PNR 108/PNR108 Final Exam V3 |
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which integumentary change is considered a normal physiological part of the aging process
in an older adult?
A. Increased production of sebum and sweat
B. Thickening of the dermal layer
C. Decreased subcutaneous fat and elasticity
D. Improved temperature regulation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: As humans age, the subcutaneous fat layer thins and collagen
production decreases. This results in wrinkled, fragile skin that is more susceptible to
injury and pressure ulcers. Nurses must prioritize gentle handling and frequent
repositioning for this population.
2. An elderly patient experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from a lying
to a standing position. This is known as:
A. Hypertensive crisis
B. Vasovagal syncope
C. Orthostatic hypotension
,D. Postprandial hypotension
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension occurs due to age-related decreases in
baroreceptor sensitivity and slower compensatory mechanisms. This condition
significantly increases the risk of falls and related fractures in the geriatric population.
Nurses should instruct patients to dangle their feet at the bedside before standing.
3. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient
experiencing presbycusis?
A. Shouting loudly into the patient’s ear
B. Facing the patient and speaking in a lower-pitched, clear tone
C. Speaking in a high-pitched, fast-paced voice
D. Using only written communication
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Presbycusis involves the loss of high-frequency hearing, making it
difficult for the elderly to hear high-pitched voices. Lowering the pitch of the voice and
speaking clearly while facing the patient improves comprehension significantly. Avoiding
background noise is also essential for effective communication in these cases.
4. A 78-year-old patient is confused, agitated, and has a sudden onset of symptoms following
a hip surgery. The nurse should suspect:
A. Alzheimer’s disease
, B. Normal aging
C. Vascular dementia
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, reversible onset of confusion
often triggered by medical conditions, surgery, or medications. Unlike dementia, which is
progressive and chronic, delirium represents a medical emergency that requires
identifying the underlying cause. In post-operative elderly patients, infection or
dehydration are common culprits.
5. Which developmental stage, according to Erikson, applies to the older adult population?
A. Integrity vs. Despair
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Erikson’s stage of Integrity vs. Despair focuses on the older adult’s
reflection on their life achievements. Achieving integrity means the individual feels a sense
of fulfillment and acceptance of life’s end. Conversely, despair occurs if the individual views
their life as a series of failures or missed opportunities.
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which integumentary change is considered a normal physiological part of the aging process
in an older adult?
A. Increased production of sebum and sweat
B. Thickening of the dermal layer
C. Decreased subcutaneous fat and elasticity
D. Improved temperature regulation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: As humans age, the subcutaneous fat layer thins and collagen
production decreases. This results in wrinkled, fragile skin that is more susceptible to
injury and pressure ulcers. Nurses must prioritize gentle handling and frequent
repositioning for this population.
2. An elderly patient experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from a lying
to a standing position. This is known as:
A. Hypertensive crisis
B. Vasovagal syncope
C. Orthostatic hypotension
,D. Postprandial hypotension
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension occurs due to age-related decreases in
baroreceptor sensitivity and slower compensatory mechanisms. This condition
significantly increases the risk of falls and related fractures in the geriatric population.
Nurses should instruct patients to dangle their feet at the bedside before standing.
3. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient
experiencing presbycusis?
A. Shouting loudly into the patient’s ear
B. Facing the patient and speaking in a lower-pitched, clear tone
C. Speaking in a high-pitched, fast-paced voice
D. Using only written communication
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Presbycusis involves the loss of high-frequency hearing, making it
difficult for the elderly to hear high-pitched voices. Lowering the pitch of the voice and
speaking clearly while facing the patient improves comprehension significantly. Avoiding
background noise is also essential for effective communication in these cases.
4. A 78-year-old patient is confused, agitated, and has a sudden onset of symptoms following
a hip surgery. The nurse should suspect:
A. Alzheimer’s disease
, B. Normal aging
C. Vascular dementia
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, reversible onset of confusion
often triggered by medical conditions, surgery, or medications. Unlike dementia, which is
progressive and chronic, delirium represents a medical emergency that requires
identifying the underlying cause. In post-operative elderly patients, infection or
dehydration are common culprits.
5. Which developmental stage, according to Erikson, applies to the older adult population?
A. Integrity vs. Despair
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Erikson’s stage of Integrity vs. Despair focuses on the older adult’s
reflection on their life achievements. Achieving integrity means the individual feels a sense
of fulfillment and acceptance of life’s end. Conversely, despair occurs if the individual views
their life as a series of failures or missed opportunities.
