NUR 2214 Week 3 Quiz V1 | NUR 2214
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 3
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is evaluating a client for delirium. Which clinical characteristic is most indicative of
this condition?
A. Slowly progressive decline in cognitive function
B. Sudden and fluctuating changes in mental status
C. Permanent loss of short-term memory
D. Stable cognitive impairment over several years
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and a fluctuating course of
symptoms. It often involves disturbances in attention and consciousness that can vary
throughout the day. Recognizing these rapid changes is critical for differentiating delirium
from dementia.
2. When assessing an older adult using the SPICES tool, what does the ‘P’ stand for?
A. Pain management
B. Psychosocial status
C. Physical mobility
,D. Problems with sleeping
Answer: D
Rationale: The SPICES acronym stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating or
feeding, Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown. This tool helps
nurses identify common geriatric syndromes that require further investigation. Addressing
sleep problems is vital as they can exacerbate other health issues in the elderly.
3. An older adult client is diagnosed with presbycusis. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Speaking clearly and slowly in a lower-pitched voice
B. Speaking in a high-pitched tone of voice
C. Shouting directly into the client’s ear
D. Using only written communication to interact
Answer: A
Rationale: Presbycusis involves the loss of high-frequency hearing, making it difficult to
understand high-pitched sounds. Speaking in a lower tone and at a moderate pace helps the
client process the information more effectively. Ensuring the nurse is facing the client also
aids in visual cues for communication.
4. Which of the following is considered a primary risk factor for falls in the geriatric
population?
A. Increased subcutaneous fat
, B. Orthostatic hypotension
C. Enhanced muscle mass
D. Increased reaction time
Answer: B
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension causes a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing,
which can lead to dizziness and syncope. This physiological change significantly increases
the risk of falls and related injuries. Nurses should encourage clients to rise slowly and
dangle their feet before standing.
5. A nurse identifies that an older client is taking ten different medications daily. This scenario
is best described as:
A. Therapeutic adherence
B. Polypharmacy
C. Medication reconciliation
D. Pharmacokinetic enhancement
Answer: B
Rationale: Polypharmacy is the concurrent use of multiple medications by a single patient,
often exceeding clinical necessity. It increases the risk for drug-to-drug interactions and
adverse drug events in older adults. Monitoring and reducing unnecessary medications is a
key nursing responsibility in geriatric care.
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 3
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is evaluating a client for delirium. Which clinical characteristic is most indicative of
this condition?
A. Slowly progressive decline in cognitive function
B. Sudden and fluctuating changes in mental status
C. Permanent loss of short-term memory
D. Stable cognitive impairment over several years
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and a fluctuating course of
symptoms. It often involves disturbances in attention and consciousness that can vary
throughout the day. Recognizing these rapid changes is critical for differentiating delirium
from dementia.
2. When assessing an older adult using the SPICES tool, what does the ‘P’ stand for?
A. Pain management
B. Psychosocial status
C. Physical mobility
,D. Problems with sleeping
Answer: D
Rationale: The SPICES acronym stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating or
feeding, Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown. This tool helps
nurses identify common geriatric syndromes that require further investigation. Addressing
sleep problems is vital as they can exacerbate other health issues in the elderly.
3. An older adult client is diagnosed with presbycusis. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Speaking clearly and slowly in a lower-pitched voice
B. Speaking in a high-pitched tone of voice
C. Shouting directly into the client’s ear
D. Using only written communication to interact
Answer: A
Rationale: Presbycusis involves the loss of high-frequency hearing, making it difficult to
understand high-pitched sounds. Speaking in a lower tone and at a moderate pace helps the
client process the information more effectively. Ensuring the nurse is facing the client also
aids in visual cues for communication.
4. Which of the following is considered a primary risk factor for falls in the geriatric
population?
A. Increased subcutaneous fat
, B. Orthostatic hypotension
C. Enhanced muscle mass
D. Increased reaction time
Answer: B
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension causes a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing,
which can lead to dizziness and syncope. This physiological change significantly increases
the risk of falls and related injuries. Nurses should encourage clients to rise slowly and
dangle their feet before standing.
5. A nurse identifies that an older client is taking ten different medications daily. This scenario
is best described as:
A. Therapeutic adherence
B. Polypharmacy
C. Medication reconciliation
D. Pharmacokinetic enhancement
Answer: B
Rationale: Polypharmacy is the concurrent use of multiple medications by a single patient,
often exceeding clinical necessity. It increases the risk for drug-to-drug interactions and
adverse drug events in older adults. Monitoring and reducing unnecessary medications is a
key nursing responsibility in geriatric care.
