stove to make sure it is off.’
