Gerontological Nursing 2026/2027 | Ebersole and Hess’ Gerontological
Nursing & Healthy Aging 6th Edition Study Guide, Gerontological Nursing
Exam Prep, Geriatric Nursing Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales, Healthy Aging, Older Adult Assessment, Clinical Judgment, Aging
Theories, Chronic Illness, Medication Safety, Nutrition, Falls, Dementia,
Alzheimer’s Disease, Mental Health, Palliative Care & End-of-Life Nursing
Question 1: A 78-year-old patient with mild cognitive impairment is being
discharged home after a hospitalization for a urinary tract infection. The family
asks what the most important nursing intervention is to ensure a safe
transition. What should the nurse prioritize?
A. Instruct the family to remove all throw rugs from the home.
B. Perform a comprehensive functional assessment of the patient's ability to
perform activities of daily living.
C. Provide a list of emergency phone numbers for the patient to keep by the
bedside.
D. Recommend that the patient hire a private duty nurse for 24-hour supervision.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Perform a comprehensive functional assessment of the
patient's ability to perform activities of daily living.
Rationale: When an older adult is discharged home after an acute illness, the
priority nursing intervention is to assess the patient's baseline and current
functional status. A functional assessment of activities of daily living (ADLs)
provides the most relevant information about the patient's ability to safely
provide self-care and identifies specific areas where assistance may be needed.
While home safety modifications and emergency resources are important, they
are secondary to determining the patient's actual functional capacity.
Question 2: A 72-year-old patient with a history of heart failure and
osteoarthritis tells the nurse she has been taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
nightly to help her sleep. Considering the patient's age and safety, what is the
nurse's best response?
A. "That is a safe and effective sleep aid for older adults."
B. "You should take it with a full glass of water to prevent stomach upset."
C. "Diphenhydramine can cause confusion and memory problems in older adults,
,so it should be avoided."
D. "You can continue taking it, but only every other night."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "Diphenhydramine can cause confusion and memory
problems in older adults, so it should be avoided."
Rationale: Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with strong
anticholinergic properties. In older adults, it is included in the Beers Criteria as a
potentially inappropriate medication because it can cause confusion, delirium,
memory impairment, urinary retention, and falls. The nurse should advise the
patient to avoid this medication and discuss safer alternatives with the provider.
Question 3: The adult children of an 84-year-old patient are arguing about who
will provide care for their mother after discharge. One son accuses his sister, the
primary caregiver, of not providing adequate care. What is the nurse's most
supportive response?
A. "Your sister is doing the best she can under difficult circumstances."
B. "It is difficult to see a parent's health begin to fail, but in order for you all to
have a realistic understanding of his physical condition he needs to have a
thorough medical assessment done."
C. "Perhaps you should consider placing your mother in a nursing home."
D. "You need to stop arguing and focus on your mother's needs."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "It is difficult to see a parent's health begin to fail, but in
order for you all to have a realistic understanding of his physical condition he
needs to have a thorough medical assessment done."
Rationale: This response acknowledges the family's emotional distress while
redirecting them toward an objective, constructive action. A thorough medical
and functional assessment provides a factual basis for care planning and can
reduce conflict driven by anxiety and misunderstanding. The nurse's role is to
facilitate communication and connect the family with appropriate resources, not
to assign blame or make placement decisions.
Question 4: A 79-year-old patient is prescribed ciprofloxacin for a urinary tract
infection. The patient is also taking a sulfonylurea for type 2 diabetes. What
should the nurse monitor most closely?
,A. Serum potassium levels.
B. Blood glucose levels.
C. Liver function tests.
D. Coagulation studies.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Blood glucose levels.
Rationale: Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin can cause disturbances in blood
glucose regulation, including both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. This risk is
increased in older adults, particularly those taking oral hypoglycemic agents such
as sulfonylureas. The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels closely during
ciprofloxacin therapy and educate the patient about signs and symptoms of
glucose abnormalities.
Question 5: The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for an older adult
patient who has dysphagia and is prescribed an antibiotic capsule. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further education?
A. "I will take my medication with a full glass of water."
B. "I can crack the capsule open and put the medicine in my food if I have trouble
swallowing it."
C. "I will sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking my medication."
D. "I will report any difficulty swallowing my pills to my doctor."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I can crack the capsule open and put the medicine in my
food if I have trouble swallowing it."
Rationale: Not all capsules or tablets can be crushed or opened. Doing so may
alter the pharmacokinetics of the medication, leading to altered absorption,
increased toxicity, or reduced efficacy. Some formulations are designed for
extended or delayed release. The nurse must verify which medications can be
safely altered and provide specific, medication-appropriate instructions for
patients with dysphagia.
Question 6: A 76-year-old patient is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for
management of heart failure. The nurse should instruct the patient to take this
medication at what time of day?
, A. At bedtime to prevent nighttime urination.
B. In the morning to avoid disrupting sleep.
C. With dinner to improve absorption.
D. At any time, as long as it is consistent.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. In the morning to avoid disrupting sleep.
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urine production.
Administering the medication in the morning allows the diuretic effect to occur
during waking hours, reducing the risk of nocturia and sleep disruption. Nocturia
can lead to sleep deprivation, increased fall risk during nighttime bathroom trips,
and worsened quality of life in older adults.
Question 7: The daughter of an 82-year-old patient with a history of recurrent
urinary tract infections asks how she can minimize her mother's risk of
becoming confused. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "You should restrict her fluid intake in the evening."
B. "You need to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract
infection that your mother usually experiences."
C. "Confusion is an inevitable part of aging and cannot be prevented."
D. "You should keep her in a quiet room with minimal stimulation."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "You need to be able to recognize the signs and
symptoms of a urinary tract infection that your mother usually experiences."
Rationale: In older adults, urinary tract infection is a common and reversible
cause of acute confusion (delirium). Early recognition of the patient's individual
presentation of UTI—which may include subtle changes in behavior, cognition, or
function—allows for prompt treatment and prevention of progression to severe
delirium. Caregiver education about early warning signs is a key preventive
strategy.
Question 8: A nurse is evaluating an older adult patient for caregiver strain. The
acronym "TLC" is used to assess which aspects of caregiving?
A. Teaching, Listening, and Communication.
B. Time, Love, and Commitment.
C. Ability to attend to needs, ability to provide care effectively, ability to recognize
Nursing & Healthy Aging 6th Edition Study Guide, Gerontological Nursing
Exam Prep, Geriatric Nursing Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales, Healthy Aging, Older Adult Assessment, Clinical Judgment, Aging
Theories, Chronic Illness, Medication Safety, Nutrition, Falls, Dementia,
Alzheimer’s Disease, Mental Health, Palliative Care & End-of-Life Nursing
Question 1: A 78-year-old patient with mild cognitive impairment is being
discharged home after a hospitalization for a urinary tract infection. The family
asks what the most important nursing intervention is to ensure a safe
transition. What should the nurse prioritize?
A. Instruct the family to remove all throw rugs from the home.
B. Perform a comprehensive functional assessment of the patient's ability to
perform activities of daily living.
C. Provide a list of emergency phone numbers for the patient to keep by the
bedside.
D. Recommend that the patient hire a private duty nurse for 24-hour supervision.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Perform a comprehensive functional assessment of the
patient's ability to perform activities of daily living.
Rationale: When an older adult is discharged home after an acute illness, the
priority nursing intervention is to assess the patient's baseline and current
functional status. A functional assessment of activities of daily living (ADLs)
provides the most relevant information about the patient's ability to safely
provide self-care and identifies specific areas where assistance may be needed.
While home safety modifications and emergency resources are important, they
are secondary to determining the patient's actual functional capacity.
Question 2: A 72-year-old patient with a history of heart failure and
osteoarthritis tells the nurse she has been taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
nightly to help her sleep. Considering the patient's age and safety, what is the
nurse's best response?
A. "That is a safe and effective sleep aid for older adults."
B. "You should take it with a full glass of water to prevent stomach upset."
C. "Diphenhydramine can cause confusion and memory problems in older adults,
,so it should be avoided."
D. "You can continue taking it, but only every other night."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "Diphenhydramine can cause confusion and memory
problems in older adults, so it should be avoided."
Rationale: Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with strong
anticholinergic properties. In older adults, it is included in the Beers Criteria as a
potentially inappropriate medication because it can cause confusion, delirium,
memory impairment, urinary retention, and falls. The nurse should advise the
patient to avoid this medication and discuss safer alternatives with the provider.
Question 3: The adult children of an 84-year-old patient are arguing about who
will provide care for their mother after discharge. One son accuses his sister, the
primary caregiver, of not providing adequate care. What is the nurse's most
supportive response?
A. "Your sister is doing the best she can under difficult circumstances."
B. "It is difficult to see a parent's health begin to fail, but in order for you all to
have a realistic understanding of his physical condition he needs to have a
thorough medical assessment done."
C. "Perhaps you should consider placing your mother in a nursing home."
D. "You need to stop arguing and focus on your mother's needs."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "It is difficult to see a parent's health begin to fail, but in
order for you all to have a realistic understanding of his physical condition he
needs to have a thorough medical assessment done."
Rationale: This response acknowledges the family's emotional distress while
redirecting them toward an objective, constructive action. A thorough medical
and functional assessment provides a factual basis for care planning and can
reduce conflict driven by anxiety and misunderstanding. The nurse's role is to
facilitate communication and connect the family with appropriate resources, not
to assign blame or make placement decisions.
Question 4: A 79-year-old patient is prescribed ciprofloxacin for a urinary tract
infection. The patient is also taking a sulfonylurea for type 2 diabetes. What
should the nurse monitor most closely?
,A. Serum potassium levels.
B. Blood glucose levels.
C. Liver function tests.
D. Coagulation studies.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Blood glucose levels.
Rationale: Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin can cause disturbances in blood
glucose regulation, including both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. This risk is
increased in older adults, particularly those taking oral hypoglycemic agents such
as sulfonylureas. The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels closely during
ciprofloxacin therapy and educate the patient about signs and symptoms of
glucose abnormalities.
Question 5: The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for an older adult
patient who has dysphagia and is prescribed an antibiotic capsule. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further education?
A. "I will take my medication with a full glass of water."
B. "I can crack the capsule open and put the medicine in my food if I have trouble
swallowing it."
C. "I will sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking my medication."
D. "I will report any difficulty swallowing my pills to my doctor."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I can crack the capsule open and put the medicine in my
food if I have trouble swallowing it."
Rationale: Not all capsules or tablets can be crushed or opened. Doing so may
alter the pharmacokinetics of the medication, leading to altered absorption,
increased toxicity, or reduced efficacy. Some formulations are designed for
extended or delayed release. The nurse must verify which medications can be
safely altered and provide specific, medication-appropriate instructions for
patients with dysphagia.
Question 6: A 76-year-old patient is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for
management of heart failure. The nurse should instruct the patient to take this
medication at what time of day?
, A. At bedtime to prevent nighttime urination.
B. In the morning to avoid disrupting sleep.
C. With dinner to improve absorption.
D. At any time, as long as it is consistent.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. In the morning to avoid disrupting sleep.
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urine production.
Administering the medication in the morning allows the diuretic effect to occur
during waking hours, reducing the risk of nocturia and sleep disruption. Nocturia
can lead to sleep deprivation, increased fall risk during nighttime bathroom trips,
and worsened quality of life in older adults.
Question 7: The daughter of an 82-year-old patient with a history of recurrent
urinary tract infections asks how she can minimize her mother's risk of
becoming confused. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "You should restrict her fluid intake in the evening."
B. "You need to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract
infection that your mother usually experiences."
C. "Confusion is an inevitable part of aging and cannot be prevented."
D. "You should keep her in a quiet room with minimal stimulation."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "You need to be able to recognize the signs and
symptoms of a urinary tract infection that your mother usually experiences."
Rationale: In older adults, urinary tract infection is a common and reversible
cause of acute confusion (delirium). Early recognition of the patient's individual
presentation of UTI—which may include subtle changes in behavior, cognition, or
function—allows for prompt treatment and prevention of progression to severe
delirium. Caregiver education about early warning signs is a key preventive
strategy.
Question 8: A nurse is evaluating an older adult patient for caregiver strain. The
acronym "TLC" is used to assess which aspects of caregiving?
A. Teaching, Listening, and Communication.
B. Time, Love, and Commitment.
C. Ability to attend to needs, ability to provide care effectively, ability to recognize
