NU NUR 330 Module 3 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Nursing Care of Adults and
Older Adults I Q&A | Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has been hospitalized for
pneumonia. Which of the following is the priority nursing action to prevent
functional decline during the hospital stay?
A) Restrict the patient to bed rest to conserve energy
B) Encourage the patient to perform self-care activities as tolerated
C) Limit the patient's visitors to prevent fatigue
D) Administer all medications intravenously
Correct Answer: Encourage the patient to perform self-care activities as
tolerated
Rationale: Encouraging self-care activities such as bathing, dressing, and
ambulating helps maintain muscle strength and functional independence.
Bed rest can lead to deconditioning, falls, and pressure ulcers, making it a
significant contributor to functional decline in hospitalized older adults.
2. A 78-year-old patient is being discharged after a hip fracture repair. Which
of the following interdisciplinary team members is most essential to include
in the discharge plan to address fall prevention?
A) Physical therapist
B) Dietitian
C) Social worker
D) Respiratory therapist
Correct Answer: Physical therapist
Rationale: A physical therapist specializes in mobility and gait training, which
is critical for preventing falls after a hip fracture. The therapist can assess
,the patient's balance and strength and recommend assistive devices to
reduce the risk of future falls.
3. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient's risk for falls. Which of the
following findings is the strongest predictor of a fall in this population?
A) A history of previous falls
B) Taking more than three medications
C) Diminished vision
D) Use of a cane
Correct Answer: A history of previous falls
Rationale: A history of previous falls is the single strongest predictor of future
falls. While polypharmacy, vision changes, and assistive device use are also
risk factors, a prior fall indicates a multifactorial risk profile that requires
comprehensive intervention.
4. A nurse is reviewing the medication list of an 82-year-old patient who
takes multiple medications. Which class of medication is most commonly
associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults?
A) Antihypertensives
B) Antidepressants
C) Antipsychotics
D) Benzodiazepines
Correct Answer: Benzodiazepines
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are associated with sedation, dizziness, and
cognitive impairment, all of which increase fall risk. They are considered
,potentially inappropriate for older adults (Beers Criteria) due to their adverse
effects and prolonged half-life.
5. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about strategies to prevent falls
at home. Which of the following recommendations is most appropriate?
A) "Use only nightlights in the bathroom, not the hallway, to save electricity."
B) "Remove loose rugs and secure electrical cords along the walls."
C) "Wear slippers with smooth soles to prevent tripping."
D) "Keep the home dimly lit to reduce glare."
Correct Answer: "Remove loose rugs and secure electrical cords along the
walls."
Rationale: Removing loose rugs and securing electrical cords eliminates
common tripping hazards. Smooth-soled slippers can increase fall risk,
adequate lighting is essential, and nightlights should be used in all pathways,
especially the bathroom.
6. A 72-year-old patient is admitted with pneumonia and is found to be
confused and unable to provide a clear history. The patient's daughter
reports that the patient was alert and oriented before admission. Which of
the following is the most likely explanation for this change?
A) Dementia
B) Delirium
C) Depression
D) Normal age-related cognitive decline
Correct Answer: Delirium
, Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion with a
fluctuating course, often triggered by an underlying medical condition such
as infection. Dementia has a gradual onset, and normal cognitive decline
does not cause acute confusion.
7. A nurse is caring for a patient with delirium. Which of the following
interventions is most appropriate for managing this condition?
A) Place the patient in a room with a roommate to increase orientation
B) Use restraints to prevent the patient from pulling out IV lines
C) Maintain a calm, quiet environment with a consistent daily routine
D) Administer a sedative to help the patient sleep through the night
Correct Answer: Maintain a calm, quiet environment with a consistent daily
routine
Rationale: A calm, quiet environment with a consistent routine helps reduce
sensory overload and confusion in patients with delirium. Restraints and
sedatives can worsen confusion and should be avoided unless absolutely
necessary.
8. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient's cognitive function. Which of
the following findings is consistent with normal age-related cognitive
change?
A) Difficulty managing finances
B) Getting lost in familiar environments
C) Occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys
D) Inability to learn new information
Correct Answer: Occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys
Older Adults I Q&A | Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has been hospitalized for
pneumonia. Which of the following is the priority nursing action to prevent
functional decline during the hospital stay?
A) Restrict the patient to bed rest to conserve energy
B) Encourage the patient to perform self-care activities as tolerated
C) Limit the patient's visitors to prevent fatigue
D) Administer all medications intravenously
Correct Answer: Encourage the patient to perform self-care activities as
tolerated
Rationale: Encouraging self-care activities such as bathing, dressing, and
ambulating helps maintain muscle strength and functional independence.
Bed rest can lead to deconditioning, falls, and pressure ulcers, making it a
significant contributor to functional decline in hospitalized older adults.
2. A 78-year-old patient is being discharged after a hip fracture repair. Which
of the following interdisciplinary team members is most essential to include
in the discharge plan to address fall prevention?
A) Physical therapist
B) Dietitian
C) Social worker
D) Respiratory therapist
Correct Answer: Physical therapist
Rationale: A physical therapist specializes in mobility and gait training, which
is critical for preventing falls after a hip fracture. The therapist can assess
,the patient's balance and strength and recommend assistive devices to
reduce the risk of future falls.
3. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient's risk for falls. Which of the
following findings is the strongest predictor of a fall in this population?
A) A history of previous falls
B) Taking more than three medications
C) Diminished vision
D) Use of a cane
Correct Answer: A history of previous falls
Rationale: A history of previous falls is the single strongest predictor of future
falls. While polypharmacy, vision changes, and assistive device use are also
risk factors, a prior fall indicates a multifactorial risk profile that requires
comprehensive intervention.
4. A nurse is reviewing the medication list of an 82-year-old patient who
takes multiple medications. Which class of medication is most commonly
associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults?
A) Antihypertensives
B) Antidepressants
C) Antipsychotics
D) Benzodiazepines
Correct Answer: Benzodiazepines
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are associated with sedation, dizziness, and
cognitive impairment, all of which increase fall risk. They are considered
,potentially inappropriate for older adults (Beers Criteria) due to their adverse
effects and prolonged half-life.
5. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about strategies to prevent falls
at home. Which of the following recommendations is most appropriate?
A) "Use only nightlights in the bathroom, not the hallway, to save electricity."
B) "Remove loose rugs and secure electrical cords along the walls."
C) "Wear slippers with smooth soles to prevent tripping."
D) "Keep the home dimly lit to reduce glare."
Correct Answer: "Remove loose rugs and secure electrical cords along the
walls."
Rationale: Removing loose rugs and securing electrical cords eliminates
common tripping hazards. Smooth-soled slippers can increase fall risk,
adequate lighting is essential, and nightlights should be used in all pathways,
especially the bathroom.
6. A 72-year-old patient is admitted with pneumonia and is found to be
confused and unable to provide a clear history. The patient's daughter
reports that the patient was alert and oriented before admission. Which of
the following is the most likely explanation for this change?
A) Dementia
B) Delirium
C) Depression
D) Normal age-related cognitive decline
Correct Answer: Delirium
, Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion with a
fluctuating course, often triggered by an underlying medical condition such
as infection. Dementia has a gradual onset, and normal cognitive decline
does not cause acute confusion.
7. A nurse is caring for a patient with delirium. Which of the following
interventions is most appropriate for managing this condition?
A) Place the patient in a room with a roommate to increase orientation
B) Use restraints to prevent the patient from pulling out IV lines
C) Maintain a calm, quiet environment with a consistent daily routine
D) Administer a sedative to help the patient sleep through the night
Correct Answer: Maintain a calm, quiet environment with a consistent daily
routine
Rationale: A calm, quiet environment with a consistent routine helps reduce
sensory overload and confusion in patients with delirium. Restraints and
sedatives can worsen confusion and should be avoided unless absolutely
necessary.
8. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient's cognitive function. Which of
the following findings is consistent with normal age-related cognitive
change?
A) Difficulty managing finances
B) Getting lost in familiar environments
C) Occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys
D) Inability to learn new information
Correct Answer: Occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys
