NUR255 Exam 3 V3 | Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client who is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion
and agitation. Which condition should the nurse prioritize as the most likely cause?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Normal Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid and acute onset of cognitive
impairment and altered consciousness. Unlike dementia, which is progressive and slow,
delirium often stems from an underlying medical issue like infection or dehydration. It is
essential for the nurse to identify the cause quickly because delirium is usually reversible
once the underlying trigger is treated.
2. An elderly patient is prescribed a new benzodiazepine for insomnia. What is the primary
safety concern the nurse should address with the family?
A. Increased risk of hypertension
,B. Improvement in short-term memory
C. Development of type 2 diabetes
D. Risk of falls and fractures
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Benzodiazepines can cause significant sedation, dizziness, and
psychomotor impairment in older adults. These side effects greatly increase the risk of
falls, which can lead to serious injuries such as hip fractures. Nurses must educate patients
on the importance of slow position changes and environmental safety to mitigate these
risks.
3. Which statement by a student nurse regarding the use of ‘validation therapy’ for a client
with late-stage dementia indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I must constantly correct the client’s orientation to time and place.
B. I should acknowledge the client’s feelings behind their words.
C. I will listen to the emotional tone of the client’s speech.
D. I should avoid arguing with the client about their current reality.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Validation therapy focuses on acknowledging the client’s feelings and
reality rather than forcing them into the present time. Constantly correcting a person with
, advanced dementia can lead to increased agitation and anxiety. Instead, the nurse should
communicate empathy and validate the emotional state the client is expressing.
4. A nurse is caring for an older client who reports feeling hopeless, having no appetite, and
sleeping most of the day. Which screening tool should the nurse utilize?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B. AIMS Scale
C. CAGE Questionnaire
D. Braden Scale
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Geriatric Depression Scale is specifically designed to screen for
depression in the older population. It helps identify symptoms that might otherwise be
dismissed as normal aging or physical illness. Early detection through this tool allows for
timely intervention and improved quality of life for the elderly client.
5. A client with Bipolar I Disorder is in the manic phase. Which meal choice is most
appropriate for this patient?
A. A bowl of hot vegetable soup with crackers.
B. A chicken sandwich and an apple.
C. Spaghetti and meatballs with a salad.
D. A steak and baked potato dinner.
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client who is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion
and agitation. Which condition should the nurse prioritize as the most likely cause?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Normal Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid and acute onset of cognitive
impairment and altered consciousness. Unlike dementia, which is progressive and slow,
delirium often stems from an underlying medical issue like infection or dehydration. It is
essential for the nurse to identify the cause quickly because delirium is usually reversible
once the underlying trigger is treated.
2. An elderly patient is prescribed a new benzodiazepine for insomnia. What is the primary
safety concern the nurse should address with the family?
A. Increased risk of hypertension
,B. Improvement in short-term memory
C. Development of type 2 diabetes
D. Risk of falls and fractures
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Benzodiazepines can cause significant sedation, dizziness, and
psychomotor impairment in older adults. These side effects greatly increase the risk of
falls, which can lead to serious injuries such as hip fractures. Nurses must educate patients
on the importance of slow position changes and environmental safety to mitigate these
risks.
3. Which statement by a student nurse regarding the use of ‘validation therapy’ for a client
with late-stage dementia indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I must constantly correct the client’s orientation to time and place.
B. I should acknowledge the client’s feelings behind their words.
C. I will listen to the emotional tone of the client’s speech.
D. I should avoid arguing with the client about their current reality.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Validation therapy focuses on acknowledging the client’s feelings and
reality rather than forcing them into the present time. Constantly correcting a person with
, advanced dementia can lead to increased agitation and anxiety. Instead, the nurse should
communicate empathy and validate the emotional state the client is expressing.
4. A nurse is caring for an older client who reports feeling hopeless, having no appetite, and
sleeping most of the day. Which screening tool should the nurse utilize?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B. AIMS Scale
C. CAGE Questionnaire
D. Braden Scale
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Geriatric Depression Scale is specifically designed to screen for
depression in the older population. It helps identify symptoms that might otherwise be
dismissed as normal aging or physical illness. Early detection through this tool allows for
timely intervention and improved quality of life for the elderly client.
5. A client with Bipolar I Disorder is in the manic phase. Which meal choice is most
appropriate for this patient?
A. A bowl of hot vegetable soup with crackers.
B. A chicken sandwich and an apple.
C. Spaghetti and meatballs with a salad.
D. A steak and baked potato dinner.
