NU 300 EXAM 2 | INFECTION, INFLAMMATION & IMMUNE RESPONSE |
COMPREHENSIVE NURSING STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
The nurse performs an initial health assessment of an older adult. Which assessment findings indicate
that the client may be at risk for falls? Select all that apply.
A. Has presbyopia
B. Has peripheral neuropathy
C. Uses a cane
D. Takes multiple medications
E. Has bilateral cataracts
F. Has thin papery skin - ✔✔A, B, C, D, E
A nurse conducts an assessment of an older adult's medications, including both prescription and over-
the-counter drugs. Which drug would the nurse identify as being potentially inappropriate for older
adults?
A. Vitamin D
B. Losartan
C. Nortriptyline
D. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) - ✔✔C
(C is a tricyclic antidepressant that has anticholinergic effects causing constipation, urinary retention, and
confusion. Visual disturbances and dry mouth are also common side effects. Therefore, this drug in not
appropriate for older adults. Choice A is a vitamin that can help prevent bone loss; choices B and D are
used to manage hypertension. Patients on losartan are monitored for orthostatic hypotension and
patients on the diuretic HCTZ are monitored for sodium and potassium loss.)
An older adult's furosemide dosage was increased two days ago to 40 mg daily. This morning the nurse
observes that the client has become confused and very weak. What is the nurse's best action?
A. Encourage fluid intake.
B. Withhold this morning's dose of furosemide.
C. Review the most recent serum electrolyte levels.
D. Place the patient on strict intake and output. - ✔✔B
(Furosemide can cause hyponatremia which causes weakness and acute confusion. Therefore, the nurse
would not want to give her more of the drug which might worsen the patient's condition. Therefore,
Choice B is the best action at this time. The nurse would also want to check lab data for the sodium and
potassium levels, but the best action at this time is to withhold the drug. Choices A and C relate to
diuretic therapy but don't address the patient's confusion or weakness.)
The nurse is conducting an assessment of an older adult living in the community. Which assessment
findings are considered usual physiologic changes of aging? Select all that apply.
A. Dementia
B. Relocation stress
C. Urinary incontinence
D. Presbyopia
E. Obesity - ✔✔D
(All of the other choices are common health problems that occur in the older adult population but are
not usual physiologic changes that older adults should expect as part of the aging process.)
COMPREHENSIVE NURSING STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
The nurse performs an initial health assessment of an older adult. Which assessment findings indicate
that the client may be at risk for falls? Select all that apply.
A. Has presbyopia
B. Has peripheral neuropathy
C. Uses a cane
D. Takes multiple medications
E. Has bilateral cataracts
F. Has thin papery skin - ✔✔A, B, C, D, E
A nurse conducts an assessment of an older adult's medications, including both prescription and over-
the-counter drugs. Which drug would the nurse identify as being potentially inappropriate for older
adults?
A. Vitamin D
B. Losartan
C. Nortriptyline
D. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) - ✔✔C
(C is a tricyclic antidepressant that has anticholinergic effects causing constipation, urinary retention, and
confusion. Visual disturbances and dry mouth are also common side effects. Therefore, this drug in not
appropriate for older adults. Choice A is a vitamin that can help prevent bone loss; choices B and D are
used to manage hypertension. Patients on losartan are monitored for orthostatic hypotension and
patients on the diuretic HCTZ are monitored for sodium and potassium loss.)
An older adult's furosemide dosage was increased two days ago to 40 mg daily. This morning the nurse
observes that the client has become confused and very weak. What is the nurse's best action?
A. Encourage fluid intake.
B. Withhold this morning's dose of furosemide.
C. Review the most recent serum electrolyte levels.
D. Place the patient on strict intake and output. - ✔✔B
(Furosemide can cause hyponatremia which causes weakness and acute confusion. Therefore, the nurse
would not want to give her more of the drug which might worsen the patient's condition. Therefore,
Choice B is the best action at this time. The nurse would also want to check lab data for the sodium and
potassium levels, but the best action at this time is to withhold the drug. Choices A and C relate to
diuretic therapy but don't address the patient's confusion or weakness.)
The nurse is conducting an assessment of an older adult living in the community. Which assessment
findings are considered usual physiologic changes of aging? Select all that apply.
A. Dementia
B. Relocation stress
C. Urinary incontinence
D. Presbyopia
E. Obesity - ✔✔D
(All of the other choices are common health problems that occur in the older adult population but are
not usual physiologic changes that older adults should expect as part of the aging process.)
