NUR255 Exam 3 V1 | Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for delirium. Which of the following characteristics
distinguishes delirium from dementia?
A. The symptoms demonstrate an acute onset and fluctuate throughout the day.
B. The condition is chronic and irreversible.
C. The onset of symptoms is slow and progressive.
D. Level of consciousness remains stable and alert.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid or acute onset of symptoms that
often fluctuate in severity over a 24-hour period. In contrast, dementia involves a slow,
insidious decline in cognitive function that is usually permanent. Nurses must recognize
the acute nature of delirium because it is often caused by an underlying medical condition
that requires immediate intervention.
2. Which of the following is the most common mental health disorder seen in the older adult
population?
A. Schizophrenia
,B. Bipolar Disorder
C. Depression
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Depression is the most prevalent mental health problem among older
adults, though it is often underdiagnosed. It frequently presents with somatic complaints
like fatigue or pain rather than the classic ‘sad’ mood seen in younger patients. Untreated
depression in seniors can lead to significant functional decline and an increased risk of
suicide.
3. An older adult patient is prescribed a new benzodiazepine for anxiety. Why should the
nurse monitor this patient closely for adverse effects?
A. Benzodiazepines have a shorter half-life in older adults.
B. Metabolism of these drugs is increased due to higher liver enzyme activity.
C. Older adults have a decreased risk of toxicity compared to younger adults.
D. Changes in fat-to-water ratio lead to a prolonged half-life and increased risk of falls.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Aging results in an increase in body fat and a decrease in total body
water, which alters the distribution of lipophilic drugs like benzodiazepines. This change
causes the drug to remain in the system longer, significantly increasing the risk of sedation,
, confusion, and falls. The Beers Criteria specifically lists many benzodiazepines as
potentially inappropriate for older adults for these reasons.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease who is wandering. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Use physical restraints to keep the client in bed.
B. Place the client in a room near the nurse’s station and use bed alarms.
C. Administer a sedative to prevent the client from walking.
D. Instruct the client several times a day to stay in their chair.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Placing a wandering client near the nursing station allows for
frequent observation and improves safety without the use of restrictive measures. Bed
alarms are non-invasive tools that alert staff when a client attempts to get up, reducing fall
risks. Using physical or chemical restraints is considered a last resort and can actually
increase agitation and injury in dementia patients.
5. Which cognitive screening tool is most widely used to determine the severity of cognitive
impairment in older adults?
A. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
B. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
C. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for delirium. Which of the following characteristics
distinguishes delirium from dementia?
A. The symptoms demonstrate an acute onset and fluctuate throughout the day.
B. The condition is chronic and irreversible.
C. The onset of symptoms is slow and progressive.
D. Level of consciousness remains stable and alert.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid or acute onset of symptoms that
often fluctuate in severity over a 24-hour period. In contrast, dementia involves a slow,
insidious decline in cognitive function that is usually permanent. Nurses must recognize
the acute nature of delirium because it is often caused by an underlying medical condition
that requires immediate intervention.
2. Which of the following is the most common mental health disorder seen in the older adult
population?
A. Schizophrenia
,B. Bipolar Disorder
C. Depression
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Depression is the most prevalent mental health problem among older
adults, though it is often underdiagnosed. It frequently presents with somatic complaints
like fatigue or pain rather than the classic ‘sad’ mood seen in younger patients. Untreated
depression in seniors can lead to significant functional decline and an increased risk of
suicide.
3. An older adult patient is prescribed a new benzodiazepine for anxiety. Why should the
nurse monitor this patient closely for adverse effects?
A. Benzodiazepines have a shorter half-life in older adults.
B. Metabolism of these drugs is increased due to higher liver enzyme activity.
C. Older adults have a decreased risk of toxicity compared to younger adults.
D. Changes in fat-to-water ratio lead to a prolonged half-life and increased risk of falls.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Aging results in an increase in body fat and a decrease in total body
water, which alters the distribution of lipophilic drugs like benzodiazepines. This change
causes the drug to remain in the system longer, significantly increasing the risk of sedation,
, confusion, and falls. The Beers Criteria specifically lists many benzodiazepines as
potentially inappropriate for older adults for these reasons.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease who is wandering. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Use physical restraints to keep the client in bed.
B. Place the client in a room near the nurse’s station and use bed alarms.
C. Administer a sedative to prevent the client from walking.
D. Instruct the client several times a day to stay in their chair.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Placing a wandering client near the nursing station allows for
frequent observation and improves safety without the use of restrictive measures. Bed
alarms are non-invasive tools that alert staff when a client attempts to get up, reducing fall
risks. Using physical or chemical restraints is considered a last resort and can actually
increase agitation and injury in dementia patients.
5. Which cognitive screening tool is most widely used to determine the severity of cognitive
impairment in older adults?
A. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
B. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
C. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
