NR 222 Exam 4 V2 | NR 222 Foundation of
Nursing Process | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NR222 Exam 4) | Chamberlain
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client’s respiratory system. Which finding is considered a
normal age-related change?
A. Increased cough reflex efficiency
B. Increased chest wall compliance
C. Decreased airway resistance
D. Decreased number of functional alveoli
Correct Answer: D
Physiological aging leads to structural changes in the lungs, including a reduction in the
total number of alveoli available for gas exchange. This reduction contributes to a
decreased surface area for oxygen diffusion. Understanding these normal changes helps the
nurse differentiate between healthy aging and pathological conditions such as pneumonia.
2. When developing a plan of care for an older adult, which intervention should the nurse
prioritize to promote skin integrity?
A. Providing daily hot baths with antibacterial soap
B. Vigorously rubbing the skin dry after washing
C. Using a moisture-barrier ointment for incontinent clients
,D. Decreasing fluid intake to reduce urination frequency
Correct Answer: C
Older adults have thinner dermis and reduced subcutaneous fat, making their skin more
susceptible to breakdown. Moisture-barrier ointments protect the skin from the irritating
effects of urine and feces. These preventative measures are critical in avoiding the
development of pressure injuries and infections in the geriatric population.
3. A nurse is conducting a home safety assessment for an elderly patient. Which observation
requires immediate intervention?
A. A nightlight installed in the bathroom
B. Non-slip mats placed in the bathtub
C. Handrails installed on both sides of the stairs
D. Loose area rugs in the main hallway
Correct Answer: D
Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults due to impaired balance
and decreased muscle strength. Loose rugs create a significant tripping hazard and should
be removed or secured. The nurse plays a vital role in identifying environmental risks to
maintain the safety of the client in their living space.
4. Which cognitive change is considered a pathological finding rather than a normal part of
aging?
A. Slower processing speed
, B. Inability to perform familiar complex tasks
C. Occasional difficulty finding the right word
D. Decreased ability to multi-task
Correct Answer: B
While slowing of thought processes is common in older age, the loss of executive function
or the inability to complete known tasks often indicates dementia. Normal aging might
involve mild forgetfulness that does not interfere with daily life. Nurses must use
standardized tools to screen for cognitive impairment early in the diagnostic process.
5. An older adult client reports a loss of interest in activities and persistent feelings of
sadness. What should the nurse recognize regarding depression in this population?
A. It is a normal response to multiple losses in old age
B. It is usually resolved without professional intervention
C. It is less severe in the elderly compared to younger adults
D. It is frequently underdiagnosed and untreated in older adults
Correct Answer: D
Depression is not a normal part of aging, though it is often mistaken for other conditions
like dementia. Symptoms may be dismissed by healthcare providers as related to chronic
illness or cognitive decline. Identifying and treating depression in older adults can
significantly improve their quality of life and functional status.
Nursing Process | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NR222 Exam 4) | Chamberlain
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client’s respiratory system. Which finding is considered a
normal age-related change?
A. Increased cough reflex efficiency
B. Increased chest wall compliance
C. Decreased airway resistance
D. Decreased number of functional alveoli
Correct Answer: D
Physiological aging leads to structural changes in the lungs, including a reduction in the
total number of alveoli available for gas exchange. This reduction contributes to a
decreased surface area for oxygen diffusion. Understanding these normal changes helps the
nurse differentiate between healthy aging and pathological conditions such as pneumonia.
2. When developing a plan of care for an older adult, which intervention should the nurse
prioritize to promote skin integrity?
A. Providing daily hot baths with antibacterial soap
B. Vigorously rubbing the skin dry after washing
C. Using a moisture-barrier ointment for incontinent clients
,D. Decreasing fluid intake to reduce urination frequency
Correct Answer: C
Older adults have thinner dermis and reduced subcutaneous fat, making their skin more
susceptible to breakdown. Moisture-barrier ointments protect the skin from the irritating
effects of urine and feces. These preventative measures are critical in avoiding the
development of pressure injuries and infections in the geriatric population.
3. A nurse is conducting a home safety assessment for an elderly patient. Which observation
requires immediate intervention?
A. A nightlight installed in the bathroom
B. Non-slip mats placed in the bathtub
C. Handrails installed on both sides of the stairs
D. Loose area rugs in the main hallway
Correct Answer: D
Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults due to impaired balance
and decreased muscle strength. Loose rugs create a significant tripping hazard and should
be removed or secured. The nurse plays a vital role in identifying environmental risks to
maintain the safety of the client in their living space.
4. Which cognitive change is considered a pathological finding rather than a normal part of
aging?
A. Slower processing speed
, B. Inability to perform familiar complex tasks
C. Occasional difficulty finding the right word
D. Decreased ability to multi-task
Correct Answer: B
While slowing of thought processes is common in older age, the loss of executive function
or the inability to complete known tasks often indicates dementia. Normal aging might
involve mild forgetfulness that does not interfere with daily life. Nurses must use
standardized tools to screen for cognitive impairment early in the diagnostic process.
5. An older adult client reports a loss of interest in activities and persistent feelings of
sadness. What should the nurse recognize regarding depression in this population?
A. It is a normal response to multiple losses in old age
B. It is usually resolved without professional intervention
C. It is less severe in the elderly compared to younger adults
D. It is frequently underdiagnosed and untreated in older adults
Correct Answer: D
Depression is not a normal part of aging, though it is often mistaken for other conditions
like dementia. Symptoms may be dismissed by healthcare providers as related to chronic
illness or cognitive decline. Identifying and treating depression in older adults can
significantly improve their quality of life and functional status.
