,NUR 2214 Final Exam | Nursing Care of the Older Adult (2026/2027)
Q&A | Rasmussen College
1. Which of the following best defines the term "ageism" as it relates to the care of
older adults?
A) The biological process of cellular aging that occurs over time
B) Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on a person's age
C) A person's perception of their own age compared to their chronological age
D) The functional ability of an individual to perform activities of daily living
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 evaluating an 80-year-old patient for symptoms of depression. Which
assessment finding is most characteristic of depression in the geriatric population
compared to younger adults?
A) Frequent expressions of intense sadness
B) Increased social engagement and activity
,C) Cognitive impairment and somatic complaints
D) Overt verbalization of suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: Cognitive impairment and somatic complaints
Rationale: In older adults, depression often presents atypically. Patients may
emphasize physical ailments or memory lapses rather than emotional distress. This
phenomenon requires clinicians to use specific tools like the Geriatric Depression
Scale to differentiate between pseudo-dementia and actual depressive disorders.
3. Which developmental stage, according to Erikson, characterizes the late
adulthood period where individuals reflect on their lives?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Identity vs. Role Confusion
C) Trust vs. Mistrust
D) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: Erik Erikson proposed that late adulthood is defined by a conflict
between ego integrity and despair. Success in this stage leads to a sense of
fulfillment and wisdom regarding one's life journey. Failure to achieve this
resolution can lead to bitterness and a fear of death.
, 4. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient with presbycusis. Which communication
technique should the nurse employ to ensure effective interaction?
A) Shouting directly into the patient's ear
B) Speaking in a lower-pitched, clear tone while facing the patient
C) Using high-frequency sounds to gain attention
D) Speaking as quickly as possible to save time
Correct Answer: Speaking in a lower-pitched, clear tone while facing the patient
Rationale: Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss that typically impacts the ability
to hear high-frequency sounds. Lowering the pitch of the voice makes speech
more audible and easier for the patient to process. It is also essential to face the
patient to allow for lip-reading and non-verbal cues.
5. An 85-year-old patient has developed xerosis. Which nursing intervention is
most appropriate for managing this condition?
A) Daily hot baths with antibacterial soap
B) Vigorous scrubbing of the skin during hygiene
C) Limiting fluid intake to prevent edema
D) Applying emollient creams to damp skin after bathing
Correct Answer: Applying emollient creams to damp skin after bathing
Q&A | Rasmussen College
1. Which of the following best defines the term "ageism" as it relates to the care of
older adults?
A) The biological process of cellular aging that occurs over time
B) Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on a person's age
C) A person's perception of their own age compared to their chronological age
D) The functional ability of an individual to perform activities of daily living
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 evaluating an 80-year-old patient for symptoms of depression. Which
assessment finding is most characteristic of depression in the geriatric population
compared to younger adults?
A) Frequent expressions of intense sadness
B) Increased social engagement and activity
,C) Cognitive impairment and somatic complaints
D) Overt verbalization of suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: Cognitive impairment and somatic complaints
Rationale: In older adults, depression often presents atypically. Patients may
emphasize physical ailments or memory lapses rather than emotional distress. This
phenomenon requires clinicians to use specific tools like the Geriatric Depression
Scale to differentiate between pseudo-dementia and actual depressive disorders.
3. Which developmental stage, according to Erikson, characterizes the late
adulthood period where individuals reflect on their lives?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Identity vs. Role Confusion
C) Trust vs. Mistrust
D) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: Erik Erikson proposed that late adulthood is defined by a conflict
between ego integrity and despair. Success in this stage leads to a sense of
fulfillment and wisdom regarding one's life journey. Failure to achieve this
resolution can lead to bitterness and a fear of death.
, 4. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient with presbycusis. Which communication
technique should the nurse employ to ensure effective interaction?
A) Shouting directly into the patient's ear
B) Speaking in a lower-pitched, clear tone while facing the patient
C) Using high-frequency sounds to gain attention
D) Speaking as quickly as possible to save time
Correct Answer: Speaking in a lower-pitched, clear tone while facing the patient
Rationale: Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss that typically impacts the ability
to hear high-frequency sounds. Lowering the pitch of the voice makes speech
more audible and easier for the patient to process. It is also essential to face the
patient to allow for lip-reading and non-verbal cues.
5. An 85-year-old patient has developed xerosis. Which nursing intervention is
most appropriate for managing this condition?
A) Daily hot baths with antibacterial soap
B) Vigorous scrubbing of the skin during hygiene
C) Limiting fluid intake to prevent edema
D) Applying emollient creams to damp skin after bathing
Correct Answer: Applying emollient creams to damp skin after bathing
