,GALEN|NU176/NU 176 Geriatric Nursing
Exam 3 | Galen | 2026|Q&A (PDF)
1. What is the primary physiological change that contributes to the increased risk of hypothermia in
older adults?
A) Decreased subcutaneous fat and reduced metabolic rate
B) Increased peripheral vasodilation and sweating
C) Enhanced thermoregulatory response to cold
D) Increased basal metabolic rate and muscle mass
Correct Answer: A) Decreased subcutaneous fat and reduced metabolic rate.
Rationale: Aging is associated with a loss of subcutaneous fat, which provides insulation, and a
decrease in metabolic rate, which reduces heat production. These changes impair the body's ability to
maintain core temperature in cold environments. The other options describe changes not typically
seen in normal aging.
2. A nurse is assessing an older adult's skin turgor. Which finding would be considered a normal age-
related change rather than a sign of dehydration?
A) Skin that tents and remains elevated for several seconds
B) Reduced skin elasticity on the dorsal aspect of the hand
C) Skin that is warm, moist, and intact
D) Presence of dry, scaly patches on the extremities
Correct Answer: B) Reduced skin elasticity on the dorsal aspect of the hand.
Rationale: Loss of skin elasticity is a normal age-related change due to decreased collagen and elastin.
Tenting skin that remains elevated (poor turgor) is a sign of dehydration. While dry skin is common, it
is not a reliable indicator of dehydration.
,3. Which of the following is a normal sensory change associated with aging that affects nutritional
status?
A) Enhanced sense of taste and smell
B) Diminished sense of taste and smell
C) Increased salivation and appetite
D) Improved ability to distinguish between sweet and salty
Correct Answer: B) Diminished sense of taste and smell.
Rationale: Older adults often experience a decline in the sense of taste and smell, which can reduce
appetite and lead to poor nutritional intake. This is a normal age-related change, although it can be
exacerbated by medications or illness.
4. A nurse is educating a group of older adults about normal changes in the respiratory system. Which
statement should the nurse include?
A) "Your lung capacity will increase, allowing you to take deeper breaths."
B) "Your respiratory muscles will become stronger, making breathing easier."
C) "Your lungs become more elastic, which improves gas exchange."
D) "Your vital capacity decreases, and your residual volume increases."
Correct Answer: D) "Your vital capacity decreases, and your residual volume increases."
Rationale: Aging leads to a loss of lung elasticity and weakening of respiratory muscles, resulting in a
decreased vital capacity and an increased residual volume. This can make breathing feel more
effortful and reduce gas exchange efficiency.
5. An older adult client is concerned about memory lapses. Which assessment finding would the nurse
identify as a normal age-related change rather than a sign of dementia?
A) Forgetting the names of close family members
B) Getting lost in familiar surroundings
C) Occasionally misplacing keys or eyeglasses
, D) Unable to learn how to use a new appliance
Correct Answer: C) Occasionally misplacing keys or eyeglasses.
Rationale: Occasional misplacement of items is a common and normal age-related memory change.
Forgetting names of close family members, getting lost in familiar places, and difficulty learning new
tasks are more indicative of cognitive impairment or dementia.
6. Which age-related change in the renal system increases the risk of medication toxicity in older
adults?
A) Increased glomerular filtration rate
B) Decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration
C) Increased ability to concentrate urine
D) Enhanced tubular secretion of drugs
Correct Answer: B) Decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration.
Rationale: Aging leads to a decline in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, which reduces
the kidneys' ability to excrete medications and their metabolites. This can lead to drug accumulation
and increased risk of toxicity.
7. A nurse is teaching an older adult about preventing constipation. Which recommendation is most
appropriate?
A) Increase intake of refined carbohydrates
B) Limit fluid intake to reduce bloating
C) Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake
D) Use a stimulant laxative daily
Correct Answer: C) Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake.
Exam 3 | Galen | 2026|Q&A (PDF)
1. What is the primary physiological change that contributes to the increased risk of hypothermia in
older adults?
A) Decreased subcutaneous fat and reduced metabolic rate
B) Increased peripheral vasodilation and sweating
C) Enhanced thermoregulatory response to cold
D) Increased basal metabolic rate and muscle mass
Correct Answer: A) Decreased subcutaneous fat and reduced metabolic rate.
Rationale: Aging is associated with a loss of subcutaneous fat, which provides insulation, and a
decrease in metabolic rate, which reduces heat production. These changes impair the body's ability to
maintain core temperature in cold environments. The other options describe changes not typically
seen in normal aging.
2. A nurse is assessing an older adult's skin turgor. Which finding would be considered a normal age-
related change rather than a sign of dehydration?
A) Skin that tents and remains elevated for several seconds
B) Reduced skin elasticity on the dorsal aspect of the hand
C) Skin that is warm, moist, and intact
D) Presence of dry, scaly patches on the extremities
Correct Answer: B) Reduced skin elasticity on the dorsal aspect of the hand.
Rationale: Loss of skin elasticity is a normal age-related change due to decreased collagen and elastin.
Tenting skin that remains elevated (poor turgor) is a sign of dehydration. While dry skin is common, it
is not a reliable indicator of dehydration.
,3. Which of the following is a normal sensory change associated with aging that affects nutritional
status?
A) Enhanced sense of taste and smell
B) Diminished sense of taste and smell
C) Increased salivation and appetite
D) Improved ability to distinguish between sweet and salty
Correct Answer: B) Diminished sense of taste and smell.
Rationale: Older adults often experience a decline in the sense of taste and smell, which can reduce
appetite and lead to poor nutritional intake. This is a normal age-related change, although it can be
exacerbated by medications or illness.
4. A nurse is educating a group of older adults about normal changes in the respiratory system. Which
statement should the nurse include?
A) "Your lung capacity will increase, allowing you to take deeper breaths."
B) "Your respiratory muscles will become stronger, making breathing easier."
C) "Your lungs become more elastic, which improves gas exchange."
D) "Your vital capacity decreases, and your residual volume increases."
Correct Answer: D) "Your vital capacity decreases, and your residual volume increases."
Rationale: Aging leads to a loss of lung elasticity and weakening of respiratory muscles, resulting in a
decreased vital capacity and an increased residual volume. This can make breathing feel more
effortful and reduce gas exchange efficiency.
5. An older adult client is concerned about memory lapses. Which assessment finding would the nurse
identify as a normal age-related change rather than a sign of dementia?
A) Forgetting the names of close family members
B) Getting lost in familiar surroundings
C) Occasionally misplacing keys or eyeglasses
, D) Unable to learn how to use a new appliance
Correct Answer: C) Occasionally misplacing keys or eyeglasses.
Rationale: Occasional misplacement of items is a common and normal age-related memory change.
Forgetting names of close family members, getting lost in familiar places, and difficulty learning new
tasks are more indicative of cognitive impairment or dementia.
6. Which age-related change in the renal system increases the risk of medication toxicity in older
adults?
A) Increased glomerular filtration rate
B) Decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration
C) Increased ability to concentrate urine
D) Enhanced tubular secretion of drugs
Correct Answer: B) Decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration.
Rationale: Aging leads to a decline in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, which reduces
the kidneys' ability to excrete medications and their metabolites. This can lead to drug accumulation
and increased risk of toxicity.
7. A nurse is teaching an older adult about preventing constipation. Which recommendation is most
appropriate?
A) Increase intake of refined carbohydrates
B) Limit fluid intake to reduce bloating
C) Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake
D) Use a stimulant laxative daily
Correct Answer: C) Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake.
