(2026) Q&A | Rasmussen College
1. Which of the following best defines ageism in the context of healthcare?
A) A clinical diagnosis of cognitive decline in older adults
B) Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on a person's age
C) A legal term for elder abuse in long-term care facilities
D) The biological process of cellular aging
Correct Answer: Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on a person's age
Rationale: Ageism refers to negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory
practices directed toward individuals based on their age. In healthcare, ageism can
lead to inadequate care, dismissal of complaints, and therapeutic nihilism in older
adult populations. Recognizing and combating ageism is a core professional
responsibility in gerontological nursing.
2. A nurse is assessing an older adult client who reports feeling "invisible" when
speaking with healthcare providers. Which concept does this experience best
illustrate?
A) Polypharmacy
B) Ageism
C) Delirium
,D) Sarcopenia
Correct Answer: Ageism
Rationale: Ageism encompasses actions, behaviors, and institutional arrangements
against individuals based on age. Healthcare professionals may be less likely to
involve older patients in treatment decisions and more likely to communicate
disrespectfully with older adults compared to younger adults. This contributes to
feelings of invisibility and devaluation.
3. In which settings is discrimination against older adults commonly witnessed?
A) Only in long-term care facilities
B) Only in hospital settings
C) Employment, family life, social life, and healthcare systems
D) Only in government agencies
Correct Answer: Employment, family life, social life, and healthcare systems
Rationale: Discrimination toward older adults is witnessed across multiple settings,
including employment, family life, social life, and healthcare systems. Ageism is a
systemic issue that affects older adults in all aspects of their lives. Nurses must
recognize and address age discrimination wherever it occurs.
, 4. What is the best approach for a nurse to guard against personal bias toward
older adult clients?
A) Avoid caring for older adult clients
B) Educate oneself about older adults and the aging process
C) Rely solely on clinical experience
D) Limit interactions with older adult clients
Correct Answer: Educate oneself about older adults and the aging process
Rationale: The best task to guard oneself against biases toward older adult clients
is education about the elderly population. Understanding the aging process,
common health conditions, and the lived experiences of older adults helps nurses
provide unbiased, respectful care. Education is a key strategy for combating
ageism.
5. A nurse manager is developing a training program to reduce ageism among
staff. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A) Restricting staff assignments to younger patients only
B) Providing education on aging and promoting positive attitudes toward older
adults
C) Reducing the number of older adult admissions
D) Assigning older adult patients to a single unit