NUR 257 Final Exam: (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Dementia, Delirium, Depression, Ethics,
Epidemiology, Infection Control, End-of-Life Care | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct
(Verified Answers)
Gerontological Nursing | Comprehensive Final Review
SUBJECT COURSE FORMAT
Gerontological Nursing / Ethics / NUR 257 Final Exam Q&A with Rationales
Epidemiology / Infection Control
Q1
What is dementia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Chronic, progressive, irreversible cognitive decline
R AT I O N A L E
• Onset: slow (months-years); Attention: intact until late stages.
• Nursing care: safety, routine, reorientation early on, validation in late stages, support caregivers.
Q2
What are the stages of dementia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Mild: forgetfulness, difficulty with complex tasks; Moderate: wandering, personality changes, impaired ADLs; Severe:
total care, loss of speech, swallowing issues
R AT I O N A L E
• Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia.
Q3
What is delirium?
CORRECT ANSWER
Acute, reversible, medical emergency
R AT I O N A L E
• Onset: rapid (hours-days); Symptoms: fluctuating LOC, impaired attention.
• Causes: infection, meds, dehydration, hypoxia.
• Nursing care: treat cause, ensure safety, frequent reorientation, reduce stimuli.
, Q4
What is depression in older adults?
CORRECT ANSWER
Not normal aging; gradual onset but can mimic dementia ('pseudodementia')
R AT I O N A L E
• Screen with PHQ-9; encourage activity, medication adherence, suicide assessment.
Q5
What are fall risk factors in older adults?
CORRECT ANSWER
Orthostatic hypotension, polypharmacy, poor vision, environmental hazards, weakness, gait issues
R AT I O N A L E
• Nursing priorities: nonslip footwear, clear pathways, adequate lighting, assistive devices.
Q6
What is polypharmacy?
CORRECT ANSWER
Increased risk of drug-drug interactions, confusion, falls
R AT I O N A L E
• Beers Criteria: guideline to identify potentially inappropriate medications for older adults.
Q7
What is osteoporosis and how is it prevented?
CORRECT ANSWER
Age-related bone loss → fractures; prevention: calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention
R AT I O N A L E
• Women are at higher risk; DEXA scan recommended for screening.
Q8
What is autonomy?
CORRECT ANSWER
Patient's right to choose
R AT I O N A L E
• Respecting the patient's right to self-determination.
Epidemiology, Infection Control, End-of-Life Care | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct
(Verified Answers)
Gerontological Nursing | Comprehensive Final Review
SUBJECT COURSE FORMAT
Gerontological Nursing / Ethics / NUR 257 Final Exam Q&A with Rationales
Epidemiology / Infection Control
Q1
What is dementia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Chronic, progressive, irreversible cognitive decline
R AT I O N A L E
• Onset: slow (months-years); Attention: intact until late stages.
• Nursing care: safety, routine, reorientation early on, validation in late stages, support caregivers.
Q2
What are the stages of dementia?
CORRECT ANSWER
Mild: forgetfulness, difficulty with complex tasks; Moderate: wandering, personality changes, impaired ADLs; Severe:
total care, loss of speech, swallowing issues
R AT I O N A L E
• Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia.
Q3
What is delirium?
CORRECT ANSWER
Acute, reversible, medical emergency
R AT I O N A L E
• Onset: rapid (hours-days); Symptoms: fluctuating LOC, impaired attention.
• Causes: infection, meds, dehydration, hypoxia.
• Nursing care: treat cause, ensure safety, frequent reorientation, reduce stimuli.
, Q4
What is depression in older adults?
CORRECT ANSWER
Not normal aging; gradual onset but can mimic dementia ('pseudodementia')
R AT I O N A L E
• Screen with PHQ-9; encourage activity, medication adherence, suicide assessment.
Q5
What are fall risk factors in older adults?
CORRECT ANSWER
Orthostatic hypotension, polypharmacy, poor vision, environmental hazards, weakness, gait issues
R AT I O N A L E
• Nursing priorities: nonslip footwear, clear pathways, adequate lighting, assistive devices.
Q6
What is polypharmacy?
CORRECT ANSWER
Increased risk of drug-drug interactions, confusion, falls
R AT I O N A L E
• Beers Criteria: guideline to identify potentially inappropriate medications for older adults.
Q7
What is osteoporosis and how is it prevented?
CORRECT ANSWER
Age-related bone loss → fractures; prevention: calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention
R AT I O N A L E
• Women are at higher risk; DEXA scan recommended for screening.
Q8
What is autonomy?
CORRECT ANSWER
Patient's right to choose
R AT I O N A L E
• Respecting the patient's right to self-determination.
