ATI Gerontology Proctored Exam V1 | 2026
Q&A with Rationale (ATI Gerontology
Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing an 82-year-old client who has recently moved to an assisted living
facility. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a common physiological
change associated with aging?
A. Increased subcutaneous fat distribution over the extremities
B. Decreased production of saliva and digestive enzymes
C. Reduced sensitivity to glare and bright lights
D. Increased bladder capacity and delayed urge to void
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aging leads to a decrease in the production of saliva and digestive enzymes,
which can impact oral health and nutrient absorption. In contrast, subcutaneous fat
typically shifts from the extremities to the abdomen in older adults. Sensitivity to glare
actually increases due to changes in the lens, and bladder capacity decreases rather than
increases.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to an older adult client who has a new prescription
for a calcium channel blocker. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. ‘Stop taking the medication if you experience mild ankle swelling.’
,B. ‘Change positions slowly to prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure.’
C. ‘Increase your intake of grapefruit juice to enhance the drug’s effect.’
D. ‘Limit your daily fluid intake to 1,000 milliliters per day.’
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Older adults are at an increased risk for orthostatic hypotension due to age-
related changes in baroreceptor sensitivity. Changing positions slowly helps prevent
dizziness and falls associated with rapid blood pressure changes. Grapefruit juice should be
avoided as it can dangerously increase serum levels of certain calcium channel blockers.
3. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who reports difficulty sleeping. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse suggest to promote better sleep hygiene?
A. Take a vigorous 30-minute walk one hour before bedtime.
B. Keep the bedroom temperature slightly warm to promote relaxation.
C. Consume a high-protein snack right before lying down to sleep.
D. Engage in a quiet activity, such as reading, if unable to sleep after 20 minutes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Good sleep hygiene involves leaving the bed if sleep does not occur within a
short period to prevent the association of the bed with wakefulness. Vigorous exercise
should be avoided at least 2 to 3 hours before sleep as it increases core body temperature
,and alertness. A cool bedroom environment is generally more conducive to sleep than a
warm one.
4. A nurse is performing a skin assessment on an older adult client. Which of the following
findings is a priority to report to the provider?
A. Several raised, tan-colored warty lesions on the back
B. Small, bright red, slightly raised dots on the trunk
C. An asymmetric, multicolored lesion with irregular borders on the forearm
D. Thin, translucent skin with visible purple patches on the hands
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An asymmetric, multicolored lesion with irregular borders is a characteristic
sign of melanoma and requires immediate investigation. Seborrheic keratoses (tan warty
lesions) and cherry angiomas (red dots) are common benign skin changes in aging. Senile
purpura (purple patches) is also a common finding due to increased capillary fragility in
older adults.
5. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for signs of elder abuse. Which of the following
findings should the nurse identify as a potential indicator of physical neglect? (Select All That
Apply)
A. Pressure ulcers on the coccyx and heels
B. Overmedication resulting in excessive sedation
C. The client’s clothing is soiled and inappropriate for the weather
, D. Bilateral bruising on the upper arms in various stages of healing
E. Poor dental hygiene and multiple untreated cavities
F. Unexpected withdrawal from the client’s bank account
Correct Answer: ABCE
Rationale: Neglect is characterized by the failure to provide for the older adult’s basic
needs, such as hygiene, medical care, and nutrition. Pressure ulcers, soiled clothing, and
poor dental hygiene are physical manifestations of neglectful care. Overmedication can be a
form of chemical restraint or neglect in managing proper dosing; however, bruises on arms
(D) suggest physical abuse, and bank withdrawals (F) suggest financial exploitation.
6. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults at a community center about influenza
vaccinations. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
A. ‘You should receive the vaccine every 2 to 3 years after age 65.’
B. ‘The vaccine is contraindicated if you are currently taking blood thinners.’
C. ‘The high-dose vaccine is specifically recommended for adults 65 and older.’
D. ‘It takes approximately 48 hours for the vaccine to provide protection.’
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The CDC recommends the high-dose influenza vaccine for adults aged 65 and
older because it induces a stronger immune response. Influenza vaccinations must be
administered annually, not every 2 to 3 years, because the virus strains change each
Q&A with Rationale (ATI Gerontology
Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing an 82-year-old client who has recently moved to an assisted living
facility. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a common physiological
change associated with aging?
A. Increased subcutaneous fat distribution over the extremities
B. Decreased production of saliva and digestive enzymes
C. Reduced sensitivity to glare and bright lights
D. Increased bladder capacity and delayed urge to void
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aging leads to a decrease in the production of saliva and digestive enzymes,
which can impact oral health and nutrient absorption. In contrast, subcutaneous fat
typically shifts from the extremities to the abdomen in older adults. Sensitivity to glare
actually increases due to changes in the lens, and bladder capacity decreases rather than
increases.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to an older adult client who has a new prescription
for a calcium channel blocker. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. ‘Stop taking the medication if you experience mild ankle swelling.’
,B. ‘Change positions slowly to prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure.’
C. ‘Increase your intake of grapefruit juice to enhance the drug’s effect.’
D. ‘Limit your daily fluid intake to 1,000 milliliters per day.’
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Older adults are at an increased risk for orthostatic hypotension due to age-
related changes in baroreceptor sensitivity. Changing positions slowly helps prevent
dizziness and falls associated with rapid blood pressure changes. Grapefruit juice should be
avoided as it can dangerously increase serum levels of certain calcium channel blockers.
3. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who reports difficulty sleeping. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse suggest to promote better sleep hygiene?
A. Take a vigorous 30-minute walk one hour before bedtime.
B. Keep the bedroom temperature slightly warm to promote relaxation.
C. Consume a high-protein snack right before lying down to sleep.
D. Engage in a quiet activity, such as reading, if unable to sleep after 20 minutes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Good sleep hygiene involves leaving the bed if sleep does not occur within a
short period to prevent the association of the bed with wakefulness. Vigorous exercise
should be avoided at least 2 to 3 hours before sleep as it increases core body temperature
,and alertness. A cool bedroom environment is generally more conducive to sleep than a
warm one.
4. A nurse is performing a skin assessment on an older adult client. Which of the following
findings is a priority to report to the provider?
A. Several raised, tan-colored warty lesions on the back
B. Small, bright red, slightly raised dots on the trunk
C. An asymmetric, multicolored lesion with irregular borders on the forearm
D. Thin, translucent skin with visible purple patches on the hands
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An asymmetric, multicolored lesion with irregular borders is a characteristic
sign of melanoma and requires immediate investigation. Seborrheic keratoses (tan warty
lesions) and cherry angiomas (red dots) are common benign skin changes in aging. Senile
purpura (purple patches) is also a common finding due to increased capillary fragility in
older adults.
5. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for signs of elder abuse. Which of the following
findings should the nurse identify as a potential indicator of physical neglect? (Select All That
Apply)
A. Pressure ulcers on the coccyx and heels
B. Overmedication resulting in excessive sedation
C. The client’s clothing is soiled and inappropriate for the weather
, D. Bilateral bruising on the upper arms in various stages of healing
E. Poor dental hygiene and multiple untreated cavities
F. Unexpected withdrawal from the client’s bank account
Correct Answer: ABCE
Rationale: Neglect is characterized by the failure to provide for the older adult’s basic
needs, such as hygiene, medical care, and nutrition. Pressure ulcers, soiled clothing, and
poor dental hygiene are physical manifestations of neglectful care. Overmedication can be a
form of chemical restraint or neglect in managing proper dosing; however, bruises on arms
(D) suggest physical abuse, and bank withdrawals (F) suggest financial exploitation.
6. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults at a community center about influenza
vaccinations. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
A. ‘You should receive the vaccine every 2 to 3 years after age 65.’
B. ‘The vaccine is contraindicated if you are currently taking blood thinners.’
C. ‘The high-dose vaccine is specifically recommended for adults 65 and older.’
D. ‘It takes approximately 48 hours for the vaccine to provide protection.’
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The CDC recommends the high-dose influenza vaccine for adults aged 65 and
older because it induces a stronger immune response. Influenza vaccinations must be
administered annually, not every 2 to 3 years, because the virus strains change each
