,ATI Geriatric Nursing Assessment - PN Exam Questions And Answers
2026/2027
1.** A practical nurse is performing an eye assessment of an older adult
client and identifies a corneal ulceration. Which of the following conditions
most likely contributed to this finding?
A) Dry eye
B) Arcus senilis
C) Entropion
D) Ectropion
**Correct Answer:** C) Entropion
**Rationale:** Entropion is an inversion of the lower eyelid that can lead to
corneal ulceration from the friction of eyelashes against the cornea. Dry eye,
arcus senilis (a normal age-related change), and ectropion (eversion of the
eyelid) do not directly cause corneal ulceration.
**2.** A nurse is assessing an older adult client diagnosed with osteopenia 2
years ago. Which of the following current findings indicates this condition has
deteriorated?
A) Kyphosis
B) Bouchard's nodes
C) Crepitus
D) Boutonniere deformity
**Correct Answer:** A) Kyphosis
,**Rationale:** Kyphosis suggests the client has developed weakness,
compression, or fractures of the spine, indicating that osteopenia has
progressed to osteoporosis with vertebral fractures. Bouchard's nodes and
Boutonniere deformity are associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis.
**3.** A nurse is assessing an older adult client who reports difficulty
managing finances and medications. Which condition should the nurse
consider?
A) Normal age-related memory changes
B) Possible cognitive impairment
C) Depression
D) Medication side effects
**Correct Answer:** B) Possible cognitive impairment
**Rationale:** Difficulty managing complex tasks such as finances and
medication schedules may indicate impaired executive functioning and
requires further cognitive assessment. This is not considered a normal age-
related change.
**4.** A nurse is assessing an older adult client's nutritional status. Which
laboratory value may indicate poor nutrition?
A) Elevated serum albumin
B) Low serum albumin level
C) Elevated serum glucose
D) Low serum creatinine
, **Correct Answer:** B) Low serum albumin level
**Rationale:** A decreased albumin level may indicate inadequate protein
intake or chronic illness and can affect wound healing and immune function.
Albumin is a key indicator of nutritional status in older adults.
**5.** A nurse is assessing an older adult client for age-related changes in
the gastrointestinal system. Which finding is consistent with normal aging?
A) Increased gastric motility
B) Decreased gastric motility
C) Increased hydrochloric acid production
D) Decreased esophageal sphincter tone only
**Correct Answer:** B) Decreased gastric motility
**Rationale:** Normal age-related GI changes include decreased gastric
motility, decreased hydrochloric acid production, and decreased esophageal
sphincter tone. These changes can affect nutrient absorption and increase
the risk of constipation.
**6.** A nurse is assessing an older adult client's renal function. Which age-
related change should the nurse anticipate?
A) Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
B) Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
C) Increased renal blood flow
D) Decreased serum creatinine
2026/2027
1.** A practical nurse is performing an eye assessment of an older adult
client and identifies a corneal ulceration. Which of the following conditions
most likely contributed to this finding?
A) Dry eye
B) Arcus senilis
C) Entropion
D) Ectropion
**Correct Answer:** C) Entropion
**Rationale:** Entropion is an inversion of the lower eyelid that can lead to
corneal ulceration from the friction of eyelashes against the cornea. Dry eye,
arcus senilis (a normal age-related change), and ectropion (eversion of the
eyelid) do not directly cause corneal ulceration.
**2.** A nurse is assessing an older adult client diagnosed with osteopenia 2
years ago. Which of the following current findings indicates this condition has
deteriorated?
A) Kyphosis
B) Bouchard's nodes
C) Crepitus
D) Boutonniere deformity
**Correct Answer:** A) Kyphosis
,**Rationale:** Kyphosis suggests the client has developed weakness,
compression, or fractures of the spine, indicating that osteopenia has
progressed to osteoporosis with vertebral fractures. Bouchard's nodes and
Boutonniere deformity are associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis.
**3.** A nurse is assessing an older adult client who reports difficulty
managing finances and medications. Which condition should the nurse
consider?
A) Normal age-related memory changes
B) Possible cognitive impairment
C) Depression
D) Medication side effects
**Correct Answer:** B) Possible cognitive impairment
**Rationale:** Difficulty managing complex tasks such as finances and
medication schedules may indicate impaired executive functioning and
requires further cognitive assessment. This is not considered a normal age-
related change.
**4.** A nurse is assessing an older adult client's nutritional status. Which
laboratory value may indicate poor nutrition?
A) Elevated serum albumin
B) Low serum albumin level
C) Elevated serum glucose
D) Low serum creatinine
, **Correct Answer:** B) Low serum albumin level
**Rationale:** A decreased albumin level may indicate inadequate protein
intake or chronic illness and can affect wound healing and immune function.
Albumin is a key indicator of nutritional status in older adults.
**5.** A nurse is assessing an older adult client for age-related changes in
the gastrointestinal system. Which finding is consistent with normal aging?
A) Increased gastric motility
B) Decreased gastric motility
C) Increased hydrochloric acid production
D) Decreased esophageal sphincter tone only
**Correct Answer:** B) Decreased gastric motility
**Rationale:** Normal age-related GI changes include decreased gastric
motility, decreased hydrochloric acid production, and decreased esophageal
sphincter tone. These changes can affect nutrient absorption and increase
the risk of constipation.
**6.** A nurse is assessing an older adult client's renal function. Which age-
related change should the nurse anticipate?
A) Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
B) Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
C) Increased renal blood flow
D) Decreased serum creatinine
