ATI Gerontology Proctored Exam V3 | 2026
Q&A with Rationale (ATI Gerontology
Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for signs of dehydration. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Increased skin turgor
B. Bradycardia
C. Decreased thirst sensation
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In older adults, the thirst mechanism is often diminished, leading to a higher
risk of dehydration even when fluid volume is low. Skin turgor is not a reliable indicator in
the elderly due to the natural loss of skin elasticity and subcutaneous fat. Confusion, dry
mucous membranes, and dark urine are more common indicators than changes in blood
pressure or heart rate in this population.
2. A nurse is providing teaching to an older adult client who has a new diagnosis of cataracts.
Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include?
A. Blurred or cloudy vision
B. Sudden flashes of light
,C. Loss of peripheral vision
D. Severe eye pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cataracts are characterized by a progressive, painless clouding of the lens
which leads to blurred or dim vision. Clients often report difficulty driving at night and
increased sensitivity to glare from headlights or the sun. This condition is a common age-
related change and is typically treated with surgical replacement of the lens.
3. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is experiencing sudden onset confusion and
agitation. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect?
A. Normal age-related memory loss
B. Alzheimer’s disease
C. Depression
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and altered
consciousness, often triggered by an underlying medical condition like an infection. In
contrast, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, chronic decline in cognitive function over
many years. The nurse must prioritize identifying the physiological cause of delirium, such
as a urinary tract infection or medication toxicity, to provide appropriate treatment.
,4. A nurse suspects that an older adult client is being physically abused by a family member.
Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?
A. Confront the family member about the suspicions
B. Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate state agency
C. Refer the client to a support group
D. Document the findings and wait for more evidence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nurses are mandatory reporters of suspected elder abuse and must notify the
appropriate authorities immediately. The priority is the client’s safety and ensuring a
professional investigation is conducted by protective services. Confronting the abuser is
not the nurse’s role and could potentially place the client at higher risk for retaliation.
5. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about home safety. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
A. Use a step stool to reach items on high shelves
B. Install grab bars in the bathtub and shower
C. Ensure hallways and stairwells are well-lit
D. Place throw rugs on hardwood floors to prevent slipping
E. Secure electrical cords against the baseboards
F. Wear well-fitting, non-skid shoes inside the home
, Correct Answer: BCEF
Rationale: Home safety is critical for preventing falls, which are a leading cause of injury in
the elderly. Grab bars and adequate lighting provide essential support and visibility during
movement throughout the home. Avoiding throw rugs and using proper footwear are key
environmental modifications that reduce tripping hazards for older adults.
6. A nurse is assessing an older adult client’s vision. The client reports difficulty reading small
print and needing to hold books at arm’s length. The nurse should identify this as which of
the following conditions?
A. Macular degeneration
B. Myopia
C. Glaucoma
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Presbyopia is a common age-related change where the lens of the eye loses
flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. This condition typically begins in
middle age and progresses as the individual grows older. Corrective lenses or reading
glasses are the standard treatment to improve near vision for these clients.
7. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who reports stress incontinence. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse recommend?
A. Decrease daily fluid intake to less than 1 liter
Q&A with Rationale (ATI Gerontology
Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for signs of dehydration. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Increased skin turgor
B. Bradycardia
C. Decreased thirst sensation
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In older adults, the thirst mechanism is often diminished, leading to a higher
risk of dehydration even when fluid volume is low. Skin turgor is not a reliable indicator in
the elderly due to the natural loss of skin elasticity and subcutaneous fat. Confusion, dry
mucous membranes, and dark urine are more common indicators than changes in blood
pressure or heart rate in this population.
2. A nurse is providing teaching to an older adult client who has a new diagnosis of cataracts.
Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include?
A. Blurred or cloudy vision
B. Sudden flashes of light
,C. Loss of peripheral vision
D. Severe eye pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cataracts are characterized by a progressive, painless clouding of the lens
which leads to blurred or dim vision. Clients often report difficulty driving at night and
increased sensitivity to glare from headlights or the sun. This condition is a common age-
related change and is typically treated with surgical replacement of the lens.
3. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is experiencing sudden onset confusion and
agitation. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect?
A. Normal age-related memory loss
B. Alzheimer’s disease
C. Depression
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and altered
consciousness, often triggered by an underlying medical condition like an infection. In
contrast, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, chronic decline in cognitive function over
many years. The nurse must prioritize identifying the physiological cause of delirium, such
as a urinary tract infection or medication toxicity, to provide appropriate treatment.
,4. A nurse suspects that an older adult client is being physically abused by a family member.
Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?
A. Confront the family member about the suspicions
B. Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate state agency
C. Refer the client to a support group
D. Document the findings and wait for more evidence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nurses are mandatory reporters of suspected elder abuse and must notify the
appropriate authorities immediately. The priority is the client’s safety and ensuring a
professional investigation is conducted by protective services. Confronting the abuser is
not the nurse’s role and could potentially place the client at higher risk for retaliation.
5. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about home safety. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
A. Use a step stool to reach items on high shelves
B. Install grab bars in the bathtub and shower
C. Ensure hallways and stairwells are well-lit
D. Place throw rugs on hardwood floors to prevent slipping
E. Secure electrical cords against the baseboards
F. Wear well-fitting, non-skid shoes inside the home
, Correct Answer: BCEF
Rationale: Home safety is critical for preventing falls, which are a leading cause of injury in
the elderly. Grab bars and adequate lighting provide essential support and visibility during
movement throughout the home. Avoiding throw rugs and using proper footwear are key
environmental modifications that reduce tripping hazards for older adults.
6. A nurse is assessing an older adult client’s vision. The client reports difficulty reading small
print and needing to hold books at arm’s length. The nurse should identify this as which of
the following conditions?
A. Macular degeneration
B. Myopia
C. Glaucoma
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Presbyopia is a common age-related change where the lens of the eye loses
flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. This condition typically begins in
middle age and progresses as the individual grows older. Corrective lenses or reading
glasses are the standard treatment to improve near vision for these clients.
7. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who reports stress incontinence. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse recommend?
A. Decrease daily fluid intake to less than 1 liter
