NUR 257 Final Exam V3 | NUR 257
Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness | Q&A
with Rationale (NUR257 Final Exam) |
Galen College of Nursing
1. An older adult patient is reflecting on life achievements and expresses a sense of
satisfaction and peace. According to Erikson, which developmental stage is the patient
successfully navigating?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: C
Rationale: Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development,
typically occurring in late adulthood. In this stage, individuals reflect on their lives and
either feel a sense of fulfillment or regret. A sense of peace and satisfaction indicates the
achievement of ego integrity rather than despair.
2. When reviewing a patient’s medication list, the nurse identifies several drugs on the Beers
Criteria list. What is the primary purpose of the Beers Criteria in geriatric nursing?
A. To identify medications that are cost-effective for seniors
,B. To mandate the use of specific vitamins for chronic illness
C. To list medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults
D. To provide a guide for emergency medication dosages
Answer: C
Rationale: The Beers Criteria is a guideline for healthcare professionals to help improve
the safety of prescribing medications for older adults. It identifies medications that have a
high risk of side effects or limited effectiveness in this population. Nurses use this tool to
advocate for safer pharmacological alternatives to prevent adverse drug events.
3. A 78-year-old patient presents with sudden confusion, agitation, and a fluctuating level of
consciousness. The nurse should suspect which of the following conditions?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Normal age-related memory loss
D. Delirium
Answer: D
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and a fluctuating course of cognitive
impairment and altered consciousness. This condition is often reversible and is typically
caused by an underlying medical issue such as infection or dehydration. In contrast,
, dementia is a slow, progressive decline that does not typically cause sudden changes in
consciousness.
4. A nurse is teaching an older adult with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
about energy conservation. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Exhale while performing the ‘work’ part of an activity
B. Perform all heavy chores in the morning immediately after waking
C. Avoid using assistive devices to maintain muscle strength
D. Hold your breath when lifting small objects
Answer: A
Rationale: Paced breathing and exhaling during the strenuous part of an activity help
prevent breathlessness in COPD patients. This technique ensures that carbon dioxide is
expelled and reduces the work of breathing. Conservation of energy is vital for maintaining
independence and quality of life in chronic respiratory conditions.
5. An older adult patient is admitted with a Stage III pressure injury on the coccyx. Which
nutritional intervention is most important for wound healing?
A. Increasing intake of simple carbohydrates
B. Limiting fluid intake to prevent edema
C. Increasing protein and Vitamin C intake
D. Starting a low-fat, low-sodium diet
Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness | Q&A
with Rationale (NUR257 Final Exam) |
Galen College of Nursing
1. An older adult patient is reflecting on life achievements and expresses a sense of
satisfaction and peace. According to Erikson, which developmental stage is the patient
successfully navigating?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: C
Rationale: Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development,
typically occurring in late adulthood. In this stage, individuals reflect on their lives and
either feel a sense of fulfillment or regret. A sense of peace and satisfaction indicates the
achievement of ego integrity rather than despair.
2. When reviewing a patient’s medication list, the nurse identifies several drugs on the Beers
Criteria list. What is the primary purpose of the Beers Criteria in geriatric nursing?
A. To identify medications that are cost-effective for seniors
,B. To mandate the use of specific vitamins for chronic illness
C. To list medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults
D. To provide a guide for emergency medication dosages
Answer: C
Rationale: The Beers Criteria is a guideline for healthcare professionals to help improve
the safety of prescribing medications for older adults. It identifies medications that have a
high risk of side effects or limited effectiveness in this population. Nurses use this tool to
advocate for safer pharmacological alternatives to prevent adverse drug events.
3. A 78-year-old patient presents with sudden confusion, agitation, and a fluctuating level of
consciousness. The nurse should suspect which of the following conditions?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Normal age-related memory loss
D. Delirium
Answer: D
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and a fluctuating course of cognitive
impairment and altered consciousness. This condition is often reversible and is typically
caused by an underlying medical issue such as infection or dehydration. In contrast,
, dementia is a slow, progressive decline that does not typically cause sudden changes in
consciousness.
4. A nurse is teaching an older adult with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
about energy conservation. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Exhale while performing the ‘work’ part of an activity
B. Perform all heavy chores in the morning immediately after waking
C. Avoid using assistive devices to maintain muscle strength
D. Hold your breath when lifting small objects
Answer: A
Rationale: Paced breathing and exhaling during the strenuous part of an activity help
prevent breathlessness in COPD patients. This technique ensures that carbon dioxide is
expelled and reduces the work of breathing. Conservation of energy is vital for maintaining
independence and quality of life in chronic respiratory conditions.
5. An older adult patient is admitted with a Stage III pressure injury on the coccyx. Which
nutritional intervention is most important for wound healing?
A. Increasing intake of simple carbohydrates
B. Limiting fluid intake to prevent edema
C. Increasing protein and Vitamin C intake
D. Starting a low-fat, low-sodium diet
