NUR257 Chronic Aging Exam 2 2026/2027 Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale | Newest Update | Galen College of Nursing
1. Which of the following is the primary characteristic that distinguishes
delirium from dementia?
A. Gradual onset over years
B. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
C. Permanent impairment of memory
D. Normal attention span
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset (hours to days) and
fluctuations in consciousness and attention, whereas dementia is progressive and stable in
consciousness.
2. According to the Beers Criteria, why should diphenhydramine be avoided in
older adults?
A. Risk of hepatotoxicity
B. Strong anticholinergic effects and risk of falls
C. Increased risk of hypertension
D. Potential for vitamin B12 deficiency
Answer: B
,Expert Rationale: Diphenhydramine has potent anticholinergic effects in the elderly,
leading to confusion, blurred vision, urinary retention, and significant fall risks.
3. A nurse is assessing an older adult for depression. Which tool is most
appropriate for this population?
A. The Braden Scale
B. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
C. The Morse Fall Scale
D. The Glasgow Coma Scale
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a validated screening tool
specifically designed to identify depression in older adults.
4. What is the most effective intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in a
bedbound older adult?
A. Massaging reddened bony prominences
B. Using a donut-shaped cushion
C. Repositioning the patient at least every 2 hours
D. Limiting fluid intake to reduce incontinence
Answer: C
Expert Rationale: Frequent repositioning (at least every 2 hours) relieves pressure on
bony prominences, which is the cornerstone of pressure ulcer prevention.
, 5. An older adult patient with heart failure presents with a 5-pound weight gain
in 2 days. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake
B. Assess lung sounds and for peripheral edema
C. Schedule a follow-up appointment in one week
D. Provide a high-sodium snack
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: Rapid weight gain in heart failure suggests fluid volume excess;
assessing lung sounds for crackles is the priority to monitor for pulmonary edema.
6. Which physiological change of aging increases the risk of drug toxicity in older
adults?
A. Increased total body water
B. Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
C. Decreased body fat percentage
D. Decreased hepatic blood flow and renal clearance
Answer: D
Expert Rationale: Aging typically involves decreased liver metabolism and reduced renal
excretion, which can lead to higher serum drug levels and toxicity.
Answers with Rationale | Newest Update | Galen College of Nursing
1. Which of the following is the primary characteristic that distinguishes
delirium from dementia?
A. Gradual onset over years
B. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
C. Permanent impairment of memory
D. Normal attention span
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset (hours to days) and
fluctuations in consciousness and attention, whereas dementia is progressive and stable in
consciousness.
2. According to the Beers Criteria, why should diphenhydramine be avoided in
older adults?
A. Risk of hepatotoxicity
B. Strong anticholinergic effects and risk of falls
C. Increased risk of hypertension
D. Potential for vitamin B12 deficiency
Answer: B
,Expert Rationale: Diphenhydramine has potent anticholinergic effects in the elderly,
leading to confusion, blurred vision, urinary retention, and significant fall risks.
3. A nurse is assessing an older adult for depression. Which tool is most
appropriate for this population?
A. The Braden Scale
B. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
C. The Morse Fall Scale
D. The Glasgow Coma Scale
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a validated screening tool
specifically designed to identify depression in older adults.
4. What is the most effective intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in a
bedbound older adult?
A. Massaging reddened bony prominences
B. Using a donut-shaped cushion
C. Repositioning the patient at least every 2 hours
D. Limiting fluid intake to reduce incontinence
Answer: C
Expert Rationale: Frequent repositioning (at least every 2 hours) relieves pressure on
bony prominences, which is the cornerstone of pressure ulcer prevention.
, 5. An older adult patient with heart failure presents with a 5-pound weight gain
in 2 days. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake
B. Assess lung sounds and for peripheral edema
C. Schedule a follow-up appointment in one week
D. Provide a high-sodium snack
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: Rapid weight gain in heart failure suggests fluid volume excess;
assessing lung sounds for crackles is the priority to monitor for pulmonary edema.
6. Which physiological change of aging increases the risk of drug toxicity in older
adults?
A. Increased total body water
B. Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
C. Decreased body fat percentage
D. Decreased hepatic blood flow and renal clearance
Answer: D
Expert Rationale: Aging typically involves decreased liver metabolism and reduced renal
excretion, which can lead to higher serum drug levels and toxicity.
