NUR255 Final Exam V3 | Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. Which of the following is considered a hallmark clinical manifestation of delirium?
A. Slow, progressive memory loss over several years
B. Stable cognitive function throughout the day
C. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
D. Permanent and irreversible loss of cognitive ability
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid or acute change in mental status
that often fluctuates throughout the day. Unlike dementia, delirium is usually secondary to
a medical condition and is often reversible if the cause is treated. Nurses must recognize
this urgency as it represents a medical emergency in older adults.
2. An older adult patient is prescribed a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Which
electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
,C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Older adults taking SSRIs are at an increased risk for developing
hyponatremia, often due to the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH).
The nurse should monitor for symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
This assessment is critical because low sodium levels can mimic worsening dementia or
delirium.
3. What is the primary purpose of the Beers Criteria in geriatric nursing?
A. To diagnose specific psychiatric disorders in the elderly
B. To identify potentially inappropriate medications for older adults
C. To calculate the correct dosage for pediatric patients
D. To provide a list of recommended exercises for seniors
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria is a guideline used by healthcare professionals to
identify medications that may be unsafe for older adults. These medications are often
associated with a higher risk of adverse effects like falls and confusion in the geriatric
population. Following these guidelines helps improve patient safety and reduces the risk of
polypharmacy complications.
, 4. Which stage of Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the patient needing help with
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and experiencing significant personality changes?
A. Mild/Early-stage
B. Moderate/Middle-stage
C. Severe/Late-stage
D. Pre-clinical stage
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The moderate stage of Alzheimer’s is typically the longest stage and
involves the patient requiring assistance with daily tasks like dressing or bathing. During
this time, personality and behavioral changes, such as agitation or wandering, become
more prominent. In contrast, the late stage involves a total loss of verbal communication
and physical control.
5. A nurse is assessing an 80-year-old male for depression. Which symptom is he most likely
to report instead of ‘sadness’?
A. Somatic complaints such as pain or fatigue
B. Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
C. Excessive crying and emotional outbursts
D. Increased appetite and weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. Which of the following is considered a hallmark clinical manifestation of delirium?
A. Slow, progressive memory loss over several years
B. Stable cognitive function throughout the day
C. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
D. Permanent and irreversible loss of cognitive ability
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid or acute change in mental status
that often fluctuates throughout the day. Unlike dementia, delirium is usually secondary to
a medical condition and is often reversible if the cause is treated. Nurses must recognize
this urgency as it represents a medical emergency in older adults.
2. An older adult patient is prescribed a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Which
electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
,C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Older adults taking SSRIs are at an increased risk for developing
hyponatremia, often due to the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH).
The nurse should monitor for symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
This assessment is critical because low sodium levels can mimic worsening dementia or
delirium.
3. What is the primary purpose of the Beers Criteria in geriatric nursing?
A. To diagnose specific psychiatric disorders in the elderly
B. To identify potentially inappropriate medications for older adults
C. To calculate the correct dosage for pediatric patients
D. To provide a list of recommended exercises for seniors
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria is a guideline used by healthcare professionals to
identify medications that may be unsafe for older adults. These medications are often
associated with a higher risk of adverse effects like falls and confusion in the geriatric
population. Following these guidelines helps improve patient safety and reduces the risk of
polypharmacy complications.
, 4. Which stage of Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the patient needing help with
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and experiencing significant personality changes?
A. Mild/Early-stage
B. Moderate/Middle-stage
C. Severe/Late-stage
D. Pre-clinical stage
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The moderate stage of Alzheimer’s is typically the longest stage and
involves the patient requiring assistance with daily tasks like dressing or bathing. During
this time, personality and behavioral changes, such as agitation or wandering, become
more prominent. In contrast, the late stage involves a total loss of verbal communication
and physical control.
5. A nurse is assessing an 80-year-old male for depression. Which symptom is he most likely
to report instead of ‘sadness’?
A. Somatic complaints such as pain or fatigue
B. Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
C. Excessive crying and emotional outbursts
D. Increased appetite and weight gain
Correct Answer: A
