NUR255 Exam 2 V2 | Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. An older adult patient is suddenly experiencing confusion, agitation, and visual
hallucinations. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Normal Aging
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid, acute onset of confusion and
perceptual disturbances. It is often reversible once the underlying cause, such as an
infection or medication reaction, is identified and treated. In contrast, dementia involves a
slow, progressive decline in cognitive function.
2. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to screen for depression in the geriatric
population?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
,B. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
C. Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
D. Braden Scale
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Geriatric Depression Scale is a validated tool specifically for
older adults that focuses on affective symptoms rather than somatic complaints. This helps
differentiate between age-related physical issues and actual clinical depression. Early
screening allows for appropriate intervention and prevents further decline in quality of life.
3. What is the primary goal of validation therapy when communicating with a patient who
has late-stage dementia?
A. To reorient the patient to current time and place
B. To correct the patient’s misconceptions for safety
C. To improve the patient’s short-term memory recall
D. To acknowledge and respect the patient’s feelings and reality
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Validation therapy focuses on the emotional truth behind a patient’s
words rather than the factual accuracy of their statements. By acknowledging the patient’s
internal reality, the nurse can reduce anxiety and build trust. Attempting to force reality
orientation on a late-stage dementia patient often leads to increased agitation.
, 4. A nurse notes that an older adult patient has multiple bruises in various stages of healing
and appears fearful when their caregiver enters the room. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Ask the caregiver why the patient is bruised
B. Document the findings and wait for the next shift to confirm
C. Advise the patient to leave their home immediately
D. Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities according to state law
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Nurses are mandated reporters of suspected elder abuse and must
report concerns to the appropriate protective services. Documenting physical signs and
behavioral indicators like fear is a critical part of the assessment process. The safety of the
patient is the ultimate priority in these clinical scenarios.
5. Which pharmacokinetic change in the elderly increases the risk of drug toxicity?
A. Increased total body water
B. Decreased body fat percentage
C. Increased hepatic blood flow
D. Decreased glomerular filtration rate
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Aging typically results in a decreased glomerular filtration rate,
which slows the excretion of drugs through the kidneys. This leads to higher blood
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. An older adult patient is suddenly experiencing confusion, agitation, and visual
hallucinations. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Normal Aging
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid, acute onset of confusion and
perceptual disturbances. It is often reversible once the underlying cause, such as an
infection or medication reaction, is identified and treated. In contrast, dementia involves a
slow, progressive decline in cognitive function.
2. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to screen for depression in the geriatric
population?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
,B. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
C. Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
D. Braden Scale
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Geriatric Depression Scale is a validated tool specifically for
older adults that focuses on affective symptoms rather than somatic complaints. This helps
differentiate between age-related physical issues and actual clinical depression. Early
screening allows for appropriate intervention and prevents further decline in quality of life.
3. What is the primary goal of validation therapy when communicating with a patient who
has late-stage dementia?
A. To reorient the patient to current time and place
B. To correct the patient’s misconceptions for safety
C. To improve the patient’s short-term memory recall
D. To acknowledge and respect the patient’s feelings and reality
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Validation therapy focuses on the emotional truth behind a patient’s
words rather than the factual accuracy of their statements. By acknowledging the patient’s
internal reality, the nurse can reduce anxiety and build trust. Attempting to force reality
orientation on a late-stage dementia patient often leads to increased agitation.
, 4. A nurse notes that an older adult patient has multiple bruises in various stages of healing
and appears fearful when their caregiver enters the room. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Ask the caregiver why the patient is bruised
B. Document the findings and wait for the next shift to confirm
C. Advise the patient to leave their home immediately
D. Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities according to state law
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Nurses are mandated reporters of suspected elder abuse and must
report concerns to the appropriate protective services. Documenting physical signs and
behavioral indicators like fear is a critical part of the assessment process. The safety of the
patient is the ultimate priority in these clinical scenarios.
5. Which pharmacokinetic change in the elderly increases the risk of drug toxicity?
A. Increased total body water
B. Decreased body fat percentage
C. Increased hepatic blood flow
D. Decreased glomerular filtration rate
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Aging typically results in a decreased glomerular filtration rate,
which slows the excretion of drugs through the kidneys. This leads to higher blood
