Galen NUR 257 Exam 2 — Exam Questions
with Correct Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult who reports becoming
dizzy when standing. Which assessment is the priority?
A. Assess the client's hearing acuity
B. Obtain orthostatic blood pressure and pulse measurements
C. Ask about the client's favorite foods
D. Assess the client's visual acuity
Answer: B. Obtain orthostatic blood pressure and pulse
measurements
Orthostatic measurements help identify a significant change in
blood pressure or heart rate associated with position changes.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to orthostatic
hypotension because of age-related cardiovascular changes,
reduced physiologic reserve, dehydration, and medications such
as antihypertensives and diuretics. Identifying orthostatic
changes is important because dizziness on standing increases
the risk for falls and injury.
,2. Which finding in an older adult should the nurse recognize
as requiring further assessment rather than being
automatically attributed to normal aging?
A. Decreased skin elasticity
B. Mild decrease in muscle mass
C. New onset of confusion
D. Increased susceptibility to fatigue
Answer: C. New onset of confusion
New-onset confusion is not considered a normal consequence of
aging. It may indicate delirium, infection, medication effects,
dehydration, metabolic disturbances, hypoxia, or another acute
condition. The nurse should investigate the underlying cause
promptly rather than documenting the finding as simply age-
related cognitive decline.
3. During assessment of a frail older adult, which finding is
most concerning for increased risk of adverse health
outcomes?
A. Stable body weight
B. Independent ambulation
C. Unintentional weight loss and generalized weakness
D. Preference for afternoon naps
,Answer: C. Unintentional weight loss and generalized
weakness
Unintentional weight loss and weakness are important
indicators of frailty and may reflect inadequate nutrition,
chronic disease, functional decline, or reduced physiologic
reserve. Frailty is associated with increased vulnerability to falls,
hospitalization, disability, and other complications. The nurse
should perform a comprehensive assessment to identify
potentially reversible contributors.
4. Which statement by a nurse demonstrates appropriate
documentation practice?
A. “Patient appears lazy and uncooperative.”
B. “Patient seems confused because of old age.”
C. “Patient refused breakfast and stated, ‘I have no appetite.’”
D. “Patient had a bad day.”
Answer: C. “Patient refused breakfast and stated, ‘I have no
appetite.’”
Clinical documentation should be objective, specific, and based
on observable findings or the client's own statements. The
statement records exactly what occurred and includes the
client's words. Terms such as “lazy,” “bad day,” and assumptions
, about the cause of confusion are subjective and can introduce
bias into the medical record.
5. An older adult has difficulty hearing the nurse. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Speak rapidly and loudly into the client's ear
B. Face the client and speak clearly at a normal or slightly
slower rate
C. Speak only to the client's family member
D. Avoid repeating information
Answer: B. Face the client and speak clearly at a normal or
slightly slower rate
Facing the client allows the person to use visual cues and
observe facial movements. Speaking clearly and slightly slower
improves comprehension without unnecessarily shouting. The
nurse should also reduce background noise, verify that hearing
devices are functioning, and confirm understanding.
Communicating directly with the client preserves dignity and
autonomy.
6. Which assessment finding is most consistent with
dehydration in an older adult?
with Correct Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult who reports becoming
dizzy when standing. Which assessment is the priority?
A. Assess the client's hearing acuity
B. Obtain orthostatic blood pressure and pulse measurements
C. Ask about the client's favorite foods
D. Assess the client's visual acuity
Answer: B. Obtain orthostatic blood pressure and pulse
measurements
Orthostatic measurements help identify a significant change in
blood pressure or heart rate associated with position changes.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to orthostatic
hypotension because of age-related cardiovascular changes,
reduced physiologic reserve, dehydration, and medications such
as antihypertensives and diuretics. Identifying orthostatic
changes is important because dizziness on standing increases
the risk for falls and injury.
,2. Which finding in an older adult should the nurse recognize
as requiring further assessment rather than being
automatically attributed to normal aging?
A. Decreased skin elasticity
B. Mild decrease in muscle mass
C. New onset of confusion
D. Increased susceptibility to fatigue
Answer: C. New onset of confusion
New-onset confusion is not considered a normal consequence of
aging. It may indicate delirium, infection, medication effects,
dehydration, metabolic disturbances, hypoxia, or another acute
condition. The nurse should investigate the underlying cause
promptly rather than documenting the finding as simply age-
related cognitive decline.
3. During assessment of a frail older adult, which finding is
most concerning for increased risk of adverse health
outcomes?
A. Stable body weight
B. Independent ambulation
C. Unintentional weight loss and generalized weakness
D. Preference for afternoon naps
,Answer: C. Unintentional weight loss and generalized
weakness
Unintentional weight loss and weakness are important
indicators of frailty and may reflect inadequate nutrition,
chronic disease, functional decline, or reduced physiologic
reserve. Frailty is associated with increased vulnerability to falls,
hospitalization, disability, and other complications. The nurse
should perform a comprehensive assessment to identify
potentially reversible contributors.
4. Which statement by a nurse demonstrates appropriate
documentation practice?
A. “Patient appears lazy and uncooperative.”
B. “Patient seems confused because of old age.”
C. “Patient refused breakfast and stated, ‘I have no appetite.’”
D. “Patient had a bad day.”
Answer: C. “Patient refused breakfast and stated, ‘I have no
appetite.’”
Clinical documentation should be objective, specific, and based
on observable findings or the client's own statements. The
statement records exactly what occurred and includes the
client's words. Terms such as “lazy,” “bad day,” and assumptions
, about the cause of confusion are subjective and can introduce
bias into the medical record.
5. An older adult has difficulty hearing the nurse. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Speak rapidly and loudly into the client's ear
B. Face the client and speak clearly at a normal or slightly
slower rate
C. Speak only to the client's family member
D. Avoid repeating information
Answer: B. Face the client and speak clearly at a normal or
slightly slower rate
Facing the client allows the person to use visual cues and
observe facial movements. Speaking clearly and slightly slower
improves comprehension without unnecessarily shouting. The
nurse should also reduce background noise, verify that hearing
devices are functioning, and confirm understanding.
Communicating directly with the client preserves dignity and
autonomy.
6. Which assessment finding is most consistent with
dehydration in an older adult?
