GERIATRIC HESI STUDY GUIDE EXAM
2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% PASS
The theory that identifies an unstable molecule as the causative factor in aging is the _____
theory. - ANS free radical
What fact explains the shift of health care focus toward the older adult in the late 1960s? -
ANS Preventive health care practices increased longevity.
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) caring for an older adult asks if the yellow, waxy, crusty
lesions on the patient s axilla and groin are contagious. Which response shows the nurse s
understanding for the cause of the lesions? - ANS No. It is seborrheic dermatitis caused by
excessive sebum.
What does the presence of a caregiver provide for the older adult living at home? -
ANS Source of motivation
What can suppress the defecation reflex? - ANS Repeatedly ignoring the urge
When do the conditions of a living will go into effect? - ANS When two physicians agree in
writing that the criteria in the living will have been met
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026
, What housing option for the older adult offers the privacy of an apartment with restaurant-
style meals and some medical and personal care services? - ANS Assisted-living center
The nurse must tell a 94-year-old resident of a nursing home that his wife has fallen and has
been hospitalized with a broken hip. What is the most effective method for the nurse to deliver
the news? - ANS Gather all pertinent information that is accurate.
Which assessment finding is the cardinal signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure? -
ANS Dyspnea and edema
The patient asks the nurse to describe the neuroendocrine theory of aging. What would be an
appropriate response by the nurse? - ANS The stimulation and/or inhibition of the
hypothalamus causes age-related changes.
The home health nurse suggests to the 82-year-old man that he should wear a Medic Alert
bracelet. Which of the following health conditions prompted the nurse to make this
suggestion? - ANS Pacemaker
Which patient would require special precautions when the nurse is performing a digital rectal
exam? - ANS Patient with congestive heart failure
The home health nurse is discussing oral hygiene with the older adult. Which practice would be
appropriate to add to the current maintenance plan? - ANS Using a fluoride toothpaste
What is a cause of pernicious anemia? - ANS A deficiency of vitamin B12
A 70-year-old male patient taking corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis asks the nurse if he
should take the vaccination to prevent shingles. What would be the nurse's most helpful
response? - ANS "No. Persons with impaired immune systems should not take that vaccine."
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026
2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% PASS
The theory that identifies an unstable molecule as the causative factor in aging is the _____
theory. - ANS free radical
What fact explains the shift of health care focus toward the older adult in the late 1960s? -
ANS Preventive health care practices increased longevity.
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) caring for an older adult asks if the yellow, waxy, crusty
lesions on the patient s axilla and groin are contagious. Which response shows the nurse s
understanding for the cause of the lesions? - ANS No. It is seborrheic dermatitis caused by
excessive sebum.
What does the presence of a caregiver provide for the older adult living at home? -
ANS Source of motivation
What can suppress the defecation reflex? - ANS Repeatedly ignoring the urge
When do the conditions of a living will go into effect? - ANS When two physicians agree in
writing that the criteria in the living will have been met
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026
, What housing option for the older adult offers the privacy of an apartment with restaurant-
style meals and some medical and personal care services? - ANS Assisted-living center
The nurse must tell a 94-year-old resident of a nursing home that his wife has fallen and has
been hospitalized with a broken hip. What is the most effective method for the nurse to deliver
the news? - ANS Gather all pertinent information that is accurate.
Which assessment finding is the cardinal signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure? -
ANS Dyspnea and edema
The patient asks the nurse to describe the neuroendocrine theory of aging. What would be an
appropriate response by the nurse? - ANS The stimulation and/or inhibition of the
hypothalamus causes age-related changes.
The home health nurse suggests to the 82-year-old man that he should wear a Medic Alert
bracelet. Which of the following health conditions prompted the nurse to make this
suggestion? - ANS Pacemaker
Which patient would require special precautions when the nurse is performing a digital rectal
exam? - ANS Patient with congestive heart failure
The home health nurse is discussing oral hygiene with the older adult. Which practice would be
appropriate to add to the current maintenance plan? - ANS Using a fluoride toothpaste
What is a cause of pernicious anemia? - ANS A deficiency of vitamin B12
A 70-year-old male patient taking corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis asks the nurse if he
should take the vaccination to prevent shingles. What would be the nurse's most helpful
response? - ANS "No. Persons with impaired immune systems should not take that vaccine."
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026
