BSN 425 Exam 3: Gerontological Nursing Updated
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 3)
1. An older adult with advanced dementia is grimacing and guarding their
abdomen. Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for the nurse to use?
A. Numeric Rating Scale (0-10)
B. Wong-Baker FACES Scale
C. Visual Analog Scale
D. PAINAD Scale
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale is specifically
designed to assess pain in non-verbal patients by observing breathing, vocalization, facial
expression, body language, and consolability.
2. The nurse is reviewing the medications of an 80-year-old patient. Which
medication is listed on the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate for older
adults?
A. Lisinopril
B. Acetaminophen
C. Metformin
D. Diphenhydramine
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is on the Beers Criteria due to its strong
anticholinergic effects, which increase the risk of confusion, blurred vision, and falls in
older adults.
,3. A patient is admitted with an acute change in mental status, fluctuating levels
of consciousness, and disorganized thinking. What condition does the nurse
suspect?
A. Delirium
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Alzheimer’s Disease
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in attention and cognition, often triggered by an underlying medical
condition.
4. Which statement by a family member indicates a need for further teaching
regarding hospice care?
A. Hospice focus is on comfort rather than cure.
B. We can still pursue aggressive chemotherapy while on hospice.
C. My mother must have less than 6 months to live to qualify.
D. Hospice care can be provided in the home setting.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hospice care is for individuals with a terminal illness who are no longer
seeking curative treatments; aggressive chemotherapy is generally inconsistent with
hospice goals.
, 5. What is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent pressure injuries in
a bedbound older adult?
A. Massaging bony prominences every 2 hours
B. Applying cornstarch to high-friction areas
C. Using a donut-shaped cushion while sitting
D. Repositioning the patient at least every 2 hours
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Frequent repositioning reduces prolonged pressure on tissues. Massaging
bony prominences or using donut cushions can actually cause more tissue damage.
6. An older adult presents with symptoms of confusion and a low-grade fever.
What is the priority diagnostic test the nurse should anticipate?
A. Brain MRI
B. Chest X-ray
C. Mini-Mental State Exam
D. Urinalysis and Culture
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: In older adults, a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) often presents atypically with
confusion or delirium rather than traditional dysuria, making urinalysis a priority.
7. Which age-related change in the respiratory system increases the risk of
pneumonia in older adults?
A. Increased elastic recoil of lungs
B. Increased alveolar surface area
C. Decreased ciliary action and cough reflex
D. Thinner chest wall muscles
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Decreased ciliary action and a weakened cough reflex make it harder for
older adults to clear secretions, increasing the risk for infection.
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 3)
1. An older adult with advanced dementia is grimacing and guarding their
abdomen. Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for the nurse to use?
A. Numeric Rating Scale (0-10)
B. Wong-Baker FACES Scale
C. Visual Analog Scale
D. PAINAD Scale
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale is specifically
designed to assess pain in non-verbal patients by observing breathing, vocalization, facial
expression, body language, and consolability.
2. The nurse is reviewing the medications of an 80-year-old patient. Which
medication is listed on the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate for older
adults?
A. Lisinopril
B. Acetaminophen
C. Metformin
D. Diphenhydramine
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is on the Beers Criteria due to its strong
anticholinergic effects, which increase the risk of confusion, blurred vision, and falls in
older adults.
,3. A patient is admitted with an acute change in mental status, fluctuating levels
of consciousness, and disorganized thinking. What condition does the nurse
suspect?
A. Delirium
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Alzheimer’s Disease
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in attention and cognition, often triggered by an underlying medical
condition.
4. Which statement by a family member indicates a need for further teaching
regarding hospice care?
A. Hospice focus is on comfort rather than cure.
B. We can still pursue aggressive chemotherapy while on hospice.
C. My mother must have less than 6 months to live to qualify.
D. Hospice care can be provided in the home setting.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hospice care is for individuals with a terminal illness who are no longer
seeking curative treatments; aggressive chemotherapy is generally inconsistent with
hospice goals.
, 5. What is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent pressure injuries in
a bedbound older adult?
A. Massaging bony prominences every 2 hours
B. Applying cornstarch to high-friction areas
C. Using a donut-shaped cushion while sitting
D. Repositioning the patient at least every 2 hours
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Frequent repositioning reduces prolonged pressure on tissues. Massaging
bony prominences or using donut cushions can actually cause more tissue damage.
6. An older adult presents with symptoms of confusion and a low-grade fever.
What is the priority diagnostic test the nurse should anticipate?
A. Brain MRI
B. Chest X-ray
C. Mini-Mental State Exam
D. Urinalysis and Culture
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: In older adults, a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) often presents atypically with
confusion or delirium rather than traditional dysuria, making urinalysis a priority.
7. Which age-related change in the respiratory system increases the risk of
pneumonia in older adults?
A. Increased elastic recoil of lungs
B. Increased alveolar surface area
C. Decreased ciliary action and cough reflex
D. Thinner chest wall muscles
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Decreased ciliary action and a weakened cough reflex make it harder for
older adults to clear secretions, increasing the risk for infection.
