NUR255 Exam 1 V1 | Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion
and disorientation. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Normal Age-Related Change
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a sudden, acute onset of confusion and is
often reversible once the underlying cause is treated. Unlike dementia, which is progressive
and irreversible, delirium is often triggered by factors like infection or medication toxicity.
The nurse must prioritize identifying the physiological cause to prevent further decline.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage is associated with
late adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
,B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair is the developmental stage for individuals in late
adulthood, typically ages 65 and older. During this time, individuals reflect on their lives
and either feel a sense of fulfillment or regret. Successful completion of this stage leads to
the virtue of wisdom.
3. Which physiological change is considered a normal part of the aging process?
A. Increased bladder capacity
B. Increased skin elasticity
C. Decreased gastric acid secretion
D. Increased liver mass
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Aging leads to a decrease in the production of gastric acid, which can
affect the absorption of certain nutrients like Vitamin B12. Other changes include a
decrease in bladder capacity and a loss of skin elasticity due to reduced collagen.
Understanding these normal changes helps nurses differentiate between aging and
pathology.
, 4. An older adult patient complains of difficulty seeing fine details and reading. The nurse
notes a loss of central vision. Which condition is most likely?
A. Cataracts
B. Glaucoma
C. Presbyopia
D. Macular Degeneration
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Age-related macular degeneration specifically affects the central part
of the retina, leading to a loss of central vision while peripheral vision remains intact.
Cataracts typically cause overall cloudiness, while glaucoma affects peripheral vision first.
Early detection is crucial to manage the progression of these visual impairments.
5. Which factor is the most significant contributor to polypharmacy in the elderly population?
A. Decreased drug metabolism
B. Multiple chronic health conditions
C. Improved healthcare access
D. Increased body fat percentage
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The presence of multiple chronic conditions, also known as multi-
morbidity, often requires several different medications from various specialists. This
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion
and disorientation. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Normal Age-Related Change
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a sudden, acute onset of confusion and is
often reversible once the underlying cause is treated. Unlike dementia, which is progressive
and irreversible, delirium is often triggered by factors like infection or medication toxicity.
The nurse must prioritize identifying the physiological cause to prevent further decline.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage is associated with
late adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
,B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair is the developmental stage for individuals in late
adulthood, typically ages 65 and older. During this time, individuals reflect on their lives
and either feel a sense of fulfillment or regret. Successful completion of this stage leads to
the virtue of wisdom.
3. Which physiological change is considered a normal part of the aging process?
A. Increased bladder capacity
B. Increased skin elasticity
C. Decreased gastric acid secretion
D. Increased liver mass
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Aging leads to a decrease in the production of gastric acid, which can
affect the absorption of certain nutrients like Vitamin B12. Other changes include a
decrease in bladder capacity and a loss of skin elasticity due to reduced collagen.
Understanding these normal changes helps nurses differentiate between aging and
pathology.
, 4. An older adult patient complains of difficulty seeing fine details and reading. The nurse
notes a loss of central vision. Which condition is most likely?
A. Cataracts
B. Glaucoma
C. Presbyopia
D. Macular Degeneration
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Age-related macular degeneration specifically affects the central part
of the retina, leading to a loss of central vision while peripheral vision remains intact.
Cataracts typically cause overall cloudiness, while glaucoma affects peripheral vision first.
Early detection is crucial to manage the progression of these visual impairments.
5. Which factor is the most significant contributor to polypharmacy in the elderly population?
A. Decreased drug metabolism
B. Multiple chronic health conditions
C. Improved healthcare access
D. Increased body fat percentage
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The presence of multiple chronic conditions, also known as multi-
morbidity, often requires several different medications from various specialists. This
