,NU 176/NU176 Exam 1 | Geriatric Nursing
(2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. An older adult client reports dizziness upon standing. The nurse attributes
this to which age-related cardiovascular change?
A) Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity
B) Increased baroreceptor sensitivity
C) Decreased cardiac contractility
D) Increased peripheral resistance
Correct Answer: Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity
Rationale: Baroreceptors in the carotid arteries and aorta lose sensitivity with
age, delaying vasoconstriction and heart rate adjustments upon standing. This
causes a transient drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness or orthostatic
hypotension. Increased sensitivity and contractility do not occur; peripheral
resistance is often increased but is not the primary mechanism.
2. An older client is at higher risk for medication toxicity. The nurse recognizes
that this is primarily due to which physiological change?
A) Increased glomerular filtration rate
B) Decreased glomerular filtration rate
C) Enhanced hepatic metabolism
D) Increased lean body mass
Correct Answer: Decreased glomerular filtration rate
,Rationale: Renal function declines with age, reducing the clearance of many
drugs. Decreased GFR prolongs drug half-lives, increasing accumulation and
toxicity risk. Hepatic metabolism also decreases, but the most common and
significant factor for toxicity is reduced renal excretion.
3. An older adult with pneumonia has no fever or cough but presents with
confusion. The nurse interprets this as:
A) A typical presentation of pneumonia
B) A sign of normal aging
C) An atypical presentation of infection in older adults
D) Medication side effect only
Correct Answer: An atypical presentation of infection in older adults
Rationale: Older adults often exhibit blunted immune responses; infections may
present with lethargy, confusion, or falls rather than classic signs like fever. This
atypical presentation can delay diagnosis and treatment. It is not a normal aging
change or solely a drug reaction.
4. The nurse is explaining the wear-and-tear theory of aging to a client. This
theory states that:
A) Aging is genetically programmed
B) Nutritional intake determines lifespan
C) Psychological adaptation is key
D) Body parts wear out over time from repeated use
Correct Answer: Body parts wear out over time from repeated use
, Rationale: The wear-and-tear theory compares the body to a machine that
deteriorates with cumulative use. It does not emphasize genetics, nutrition, or
psychological factors. This theory suggests that aging results from accumulated
damage at the cellular and organ level.
5. A home health nurse is assessing an older client who is eating less. Which
sensory change is most likely contributing to decreased food intake?
A) Diminished sense of taste and smell
B) Increased olfactory sensitivity
C) Enhanced taste bud function
D) Hyperactive salivary glands
Correct Answer: Diminished sense of taste and smell
Rationale: Taste buds atrophy and olfactory nerves decline with age, reducing
flavor perception. This can lead to decreased appetite and inadequate intake.
Increased sensitivity, enhanced function, and hyperactivity are not age-related
changes; they would improve, not reduce, taste.
6. The nurse evaluates an older client's fall risk. Which finding is the strongest
predictor of a fall?
A) Use of a cane
B) Orthostatic hypotension
C) Mild cognitive impairment
D) Bilateral hearing loss
(2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. An older adult client reports dizziness upon standing. The nurse attributes
this to which age-related cardiovascular change?
A) Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity
B) Increased baroreceptor sensitivity
C) Decreased cardiac contractility
D) Increased peripheral resistance
Correct Answer: Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity
Rationale: Baroreceptors in the carotid arteries and aorta lose sensitivity with
age, delaying vasoconstriction and heart rate adjustments upon standing. This
causes a transient drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness or orthostatic
hypotension. Increased sensitivity and contractility do not occur; peripheral
resistance is often increased but is not the primary mechanism.
2. An older client is at higher risk for medication toxicity. The nurse recognizes
that this is primarily due to which physiological change?
A) Increased glomerular filtration rate
B) Decreased glomerular filtration rate
C) Enhanced hepatic metabolism
D) Increased lean body mass
Correct Answer: Decreased glomerular filtration rate
,Rationale: Renal function declines with age, reducing the clearance of many
drugs. Decreased GFR prolongs drug half-lives, increasing accumulation and
toxicity risk. Hepatic metabolism also decreases, but the most common and
significant factor for toxicity is reduced renal excretion.
3. An older adult with pneumonia has no fever or cough but presents with
confusion. The nurse interprets this as:
A) A typical presentation of pneumonia
B) A sign of normal aging
C) An atypical presentation of infection in older adults
D) Medication side effect only
Correct Answer: An atypical presentation of infection in older adults
Rationale: Older adults often exhibit blunted immune responses; infections may
present with lethargy, confusion, or falls rather than classic signs like fever. This
atypical presentation can delay diagnosis and treatment. It is not a normal aging
change or solely a drug reaction.
4. The nurse is explaining the wear-and-tear theory of aging to a client. This
theory states that:
A) Aging is genetically programmed
B) Nutritional intake determines lifespan
C) Psychological adaptation is key
D) Body parts wear out over time from repeated use
Correct Answer: Body parts wear out over time from repeated use
, Rationale: The wear-and-tear theory compares the body to a machine that
deteriorates with cumulative use. It does not emphasize genetics, nutrition, or
psychological factors. This theory suggests that aging results from accumulated
damage at the cellular and organ level.
5. A home health nurse is assessing an older client who is eating less. Which
sensory change is most likely contributing to decreased food intake?
A) Diminished sense of taste and smell
B) Increased olfactory sensitivity
C) Enhanced taste bud function
D) Hyperactive salivary glands
Correct Answer: Diminished sense of taste and smell
Rationale: Taste buds atrophy and olfactory nerves decline with age, reducing
flavor perception. This can lead to decreased appetite and inadequate intake.
Increased sensitivity, enhanced function, and hyperactivity are not age-related
changes; they would improve, not reduce, taste.
6. The nurse evaluates an older client's fall risk. Which finding is the strongest
predictor of a fall?
A) Use of a cane
B) Orthostatic hypotension
C) Mild cognitive impairment
D) Bilateral hearing loss
