NUR255 Exam 2 V1 | Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A 78-year-old patient presents with acute confusion, visual hallucinations, and a fluctuating
level of consciousness. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Delirium
B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating levels of
consciousness. Unlike dementia, which is progressive, delirium is often reversible if the
underlying cause is treated. Visual hallucinations and sudden confusion are classic clinical
markers of this condition.
2. Which of the following tools is most appropriate for a quick screening of cognitive
impairment in a clinical setting?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
,B. Morse Fall Scale
C. Braden Scale
D. The Mini-Cog
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Mini-Cog is a fast and effective tool consisting of a three-item
recall and a clock-drawing test. It helps clinicians identify patients who may need more
thorough diagnostic workups for dementia. The GDS focuses on mood, while the Braden
and Morse scales assess physical risks rather than cognition.
3. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage are older adults
typically navigating?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson’s theory, occurring in
late adulthood. In this stage, individuals reflect on their lives and either feel a sense of
fulfillment or a sense of regret and bitterness. Successful navigation leads to the virtue of
wisdom and acceptance of life’s end.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a patient with ‘sundowning.’ Which intervention is most appropriate
to manage this behavior?
A. Increasing caffeine intake in the late afternoon
B. Applying physical restraints at 4:00 PM
C. Turning on bright lights and providing a calm environment
D. Exposing the patient to loud music to provide stimulation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Sundowning refers to increased confusion and agitation that occurs
in the late afternoon or evening. Providing adequate lighting can reduce shadows that
cause fear and confusion in patients with dementia. Maintaining a quiet, low-stress
environment helps minimize sensory overload during these hours.
5. Which medication is found on the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate for older
adults due to the risk of falls and confusion?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Alprazolam
C. Lisinopril
D. Metformin
Correct Answer: B
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A 78-year-old patient presents with acute confusion, visual hallucinations, and a fluctuating
level of consciousness. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Delirium
B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating levels of
consciousness. Unlike dementia, which is progressive, delirium is often reversible if the
underlying cause is treated. Visual hallucinations and sudden confusion are classic clinical
markers of this condition.
2. Which of the following tools is most appropriate for a quick screening of cognitive
impairment in a clinical setting?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
,B. Morse Fall Scale
C. Braden Scale
D. The Mini-Cog
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The Mini-Cog is a fast and effective tool consisting of a three-item
recall and a clock-drawing test. It helps clinicians identify patients who may need more
thorough diagnostic workups for dementia. The GDS focuses on mood, while the Braden
and Morse scales assess physical risks rather than cognition.
3. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage are older adults
typically navigating?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson’s theory, occurring in
late adulthood. In this stage, individuals reflect on their lives and either feel a sense of
fulfillment or a sense of regret and bitterness. Successful navigation leads to the virtue of
wisdom and acceptance of life’s end.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a patient with ‘sundowning.’ Which intervention is most appropriate
to manage this behavior?
A. Increasing caffeine intake in the late afternoon
B. Applying physical restraints at 4:00 PM
C. Turning on bright lights and providing a calm environment
D. Exposing the patient to loud music to provide stimulation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Sundowning refers to increased confusion and agitation that occurs
in the late afternoon or evening. Providing adequate lighting can reduce shadows that
cause fear and confusion in patients with dementia. Maintaining a quiet, low-stress
environment helps minimize sensory overload during these hours.
5. Which medication is found on the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate for older
adults due to the risk of falls and confusion?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Alprazolam
C. Lisinopril
D. Metformin
Correct Answer: B
