BSN 425 Exam 3: Gerontological Nursing Updated
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 2)
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient’s skin. Which finding should the
nurse recognize as a normal physiological change of aging?
A. Increased subcutaneous fat distribution
B. Increased production of oils and sweat
C. Thinning of the dermis and loss of elasticity
D. Rapid replacement of epidermal cells
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Aging leads to a thinning dermis, loss of elastin and collagen, and decreased
subcutaneous fat, making the skin more fragile and prone to injury.
2. An 80-year-old patient is admitted with acute confusion and a suspected
urinary tract infection. Which condition is the patient most likely experiencing?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Vascular dementia
C. Delirium
D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion, often triggered by a
physiological cause such as an infection, and is typically reversible.
,3. Which assessment tool is most appropriate for evaluating an older adult’s
ability to perform activities such as shopping, laundry, and managing finances?
A. Katz Index of Independence in ADLs
B. Morse Fall Scale
C. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
D. Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Lawton IADL Scale assesses complex tasks necessary for independent
living, whereas the Katz Index focuses on basic self-care activities (ADLs).
4. A nurse is reviewing the medications of a 75-year-old patient. Which
medication listed on the Beers Criteria should the nurse identify as potentially
inappropriate?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Lisinopril
C. Acetaminophen
D. Metformin
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic medication listed on the Beers
Criteria because it increases the risk of falls, confusion, and urinary retention in older
adults.
5. An older adult patient reports leaking urine whenever they cough or sneeze.
The nurse recognizes this as which type of incontinence?
A. Urge incontinence
B. Functional incontinence
C. Overflow incontinence
D. Stress incontinence
Correct Answer: D
, Explanation: Stress incontinence occurs when physical pressure (coughing, sneezing,
lifting) is placed on the bladder, leading to involuntary leakage.
6. Which is a primary goal of palliative care for an older adult with a terminal
illness?
A. Curing the underlying disease
B. Hastening the dying process
C. Improving quality of life through symptom management
D. Restricting all medical interventions
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and stress of a
serious illness to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
7. A nurse is teaching an older adult about preventing osteoporosis. Which
exercise should the nurse recommend?
A. Weight-bearing walking
B. Bicycling
C. Swimming
D. Stretching in a chair
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, are essential for maintaining bone
density and preventing osteoporosis.
8. An older adult patient presents with sudden-onset unilateral facial drooping
and difficulty speaking. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
B. Activate the rapid response team or emergency protocol
C. Assess the patient’s gait
D. Perform a Mini-Mental State Examination
Correct Answer: B
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 2)
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient’s skin. Which finding should the
nurse recognize as a normal physiological change of aging?
A. Increased subcutaneous fat distribution
B. Increased production of oils and sweat
C. Thinning of the dermis and loss of elasticity
D. Rapid replacement of epidermal cells
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Aging leads to a thinning dermis, loss of elastin and collagen, and decreased
subcutaneous fat, making the skin more fragile and prone to injury.
2. An 80-year-old patient is admitted with acute confusion and a suspected
urinary tract infection. Which condition is the patient most likely experiencing?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Vascular dementia
C. Delirium
D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion, often triggered by a
physiological cause such as an infection, and is typically reversible.
,3. Which assessment tool is most appropriate for evaluating an older adult’s
ability to perform activities such as shopping, laundry, and managing finances?
A. Katz Index of Independence in ADLs
B. Morse Fall Scale
C. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
D. Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Lawton IADL Scale assesses complex tasks necessary for independent
living, whereas the Katz Index focuses on basic self-care activities (ADLs).
4. A nurse is reviewing the medications of a 75-year-old patient. Which
medication listed on the Beers Criteria should the nurse identify as potentially
inappropriate?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Lisinopril
C. Acetaminophen
D. Metformin
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic medication listed on the Beers
Criteria because it increases the risk of falls, confusion, and urinary retention in older
adults.
5. An older adult patient reports leaking urine whenever they cough or sneeze.
The nurse recognizes this as which type of incontinence?
A. Urge incontinence
B. Functional incontinence
C. Overflow incontinence
D. Stress incontinence
Correct Answer: D
, Explanation: Stress incontinence occurs when physical pressure (coughing, sneezing,
lifting) is placed on the bladder, leading to involuntary leakage.
6. Which is a primary goal of palliative care for an older adult with a terminal
illness?
A. Curing the underlying disease
B. Hastening the dying process
C. Improving quality of life through symptom management
D. Restricting all medical interventions
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and stress of a
serious illness to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
7. A nurse is teaching an older adult about preventing osteoporosis. Which
exercise should the nurse recommend?
A. Weight-bearing walking
B. Bicycling
C. Swimming
D. Stretching in a chair
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, are essential for maintaining bone
density and preventing osteoporosis.
8. An older adult patient presents with sudden-onset unilateral facial drooping
and difficulty speaking. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
B. Activate the rapid response team or emergency protocol
C. Assess the patient’s gait
D. Perform a Mini-Mental State Examination
Correct Answer: B
