,NU 176 Exam 4 Geriatric Nursing Questions And Answers 2026/2027
Galen College
Q1. Which finding is most characteristic of delirium?
A) Gradual progressive memory loss over several years
B) Acute onset with fluctuating attention
C) Stable cognitive impairment
D) Long-standing personality changes
Correct Answer: B) Acute onset with fluctuating attention
Rationale: Delirium is an acute disturbance in attention and awareness that
develops over a short period and commonly fluctuates during the day.
Q2. Which finding is more characteristic of dementia than delirium?
A) Sudden onset
B) Fluctuating consciousness over hours
C) Gradual progressive cognitive decline
D) Rapid resolution after treatment
Correct Answer: C) Gradual progressive cognitive decline
Rationale: Dementia generally develops gradually and causes progressive
cognitive impairment, whereas delirium usually develops acutely.
Q3. Which cognitive function is usually affected earliest and most
prominently in delirium?
A) Attention
B) Long-term personality
C) Motor strength
D) Hearing
Correct Answer: A) Attention
Rationale: Delirium primarily disrupts attention and awareness, making it
difficult for the patient to focus or sustain attention.
Q4. Which factor commonly precipitates delirium in an older adult?
A) Acute infection
B) Stable daily routine
C) Adequate hydration
D) Consistent sleep
, Correct Answer: A) Acute infection
Rationale: Infection is a common precipitating factor for delirium, particularly
in older adults.
Q5. Which medication-related factor can contribute to delirium?
A) Polypharmacy
B) Appropriate medication reconciliation
C) Consistent medication administration
D) Use of a single medication without adverse effects
Correct Answer: A) Polypharmacy
Rationale: Multiple medications and drug interactions increase the risk of
adverse effects, including acute cognitive changes.
Q6. An older adult develops sudden confusion after receiving
several new medications. What should the nurse do first?
A) Assume the patient has dementia
B) Assess for reversible causes, including medication effects
C) Tell the family that confusion is normal with aging
D) Restrict all activity
Correct Answer: B) Assess for reversible causes, including medication effects
Rationale: Acute confusion requires evaluation for reversible causes such as
medications, infection, dehydration, hypoxia, and metabolic abnormalities.
Q7. Which nursing intervention is appropriate for an older adult
experiencing delirium?
A) Provide a calm, familiar environment
B) Frequently move the patient to different rooms
C) Keep the room dark throughout the day
D) Provide several complex instructions at once
Correct Answer: A) Provide a calm, familiar environment
Rationale: Familiar surroundings, reduced stimulation, and consistent
routines can decrease confusion and agitation.
Q8. Which intervention can help maintain orientation in a patient
with delirium?
Galen College
Q1. Which finding is most characteristic of delirium?
A) Gradual progressive memory loss over several years
B) Acute onset with fluctuating attention
C) Stable cognitive impairment
D) Long-standing personality changes
Correct Answer: B) Acute onset with fluctuating attention
Rationale: Delirium is an acute disturbance in attention and awareness that
develops over a short period and commonly fluctuates during the day.
Q2. Which finding is more characteristic of dementia than delirium?
A) Sudden onset
B) Fluctuating consciousness over hours
C) Gradual progressive cognitive decline
D) Rapid resolution after treatment
Correct Answer: C) Gradual progressive cognitive decline
Rationale: Dementia generally develops gradually and causes progressive
cognitive impairment, whereas delirium usually develops acutely.
Q3. Which cognitive function is usually affected earliest and most
prominently in delirium?
A) Attention
B) Long-term personality
C) Motor strength
D) Hearing
Correct Answer: A) Attention
Rationale: Delirium primarily disrupts attention and awareness, making it
difficult for the patient to focus or sustain attention.
Q4. Which factor commonly precipitates delirium in an older adult?
A) Acute infection
B) Stable daily routine
C) Adequate hydration
D) Consistent sleep
, Correct Answer: A) Acute infection
Rationale: Infection is a common precipitating factor for delirium, particularly
in older adults.
Q5. Which medication-related factor can contribute to delirium?
A) Polypharmacy
B) Appropriate medication reconciliation
C) Consistent medication administration
D) Use of a single medication without adverse effects
Correct Answer: A) Polypharmacy
Rationale: Multiple medications and drug interactions increase the risk of
adverse effects, including acute cognitive changes.
Q6. An older adult develops sudden confusion after receiving
several new medications. What should the nurse do first?
A) Assume the patient has dementia
B) Assess for reversible causes, including medication effects
C) Tell the family that confusion is normal with aging
D) Restrict all activity
Correct Answer: B) Assess for reversible causes, including medication effects
Rationale: Acute confusion requires evaluation for reversible causes such as
medications, infection, dehydration, hypoxia, and metabolic abnormalities.
Q7. Which nursing intervention is appropriate for an older adult
experiencing delirium?
A) Provide a calm, familiar environment
B) Frequently move the patient to different rooms
C) Keep the room dark throughout the day
D) Provide several complex instructions at once
Correct Answer: A) Provide a calm, familiar environment
Rationale: Familiar surroundings, reduced stimulation, and consistent
routines can decrease confusion and agitation.
Q8. Which intervention can help maintain orientation in a patient
with delirium?
