PNR 108/PNR108 Final Exam V1 | Gerontological
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which physiological change in the cardiovascular system is considered a normal part of the
aging process?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Increased cardiac output during exercise
C. Decreased peripheral vascular resistance
D. Decreased elasticity of blood vessel walls
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: As individuals age, blood vessels naturally become more rigid and lose their
elasticity, leading to increased systolic blood pressure. This change is primarily due to the
replacement of elastic fibers with collagen in the arterial walls. Understanding this normal
aging process is essential for differentiating between expected findings and pathological
cardiovascular disease.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the primary task of the
older adult?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Integrity vs. Despair
,D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The stage of Integrity vs. Despair involves the older adult reflecting on their
life experiences and accomplishments. If they feel a sense of fulfillment and acceptance,
they achieve ego integrity. However, if they view their life as a series of failures or missed
opportunities, they may experience despair and fear of death.
3. A nurse is assessing an older adult for signs of depression. Which symptom is more
common in older adults than in younger populations?
A. Overt feelings of sadness
B. Frequent crying spells
C. Physical complaints or somatic symptoms
D. Expressed suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Older adults often manifest depression through somatic symptoms such as
fatigue, insomnia, or generalized pain rather than reporting emotional sadness. This can
make diagnosis difficult as these symptoms might be mistaken for physical illness. Nurses
must use targeted screening tools like the Geriatric Depression Scale to accurately identify
these hidden signs.
, 4. What is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent skin breakdown in an immobile
older adult?
A. Applying powder to skin folds
B. Massaging reddened bony prominences
C. Repositioning the patient at least every 2 hours
D. Keeping the head of the bed at 45 degrees
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Repositioning every two hours is the gold standard for preventing pressure
injuries by relieving sustained pressure on tissue. Massaging reddened areas is
contraindicated because it can cause further deep tissue damage. Maintaining skin integrity
is a critical nursing priority due to the thinning of the dermis and loss of subcutaneous fat
in the elderly.
5. Which factor contributes most significantly to the risk of polypharmacy in the geriatric
population?
A. Reduced absorption of drugs
B. Strict adherence to a single pharmacy
C. Increased metabolism by the liver
D. Seeing multiple specialists for chronic conditions
Correct Answer: D
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which physiological change in the cardiovascular system is considered a normal part of the
aging process?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Increased cardiac output during exercise
C. Decreased peripheral vascular resistance
D. Decreased elasticity of blood vessel walls
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: As individuals age, blood vessels naturally become more rigid and lose their
elasticity, leading to increased systolic blood pressure. This change is primarily due to the
replacement of elastic fibers with collagen in the arterial walls. Understanding this normal
aging process is essential for differentiating between expected findings and pathological
cardiovascular disease.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the primary task of the
older adult?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Integrity vs. Despair
,D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The stage of Integrity vs. Despair involves the older adult reflecting on their
life experiences and accomplishments. If they feel a sense of fulfillment and acceptance,
they achieve ego integrity. However, if they view their life as a series of failures or missed
opportunities, they may experience despair and fear of death.
3. A nurse is assessing an older adult for signs of depression. Which symptom is more
common in older adults than in younger populations?
A. Overt feelings of sadness
B. Frequent crying spells
C. Physical complaints or somatic symptoms
D. Expressed suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Older adults often manifest depression through somatic symptoms such as
fatigue, insomnia, or generalized pain rather than reporting emotional sadness. This can
make diagnosis difficult as these symptoms might be mistaken for physical illness. Nurses
must use targeted screening tools like the Geriatric Depression Scale to accurately identify
these hidden signs.
, 4. What is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent skin breakdown in an immobile
older adult?
A. Applying powder to skin folds
B. Massaging reddened bony prominences
C. Repositioning the patient at least every 2 hours
D. Keeping the head of the bed at 45 degrees
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Repositioning every two hours is the gold standard for preventing pressure
injuries by relieving sustained pressure on tissue. Massaging reddened areas is
contraindicated because it can cause further deep tissue damage. Maintaining skin integrity
is a critical nursing priority due to the thinning of the dermis and loss of subcutaneous fat
in the elderly.
5. Which factor contributes most significantly to the risk of polypharmacy in the geriatric
population?
A. Reduced absorption of drugs
B. Strict adherence to a single pharmacy
C. Increased metabolism by the liver
D. Seeing multiple specialists for chronic conditions
Correct Answer: D
