GERO UNIT 3 EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
The homecare nurse performs visits to a 74-year-old client with numerous health
problems. The nurse has noted the presence of an irregular-shaped, growing lesion of
irregular color on the client's scalp but the client is resistant to visiting the primary health
care provider. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? - Answer-"If
this is skin cancer, the sooner you have it diagnosed, the better the chance of a
favorable outcome."
The nurse is providing care to a group of older adult residents who are at risk for
pressure injuries due to immobility. Which intervention would the nurse include in a
client's plan of care to address a hyperemic area? - Answer-Off-load the area under
pressure.
The family of a 78-year-old client is shocked by the recent diagnosis of pancreatic
cancer, citing the client's lifelong commitment to a healthy diet, consistent exercise, and
avoidance of environmental risk factors. Which factor would the nurse most likely
identify as contributing to this client's diagnosis? - Answer-Age-related changes to the
immune system may have compromised the body's ability to recognize cancerous cells.
Recognizing the high incidence of breast cancer among older adult women, a public
health nurse is including the topic in a health promotion teaching session at a senior
center. Which statement would the nurse most likely include in the teaching session
about their risk of developing breast cancer? - Answer-"Breast cancer is one type of
cancer that appears to be heavily influenced by heredity."
A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about ways to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Which statement by the group indicates to the nurse that the teaching was successful?
Select all that apply. - Answer-"We need to avoid exposure to tobacco products."
"We need to make sure our homes are adequately ventilated."
A nurse is providing care to an older adult client diagnosed with cancer who is receiving
radiation and chemotherapy. The nurse closely monitors the client for which reason? -
Answer-They are more vulnerable to dehydration and infections.
A nurse is assessing an older adult's mental health. During the assessment, which
factor would the nurse need to keep in mind about the development of mental illness in
this group despite the advantages of experience? - Answer-The many losses and
, challenges of late life may exceed the physical, emotional, and social resources of
some persons.
A nurse is reviewing the medical records of several older adult clients. Which factor
would the nurse most likely identify as challenging older adults' emotional homeostasis?
Select all that apply. - Answer-Increased vulnerability to crime and abuse
Altered function or body image
Sensory deficits
Greater awareness of own mortality
A nurse working in a long-term care facility recognizes the challenge of fostering and
maintaining the mental health of residents. When admitting a new resident to the facility,
which statement would be most appropriate for the nurse to make? - Answer-"Try to
stay involved in activities that you find satisfying and interesting."
An 81-year-old client with a history of depression has been admitted to hospital for the
treatment of diverticulitis. Which intervention would the nurse most likely implement to
foster the client's mental health? - Answer-Encouraging the client to actively engage in
decision-making about routine and care.
A nurse working in a long-term care facility asks the gerontological nurse, "What can I
do to help best assist an older resident with mental health issues?" Which response by
the gerontological nurse would be most appropriate? - Answer-"Strengthen the client's
capacity to manage the condition by promoting the client's health."
An older adult has experienced a progressive loss of mobility over the last several years
because of multiple sclerosis. Combined with a narrowing social circle, the client has
characterized life as "not worth living" and expressed to her nurse a desire to "end it all."
Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? - Answer-Implement
measures to ensure the client's safety.
An 80-year-old male client who is receiving treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease in the medical unit of a hospital has been displaying frequent signs of anxiety
since admission. Which action would the nurse implement as the priority? - Answer-
Implementing a predictable routine along with explanations prior to nursing interventions
To the embarrassment of his family, an 81-year-old male client on the subacute unit of a
hospital has made repeated, sexually inappropriate statements to female staff
members. The client's family is adamant that such behavior is uncharacteristic. Which
action would the nurse implement first? - Answer-Attempt to identify the underlying
cause of the client's behavior.
AND ANSWERS
The homecare nurse performs visits to a 74-year-old client with numerous health
problems. The nurse has noted the presence of an irregular-shaped, growing lesion of
irregular color on the client's scalp but the client is resistant to visiting the primary health
care provider. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? - Answer-"If
this is skin cancer, the sooner you have it diagnosed, the better the chance of a
favorable outcome."
The nurse is providing care to a group of older adult residents who are at risk for
pressure injuries due to immobility. Which intervention would the nurse include in a
client's plan of care to address a hyperemic area? - Answer-Off-load the area under
pressure.
The family of a 78-year-old client is shocked by the recent diagnosis of pancreatic
cancer, citing the client's lifelong commitment to a healthy diet, consistent exercise, and
avoidance of environmental risk factors. Which factor would the nurse most likely
identify as contributing to this client's diagnosis? - Answer-Age-related changes to the
immune system may have compromised the body's ability to recognize cancerous cells.
Recognizing the high incidence of breast cancer among older adult women, a public
health nurse is including the topic in a health promotion teaching session at a senior
center. Which statement would the nurse most likely include in the teaching session
about their risk of developing breast cancer? - Answer-"Breast cancer is one type of
cancer that appears to be heavily influenced by heredity."
A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about ways to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Which statement by the group indicates to the nurse that the teaching was successful?
Select all that apply. - Answer-"We need to avoid exposure to tobacco products."
"We need to make sure our homes are adequately ventilated."
A nurse is providing care to an older adult client diagnosed with cancer who is receiving
radiation and chemotherapy. The nurse closely monitors the client for which reason? -
Answer-They are more vulnerable to dehydration and infections.
A nurse is assessing an older adult's mental health. During the assessment, which
factor would the nurse need to keep in mind about the development of mental illness in
this group despite the advantages of experience? - Answer-The many losses and
, challenges of late life may exceed the physical, emotional, and social resources of
some persons.
A nurse is reviewing the medical records of several older adult clients. Which factor
would the nurse most likely identify as challenging older adults' emotional homeostasis?
Select all that apply. - Answer-Increased vulnerability to crime and abuse
Altered function or body image
Sensory deficits
Greater awareness of own mortality
A nurse working in a long-term care facility recognizes the challenge of fostering and
maintaining the mental health of residents. When admitting a new resident to the facility,
which statement would be most appropriate for the nurse to make? - Answer-"Try to
stay involved in activities that you find satisfying and interesting."
An 81-year-old client with a history of depression has been admitted to hospital for the
treatment of diverticulitis. Which intervention would the nurse most likely implement to
foster the client's mental health? - Answer-Encouraging the client to actively engage in
decision-making about routine and care.
A nurse working in a long-term care facility asks the gerontological nurse, "What can I
do to help best assist an older resident with mental health issues?" Which response by
the gerontological nurse would be most appropriate? - Answer-"Strengthen the client's
capacity to manage the condition by promoting the client's health."
An older adult has experienced a progressive loss of mobility over the last several years
because of multiple sclerosis. Combined with a narrowing social circle, the client has
characterized life as "not worth living" and expressed to her nurse a desire to "end it all."
Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? - Answer-Implement
measures to ensure the client's safety.
An 80-year-old male client who is receiving treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease in the medical unit of a hospital has been displaying frequent signs of anxiety
since admission. Which action would the nurse implement as the priority? - Answer-
Implementing a predictable routine along with explanations prior to nursing interventions
To the embarrassment of his family, an 81-year-old male client on the subacute unit of a
hospital has made repeated, sexually inappropriate statements to female staff
members. The client's family is adamant that such behavior is uncharacteristic. Which
action would the nurse implement first? - Answer-Attempt to identify the underlying
cause of the client's behavior.
