NUR255 Exam 4 V1 | Aging &
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. An 82-year-old patient is admitted with acute confusion and a suspected urinary tract
infection. Which condition does the nurse recognize this most likely represents?
A. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
B. Delirium
C. Normal age-related cognitive decline
D. Vascular dementia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion and is often
triggered by an underlying medical condition like an infection. Unlike dementia, delirium is
typically reversible once the primary cause is treated. Nurses must monitor for fluctuating
levels of consciousness which is a hallmark of this condition.
2. When assessing an older adult for depression, which symptom is most likely to be present
compared to a younger adult?
A. Overt expression of sadness
,B. Increased suicidal ideation
C. Enhanced memory and focus
D. Somatic complaints such as pain or fatigue
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Older adults often mask depression with physical or somatic
complaints rather than reporting feelings of sadness. This can lead to underdiagnosis
because the symptoms are attributed to aging or physical illness. Careful screening using
tools like the Geriatric Depression Scale is essential for this population.
3. A patient with Alzheimer’s disease frequently wanders during the night. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Place a bed alarm and ensure the environment is safe
B. Administer a sedative at bedtime
C. Apply bilateral wrist restraints
D. Keep all room lights on throughout the night
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Safety is the priority for patients who wander, and non-
pharmacological interventions should be used first. Bed alarms provide an early warning
system without the risks associated with physical or chemical restraints. Ensuring a
clutter-free environment helps prevent falls during these episodes.
, 4. Which side effect of antipsychotic medication is considered a medical emergency and
characterized by high fever and muscle rigidity?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Akathisia
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Pseudoparkinsonism
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a rare but life-threatening
reaction to antipsychotic drugs. Symptoms include extreme muscle rigidity, hyperpyrexia,
and autonomic instability. Immediate discontinuation of the medication and supportive
care in an intensive care setting are required.
5. A nurse is teaching a family about the ‘sundowning’ phenomenon in a relative with
dementia. Which description is accurate?
A. Complete loss of vision as the sun sets
B. Improved cognitive function during the early morning hours
C. A specific type of seizure occurring at night
D. Increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon or evening
Correct Answer: D
Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Galen College of
Nursing
1. An 82-year-old patient is admitted with acute confusion and a suspected urinary tract
infection. Which condition does the nurse recognize this most likely represents?
A. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
B. Delirium
C. Normal age-related cognitive decline
D. Vascular dementia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion and is often
triggered by an underlying medical condition like an infection. Unlike dementia, delirium is
typically reversible once the primary cause is treated. Nurses must monitor for fluctuating
levels of consciousness which is a hallmark of this condition.
2. When assessing an older adult for depression, which symptom is most likely to be present
compared to a younger adult?
A. Overt expression of sadness
,B. Increased suicidal ideation
C. Enhanced memory and focus
D. Somatic complaints such as pain or fatigue
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Older adults often mask depression with physical or somatic
complaints rather than reporting feelings of sadness. This can lead to underdiagnosis
because the symptoms are attributed to aging or physical illness. Careful screening using
tools like the Geriatric Depression Scale is essential for this population.
3. A patient with Alzheimer’s disease frequently wanders during the night. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Place a bed alarm and ensure the environment is safe
B. Administer a sedative at bedtime
C. Apply bilateral wrist restraints
D. Keep all room lights on throughout the night
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Safety is the priority for patients who wander, and non-
pharmacological interventions should be used first. Bed alarms provide an early warning
system without the risks associated with physical or chemical restraints. Ensuring a
clutter-free environment helps prevent falls during these episodes.
, 4. Which side effect of antipsychotic medication is considered a medical emergency and
characterized by high fever and muscle rigidity?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Akathisia
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Pseudoparkinsonism
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a rare but life-threatening
reaction to antipsychotic drugs. Symptoms include extreme muscle rigidity, hyperpyrexia,
and autonomic instability. Immediate discontinuation of the medication and supportive
care in an intensive care setting are required.
5. A nurse is teaching a family about the ‘sundowning’ phenomenon in a relative with
dementia. Which description is accurate?
A. Complete loss of vision as the sun sets
B. Improved cognitive function during the early morning hours
C. A specific type of seizure occurring at night
D. Increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon or evening
Correct Answer: D
