,
, ANS: D
Maintaining the functional status of older adults (especially those with chronic health
conditions) may avert the onset of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, two conditions
that increase the likelihood of institutionalization.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Physiologic Integrity
4. A nurse working with the older adult population is most likely to assess a need for a
financial social service’s referral for which person?
a. White male
b. Black female
c. Hispanic male
d. Asian American female
ANS: B
The poverty rate among older women is substantially higher than that seen among men. The
poverty rates for people of color is higher than that of whites.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
5. A nurse is preparing to complete a health assessment and history on an older patient. Which
statement reflects an understanding of the general health status of this population?
a. “I’ll need to document the medications the patient is currently prescribed.”
b. “I would like to understand how supportive the patient’s family members are.”
c. “Most older patients areNbUeR g ItrN
inS eaG dB
teT fo.r aCvOa ri et y of chronic health care issues.”
d. “It will be interesting to see whether this patient sees herself as being healthy.”
ANS: D
It is a misconception that old age is synonymous with disease and illness. In fact, older
adults already tend to view their personal health positively despite the presence of chronic
illness, disease, and impairment. The nurse should always determine the patient’s sense of
wellness and independence when conducting a health and history assessment. An
assessment of medication use and family support is important for any patient. Many older
adults do have chronic health conditions, but their perception is more important than a
single number.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-4 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
6. The nurse is caring for an older adult who has been admitted to an acute care hospital for
treatment of a fractured femur. The family expresses concern about their father’s pending
transfer to a subacute care facility. What response by the nurse is best?
a. “Acute care facilities lack the long-term physical therapy your dad requires.”
b. “Your dad will be much happier in a more serene, private environment.”
c. “The subacute facility will focus on helping your dad to maintain his
independence.”
d. “Insurance, including Medicare, will cover only a limited amount of time here.”
, ANS: C
The transfer of the patient to a subacute facility is based on the need to maintain the
patient’s level of function and independence, a task the acute care facility is not prepared to
address once the patient is physiologically stable. The acute care facility may or may not be
able to provide long-term therapy. The patient may or may not be happier in the new setting;
the nurse should not make this judgment. It is true that insurance only pays for a limited
amount of time in an acute care facility, but this is not the best reason for the patient to
transfer.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
7. To best assure both the quality of care and the safety of the older adult patient who requires
in-home unlicensed assistive personal (UAP) assistance, which action by the gerontologic
nurse is best?
a. Evaluates the competency of the UAP staff.
b. Assumes the roles of case manager and patient advocate.
c. Arranges for the needed UAP provided services.
d. Assesses the patient for functional limitations.
ANS: A
As more care traditionally provided by professional nurses is being transferred to UAP, the
nurse must assume more responsibility for educating, training, and evaluating the
competency of UAP staff to provide safe, effective care for the older adult patient.
DIF: Applying OBJ:N1R-5 I G B.C M
U S N T O
TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
8. The nurse working with older adults understands what information about certification in
gerontologic nursing?
a. It is mandatory for those in long-term care settings.
b. It is voluntary and shows clinical expertise in an area.
c. It allows nurses to be paid by third-party payers.
d. It allows nurses to advance their careers in a job.
ANS: B
Certification is voluntary and shows that a nurse has additional knowledge and expertise in a
certain area of practice. It is not mandatory in specific care settings. It does not allow for
third-party reimbursement. It may be part of a career ladder program, but that is not true of
all work settings.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-2
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
9. A nurse works in a gerontologic clinic. What action by the nurse takes highest priority?
a. Serving as a patient advocate
b. Educating patients about diseases
, ANS: D
Maintaining the functional status of older adults (especially those with chronic health
conditions) may avert the onset of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, two conditions
that increase the likelihood of institutionalization.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Physiologic Integrity
4. A nurse working with the older adult population is most likely to assess a need for a
financial social service’s referral for which person?
a. White male
b. Black female
c. Hispanic male
d. Asian American female
ANS: B
The poverty rate among older women is substantially higher than that seen among men. The
poverty rates for people of color is higher than that of whites.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
5. A nurse is preparing to complete a health assessment and history on an older patient. Which
statement reflects an understanding of the general health status of this population?
a. “I’ll need to document the medications the patient is currently prescribed.”
b. “I would like to understand how supportive the patient’s family members are.”
c. “Most older patients areNbUeR g ItrN
inS eaG dB
teT fo.r aCvOa ri et y of chronic health care issues.”
d. “It will be interesting to see whether this patient sees herself as being healthy.”
ANS: D
It is a misconception that old age is synonymous with disease and illness. In fact, older
adults already tend to view their personal health positively despite the presence of chronic
illness, disease, and impairment. The nurse should always determine the patient’s sense of
wellness and independence when conducting a health and history assessment. An
assessment of medication use and family support is important for any patient. Many older
adults do have chronic health conditions, but their perception is more important than a
single number.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-4 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
6. The nurse is caring for an older adult who has been admitted to an acute care hospital for
treatment of a fractured femur. The family expresses concern about their father’s pending
transfer to a subacute care facility. What response by the nurse is best?
a. “Acute care facilities lack the long-term physical therapy your dad requires.”
b. “Your dad will be much happier in a more serene, private environment.”
c. “The subacute facility will focus on helping your dad to maintain his
independence.”
d. “Insurance, including Medicare, will cover only a limited amount of time here.”
, ANS: C
The transfer of the patient to a subacute facility is based on the need to maintain the
patient’s level of function and independence, a task the acute care facility is not prepared to
address once the patient is physiologically stable. The acute care facility may or may not be
able to provide long-term therapy. The patient may or may not be happier in the new setting;
the nurse should not make this judgment. It is true that insurance only pays for a limited
amount of time in an acute care facility, but this is not the best reason for the patient to
transfer.
DIF: Applying OBJ: 1-4
TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
7. To best assure both the quality of care and the safety of the older adult patient who requires
in-home unlicensed assistive personal (UAP) assistance, which action by the gerontologic
nurse is best?
a. Evaluates the competency of the UAP staff.
b. Assumes the roles of case manager and patient advocate.
c. Arranges for the needed UAP provided services.
d. Assesses the patient for functional limitations.
ANS: A
As more care traditionally provided by professional nurses is being transferred to UAP, the
nurse must assume more responsibility for educating, training, and evaluating the
competency of UAP staff to provide safe, effective care for the older adult patient.
DIF: Applying OBJ:N1R-5 I G B.C M
U S N T O
TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
8. The nurse working with older adults understands what information about certification in
gerontologic nursing?
a. It is mandatory for those in long-term care settings.
b. It is voluntary and shows clinical expertise in an area.
c. It allows nurses to be paid by third-party payers.
d. It allows nurses to advance their careers in a job.
ANS: B
Certification is voluntary and shows that a nurse has additional knowledge and expertise in a
certain area of practice. It is not mandatory in specific care settings. It does not allow for
third-party reimbursement. It may be part of a career ladder program, but that is not true of
all work settings.
DIF: Remembering OBJ: 1-2
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching-Learning
MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment
9. A nurse works in a gerontologic clinic. What action by the nurse takes highest priority?
a. Serving as a patient advocate
b. Educating patients about diseases
