BSN 425 Exam 2: Gerontological Nursing Updated
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 3)
1. Which assessment tool is specifically designed for evaluating pain in patients
with advanced dementia who cannot communicate verbally?
A. Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
B. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
C. PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) Scale
D. Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R)
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The PAINAD scale is designed for patients with cognitive impairment who
cannot self-report pain by observing breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body
language, and consolability.
2. An older adult patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion, fluctuating
levels of consciousness, and disturbed sleep-wake cycles. What is the most
likely condition?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in consciousness and attention, whereas dementia is gradual and stable.
,3. Which physiological change associated with aging increases the risk of drug
toxicity in older adults?
A. Increased total body water
B. Increased hepatic blood flow
C. Decreased percentage of body fat
D. Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Decreased GFR reduces the renal clearance of drugs, leading to accumulation
and increased risk of toxicity.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘Geriatric Giant’ that contributes to
significant morbidity in older adults?
A. Hypertension
B. Diabetes Mellitus
C. Falls
D. Glaucoma
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ‘Geriatric Giants’ traditionally include mobility issues/falls, incontinence,
cognitive impairment, and polypharmacy/iatrogenesis.
5. A Stage 2 pressure injury is characterized by which of the following?
A. Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin
B. Full-thickness skin loss with visible adipose tissue
C. Partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis
D. Full-thickness skin and tissue loss with exposed bone
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Stage 2 involves partial-thickness loss of dermis presenting as a shallow
open ulcer or a serum-filled blister.
, 6. Which class of medications is listed on the Beers Criteria as potentially
inappropriate for older adults due to the risk of falls and fractures?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Beta-blockers
C. ACE inhibitors
D. Statins
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of cognitive impairment, delirium, falls,
fractures, and motor vehicle accidents in older adults.
7. What is the primary goal of palliative care in the gerontological population?
A. To cure underlying chronic diseases
B. To hasten the dying process for terminally ill patients
C. To optimize quality of life and manage symptoms
D. To provide care only in the last 6 months of life
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on symptom management and quality of life for
patients with serious illnesses at any stage, not just at the end of life.
8. A patient with dysphagia should be placed in which position during meals to
prevent aspiration?
A. Supine with head of bed at 15 degrees
B. High-Fowler’s (90 degrees)
C. Semi-Fowler’s (30-45 degrees)
D. Left side-lying position
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sitting upright (90 degrees) or High-Fowler’s is the safest position to
facilitate swallowing and prevent aspiration.
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 3)
1. Which assessment tool is specifically designed for evaluating pain in patients
with advanced dementia who cannot communicate verbally?
A. Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
B. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
C. PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) Scale
D. Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R)
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The PAINAD scale is designed for patients with cognitive impairment who
cannot self-report pain by observing breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body
language, and consolability.
2. An older adult patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion, fluctuating
levels of consciousness, and disturbed sleep-wake cycles. What is the most
likely condition?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in consciousness and attention, whereas dementia is gradual and stable.
,3. Which physiological change associated with aging increases the risk of drug
toxicity in older adults?
A. Increased total body water
B. Increased hepatic blood flow
C. Decreased percentage of body fat
D. Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Decreased GFR reduces the renal clearance of drugs, leading to accumulation
and increased risk of toxicity.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘Geriatric Giant’ that contributes to
significant morbidity in older adults?
A. Hypertension
B. Diabetes Mellitus
C. Falls
D. Glaucoma
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ‘Geriatric Giants’ traditionally include mobility issues/falls, incontinence,
cognitive impairment, and polypharmacy/iatrogenesis.
5. A Stage 2 pressure injury is characterized by which of the following?
A. Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin
B. Full-thickness skin loss with visible adipose tissue
C. Partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis
D. Full-thickness skin and tissue loss with exposed bone
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Stage 2 involves partial-thickness loss of dermis presenting as a shallow
open ulcer or a serum-filled blister.
, 6. Which class of medications is listed on the Beers Criteria as potentially
inappropriate for older adults due to the risk of falls and fractures?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Beta-blockers
C. ACE inhibitors
D. Statins
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of cognitive impairment, delirium, falls,
fractures, and motor vehicle accidents in older adults.
7. What is the primary goal of palliative care in the gerontological population?
A. To cure underlying chronic diseases
B. To hasten the dying process for terminally ill patients
C. To optimize quality of life and manage symptoms
D. To provide care only in the last 6 months of life
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on symptom management and quality of life for
patients with serious illnesses at any stage, not just at the end of life.
8. A patient with dysphagia should be placed in which position during meals to
prevent aspiration?
A. Supine with head of bed at 15 degrees
B. High-Fowler’s (90 degrees)
C. Semi-Fowler’s (30-45 degrees)
D. Left side-lying position
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sitting upright (90 degrees) or High-Fowler’s is the safest position to
facilitate swallowing and prevent aspiration.
