Galen NUR 257 Exam 4 Practice Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
An older adult with osteoporosis asks the nurse how to reduce
the risk of a fracture at home. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Wear loose-fitting slippers throughout the house
B. Keep frequently used items on high shelves
C. Remove loose rugs and improve household lighting
D. Limit walking to prevent stress on the bones
Correct Answer: C. Remove loose rugs and improve household
lighting
Rationale: Osteoporosis reduces bone density and increases the
risk of fractures when a fall occurs. Preventing falls is therefore
a major component of nursing care. Removing loose rugs
eliminates common tripping hazards, while adequate lighting
improves the patient's ability to identify obstacles. Restricting
activity is inappropriate because weight-bearing activity can
,help maintain bone strength and functional ability. Loose
slippers can also increase the likelihood of slipping or losing
balance.
Question 2
A patient experiencing a first acute gout attack asks which
medication the nurse expects to be prescribed for the acute
episode. Which medication is most appropriate?
A. Allopurinol
B. Colchicine
C. Ferrous sulfate
D. Alendronate
Correct Answer: B. Colchicine
Rationale: Colchicine is used to reduce inflammation associated
with an acute gout attack caused by deposition of monosodium
urate crystals in the joint. Allopurinol is primarily used for long-
term urate reduction and prevention of future attacks rather
than as the primary treatment for immediate relief of an acute
flare. The nurse should also monitor for gastrointestinal adverse
effects and consider renal function when medications are
prescribed for older adults.
Question 3
,A patient with osteoarthritis asks what activity can help
maintain mobility while placing relatively little stress on the
joints. Which response is best?
A. Avoid exercise completely
B. Perform high-impact jumping exercises daily
C. Participate in swimming or another low-impact activity
D. Remain on bed rest whenever joint pain occurs
Correct Answer: C. Participate in swimming or another low-
impact activity
Rationale: Regular low-impact physical activity can improve
joint mobility, muscle strength, endurance, and overall function
in patients with osteoarthritis. Swimming and water-based
exercise are particularly useful because buoyancy reduces the
load placed on weight-bearing joints. Complete inactivity can
contribute to muscle weakness and stiffness, while high-impact
activity may increase joint stress. The goal is controlled activity
rather than prolonged rest.
Question 4
An older adult reports difficulty falling asleep and frequently
naps during the afternoon. Which intervention should the nurse
recommend first?
, A. Increase caffeine intake after dinner
B. Establish a consistent sleep-wake schedule
C. Remain in bed throughout the entire afternoon
D. Watch television in bed until sleep occurs
Correct Answer: B. Establish a consistent sleep-wake schedule
Rationale: Sleep hygiene is especially important in older adults
because changes in sleep architecture can result in lighter sleep
and more frequent awakenings. Maintaining consistent sleep
and wake times helps reinforce the body's circadian rhythm.
Excessive daytime sleeping can make nighttime sleep more
difficult. Caffeine later in the day and prolonged television
viewing in bed may further interfere with sleep. The patient
should also be assessed for pain, medications, depression, sleep
apnea, nocturia, and other potentially reversible causes of sleep
disturbance.
Question 5
The nurse is assessing an older adult for fall risk. Which finding
represents the greatest concern?
A. Wearing prescription eyeglasses
B. Using a properly fitted assistive device
C. Taking multiple medications that cause dizziness
D. Participating in daily walking
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
An older adult with osteoporosis asks the nurse how to reduce
the risk of a fracture at home. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Wear loose-fitting slippers throughout the house
B. Keep frequently used items on high shelves
C. Remove loose rugs and improve household lighting
D. Limit walking to prevent stress on the bones
Correct Answer: C. Remove loose rugs and improve household
lighting
Rationale: Osteoporosis reduces bone density and increases the
risk of fractures when a fall occurs. Preventing falls is therefore
a major component of nursing care. Removing loose rugs
eliminates common tripping hazards, while adequate lighting
improves the patient's ability to identify obstacles. Restricting
activity is inappropriate because weight-bearing activity can
,help maintain bone strength and functional ability. Loose
slippers can also increase the likelihood of slipping or losing
balance.
Question 2
A patient experiencing a first acute gout attack asks which
medication the nurse expects to be prescribed for the acute
episode. Which medication is most appropriate?
A. Allopurinol
B. Colchicine
C. Ferrous sulfate
D. Alendronate
Correct Answer: B. Colchicine
Rationale: Colchicine is used to reduce inflammation associated
with an acute gout attack caused by deposition of monosodium
urate crystals in the joint. Allopurinol is primarily used for long-
term urate reduction and prevention of future attacks rather
than as the primary treatment for immediate relief of an acute
flare. The nurse should also monitor for gastrointestinal adverse
effects and consider renal function when medications are
prescribed for older adults.
Question 3
,A patient with osteoarthritis asks what activity can help
maintain mobility while placing relatively little stress on the
joints. Which response is best?
A. Avoid exercise completely
B. Perform high-impact jumping exercises daily
C. Participate in swimming or another low-impact activity
D. Remain on bed rest whenever joint pain occurs
Correct Answer: C. Participate in swimming or another low-
impact activity
Rationale: Regular low-impact physical activity can improve
joint mobility, muscle strength, endurance, and overall function
in patients with osteoarthritis. Swimming and water-based
exercise are particularly useful because buoyancy reduces the
load placed on weight-bearing joints. Complete inactivity can
contribute to muscle weakness and stiffness, while high-impact
activity may increase joint stress. The goal is controlled activity
rather than prolonged rest.
Question 4
An older adult reports difficulty falling asleep and frequently
naps during the afternoon. Which intervention should the nurse
recommend first?
, A. Increase caffeine intake after dinner
B. Establish a consistent sleep-wake schedule
C. Remain in bed throughout the entire afternoon
D. Watch television in bed until sleep occurs
Correct Answer: B. Establish a consistent sleep-wake schedule
Rationale: Sleep hygiene is especially important in older adults
because changes in sleep architecture can result in lighter sleep
and more frequent awakenings. Maintaining consistent sleep
and wake times helps reinforce the body's circadian rhythm.
Excessive daytime sleeping can make nighttime sleep more
difficult. Caffeine later in the day and prolonged television
viewing in bed may further interfere with sleep. The patient
should also be assessed for pain, medications, depression, sleep
apnea, nocturia, and other potentially reversible causes of sleep
disturbance.
Question 5
The nurse is assessing an older adult for fall risk. Which finding
represents the greatest concern?
A. Wearing prescription eyeglasses
B. Using a properly fitted assistive device
C. Taking multiple medications that cause dizziness
D. Participating in daily walking
