Galen College NU 176 Exam 2 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Geriatric Nursing
Q&A | Geriatric Nursing
1. The SPICES tool is used to assess which aspect of geriatric care?
A) Functional ability with ADLs
B) Common geriatric syndromes
C) Mental status and cognitive decline
D) Fall risk exclusively
Correct Answer: Common geriatric syndromes
Rationale: SPICES is an acronym used to screen for six common geriatric
syndromes: Sleep disorders, Problems with eating, Incontinence, Confusion,
Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown. It is a comprehensive screening tool
designed to identify common issues in older adults, not limited to falls or
cognitive decline alone.
2. The most important initial step in building a therapeutic relationship with
an older adult patient is:
A) Conducting a thorough physical assessment
B) Establishing trust and rapport
C) Providing detailed discharge instructions
D) Reviewing the patient's medication list
Correct Answer: Establishing trust and rapport
Rationale: Trust is foundational for effective communication and care.
Without rapport, the older adult may withhold information or resist
interventions, compromising safety and outcomes. Establishing trust is the
essential first step before any other assessment or intervention can be
effective.
,3. Which of the following best defines the term "frailty" in the older adult
population?
A) Normal age-related decline in physical function
B) A state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes due to
decreased physiological reserve
C) A chronic condition that inevitably leads to death within 5 years
D) A reversible condition caused by poor nutrition
Correct Answer: A state of increased vulnerability to adverse health
outcomes due to decreased physiological reserve
Rationale: Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterized by decreased
physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. It is associated
with increased risk of falls, hospitalization, institutionalization, and mortality.
Frailty is not a normal part of aging and can be identified using validated
screening tools.
4. A nurse is assessing an 82-year-old patient's functional status. Which of
the following is an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?
A) Bathing
B) Toileting
C) Managing finances
D) Eating
Correct Answer: Managing finances
Rationale: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) include more
complex tasks necessary for independent living, such as managing finances,
shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, and using transportation. Basic
,ADLs include bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and
feeding.
5. The nurse is assessing a 75-year-old patient using the Timed Up and Go
(TUG) test. The patient takes 15 seconds to complete the test. Which
interpretation is correct?
A) The patient is at low risk for falls
B) The patient is at high risk for falls
C) The test result is inconclusive
D) The patient should repeat the test
Correct Answer: The patient is at high risk for falls
Rationale: A Timed Up and Go (TUG) test time of greater than 12-14 seconds
indicates an increased risk for falls in older adults. A time of 15 seconds
suggests the patient is at high risk for falls and requires further evaluation
and fall prevention interventions.
6. The nurse is performing a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Which of
the following is a key component of this assessment?
A) Focused physical examination only
B) Evaluation of functional status, cognitive function, and social support
C) Complete blood count and metabolic panel
D) Chest X-ray and electrocardiogram
Correct Answer: Evaluation of functional status, cognitive function, and social
support
Rationale: The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a
multidisciplinary, multidimensional evaluation of an older adult's functional
, ability, physical health, cognitive and mental health, and socioenvironmental
circumstances. It goes beyond the traditional medical history and physical
examination to include assessment of functional status (ADLs/IADLs),
cognitive function, and social support systems.
7. A 74-year-old patient reports that she has been feeling "down" and has
lost interest in activities she previously enjoyed. Which screening tool is most
appropriate?
A) GAD-7
B) PHQ-9
C) MoCA
D) MMSE
Correct Answer: PHQ-9
Rationale: The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a validated
screening tool for depression in older adults. The patient's symptoms of
feeling "down" and losing interest in activities (anhedonia) are core criteria
for depression, making the PHQ-9 the most appropriate screening tool.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of dementia and is
incontinent of stool. Because they cannot communicate the need to
defecate, which action is the priority?
A) Apply adult briefs
B) Insert a rectal tube
C) Begin a prompted toileting program
D) Restrict fluids
Correct Answer: Begin a prompted toileting program
Q&A | Geriatric Nursing
1. The SPICES tool is used to assess which aspect of geriatric care?
A) Functional ability with ADLs
B) Common geriatric syndromes
C) Mental status and cognitive decline
D) Fall risk exclusively
Correct Answer: Common geriatric syndromes
Rationale: SPICES is an acronym used to screen for six common geriatric
syndromes: Sleep disorders, Problems with eating, Incontinence, Confusion,
Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown. It is a comprehensive screening tool
designed to identify common issues in older adults, not limited to falls or
cognitive decline alone.
2. The most important initial step in building a therapeutic relationship with
an older adult patient is:
A) Conducting a thorough physical assessment
B) Establishing trust and rapport
C) Providing detailed discharge instructions
D) Reviewing the patient's medication list
Correct Answer: Establishing trust and rapport
Rationale: Trust is foundational for effective communication and care.
Without rapport, the older adult may withhold information or resist
interventions, compromising safety and outcomes. Establishing trust is the
essential first step before any other assessment or intervention can be
effective.
,3. Which of the following best defines the term "frailty" in the older adult
population?
A) Normal age-related decline in physical function
B) A state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes due to
decreased physiological reserve
C) A chronic condition that inevitably leads to death within 5 years
D) A reversible condition caused by poor nutrition
Correct Answer: A state of increased vulnerability to adverse health
outcomes due to decreased physiological reserve
Rationale: Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterized by decreased
physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. It is associated
with increased risk of falls, hospitalization, institutionalization, and mortality.
Frailty is not a normal part of aging and can be identified using validated
screening tools.
4. A nurse is assessing an 82-year-old patient's functional status. Which of
the following is an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?
A) Bathing
B) Toileting
C) Managing finances
D) Eating
Correct Answer: Managing finances
Rationale: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) include more
complex tasks necessary for independent living, such as managing finances,
shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, and using transportation. Basic
,ADLs include bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and
feeding.
5. The nurse is assessing a 75-year-old patient using the Timed Up and Go
(TUG) test. The patient takes 15 seconds to complete the test. Which
interpretation is correct?
A) The patient is at low risk for falls
B) The patient is at high risk for falls
C) The test result is inconclusive
D) The patient should repeat the test
Correct Answer: The patient is at high risk for falls
Rationale: A Timed Up and Go (TUG) test time of greater than 12-14 seconds
indicates an increased risk for falls in older adults. A time of 15 seconds
suggests the patient is at high risk for falls and requires further evaluation
and fall prevention interventions.
6. The nurse is performing a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Which of
the following is a key component of this assessment?
A) Focused physical examination only
B) Evaluation of functional status, cognitive function, and social support
C) Complete blood count and metabolic panel
D) Chest X-ray and electrocardiogram
Correct Answer: Evaluation of functional status, cognitive function, and social
support
Rationale: The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a
multidisciplinary, multidimensional evaluation of an older adult's functional
, ability, physical health, cognitive and mental health, and socioenvironmental
circumstances. It goes beyond the traditional medical history and physical
examination to include assessment of functional status (ADLs/IADLs),
cognitive function, and social support systems.
7. A 74-year-old patient reports that she has been feeling "down" and has
lost interest in activities she previously enjoyed. Which screening tool is most
appropriate?
A) GAD-7
B) PHQ-9
C) MoCA
D) MMSE
Correct Answer: PHQ-9
Rationale: The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a validated
screening tool for depression in older adults. The patient's symptoms of
feeling "down" and losing interest in activities (anhedonia) are core criteria
for depression, making the PHQ-9 the most appropriate screening tool.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of dementia and is
incontinent of stool. Because they cannot communicate the need to
defecate, which action is the priority?
A) Apply adult briefs
B) Insert a rectal tube
C) Begin a prompted toileting program
D) Restrict fluids
Correct Answer: Begin a prompted toileting program
