Rasmussen University NUR 2214 Module 5 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Older
Adult Q&A | Geriatric Nursing
**1. Which drugs can cause adverse effects in the older adult client in the
acute care setting regarding safety?**
A) Antibiotics
B) Antihypertensives
C) Anticoagulants
D) Antidiabetics
Correct Answer: Antibiotics
Rationale: Antibiotics are a common class of medications that can cause
adverse effects in older adults in the acute care setting. Age-related changes
in renal and hepatic function can alter drug metabolism and excretion,
increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions, particularly with antibiotics that
are nephrotoxic or ototoxic. Safety is a primary concern when administering
any medication to the older adult population. (Sources: )
**2. The nurse understands that he or she should implement which action
first for an older adult with complaints of a rapid heart rate?**
A) Administer a beta-blocker
B) Assess the pulse rate
C) Notify the healthcare provider
D) Place the client on a cardiac monitor
Correct Answer: Assess the pulse rate
Rationale: The first action for an older adult reporting a rapid heart rate is to
assess the pulse rate. This provides objective data to confirm the subjective
complaint and determine the severity of the tachycardia, guiding further
,nursing interventions. Assessment is always the first step in the nursing
process before implementing any interventions. (Sources: )
**3. When completing a health history on an older adult client, the nurse's
best action is to:**
A) Rush through the interview to avoid fatigue
B) Ask closed-ended questions for efficiency
C) Maintain the client's privacy
D) Have a family member answer all questions
Correct Answer: Maintain the client's privacy
Rationale: Maintaining the client's privacy is a fundamental aspect of
conducting a health history with an older adult. Ensuring a private,
comfortable environment promotes trust and encourages the client to share
sensitive information openly. Privacy is essential for a comprehensive and
accurate health assessment. (Sources: )
**4. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates an
understanding of building rapport with the client during a health
assessment?**
A) Using medical jargon to appear knowledgeable
B) Completing the interview as quickly as possible
C) Planning enough time for the interview
D) Interrupting the client to keep the interview on track
Correct Answer: Planning enough time for the interview
Rationale: Building rapport with an older adult client involves planning
enough time for the interview. This allows the client to feel unhurried and
,comfortable sharing information, which is essential for establishing trust and
obtaining a thorough health history. Rushing can increase anxiety and hinder
effective communication. (Sources: )
**5. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the nurse's
understanding about the function of gathering subjective and objective data?
**
A) To determine the client's insurance coverage
B) To formulate nursing diagnoses and to plan client care
C) To evaluate the effectiveness of past treatments
D) To establish a baseline for family members
Correct Answer: To formulate nursing diagnoses and to plan client care
Rationale: The primary function of gathering subjective and objective data is
to formulate nursing diagnoses and plan client care. The nursing process
begins with assessment, and the data collected forms the foundation for
identifying client problems, establishing goals, and implementing appropriate
nursing interventions. (Sources: )
**6. Which of the following statements best describes the nurse's
understanding of best approaches to an older adult health interview?**
A) Use only closed-ended questions to save time
B) Explain the purpose of the interview so that the individual will know what
to expect
C) Conduct the interview with family members present at all times
D) Avoid discussing sensitive topics to prevent discomfort
Correct Answer: Explain the purpose of the interview so that the individual
will know what to expect
, Rationale: Explaining the purpose of the interview is a best approach when
conducting a health history with an older adult. This helps alleviate anxiety,
sets clear expectations, and promotes cooperation, making the interview
process more effective and patient-centered. (Sources: )
**7. The nurse is assessing an older adult client who has impaired mobility.
Which strategy would the nurse use to best help the client?**
A) Encourage the client to remain in bed
B) Perform all activities of daily living for the client
C) Modify the environment to reduce risks
D) Restrict the client's visitors to prevent falls
Correct Answer: Modify the environment to reduce risks
Rationale: For an older adult with impaired mobility, the best strategy is to
modify the environment to reduce risks. This includes removing tripping
hazards, ensuring adequate lighting, and installing grab bars, which helps
prevent falls and promotes safety and independence. (Sources: )
**8. True or False: Information that can be gathered using senses of vision,
hearing, touch, and smell is subjective data.**
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: False
Rationale: This statement is false. Information gathered using the senses of
vision, hearing, touch, and smell is objective data, not subjective. Subjective
data consists of information provided by the client, such as symptoms,
Adult Q&A | Geriatric Nursing
**1. Which drugs can cause adverse effects in the older adult client in the
acute care setting regarding safety?**
A) Antibiotics
B) Antihypertensives
C) Anticoagulants
D) Antidiabetics
Correct Answer: Antibiotics
Rationale: Antibiotics are a common class of medications that can cause
adverse effects in older adults in the acute care setting. Age-related changes
in renal and hepatic function can alter drug metabolism and excretion,
increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions, particularly with antibiotics that
are nephrotoxic or ototoxic. Safety is a primary concern when administering
any medication to the older adult population. (Sources: )
**2. The nurse understands that he or she should implement which action
first for an older adult with complaints of a rapid heart rate?**
A) Administer a beta-blocker
B) Assess the pulse rate
C) Notify the healthcare provider
D) Place the client on a cardiac monitor
Correct Answer: Assess the pulse rate
Rationale: The first action for an older adult reporting a rapid heart rate is to
assess the pulse rate. This provides objective data to confirm the subjective
complaint and determine the severity of the tachycardia, guiding further
,nursing interventions. Assessment is always the first step in the nursing
process before implementing any interventions. (Sources: )
**3. When completing a health history on an older adult client, the nurse's
best action is to:**
A) Rush through the interview to avoid fatigue
B) Ask closed-ended questions for efficiency
C) Maintain the client's privacy
D) Have a family member answer all questions
Correct Answer: Maintain the client's privacy
Rationale: Maintaining the client's privacy is a fundamental aspect of
conducting a health history with an older adult. Ensuring a private,
comfortable environment promotes trust and encourages the client to share
sensitive information openly. Privacy is essential for a comprehensive and
accurate health assessment. (Sources: )
**4. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates an
understanding of building rapport with the client during a health
assessment?**
A) Using medical jargon to appear knowledgeable
B) Completing the interview as quickly as possible
C) Planning enough time for the interview
D) Interrupting the client to keep the interview on track
Correct Answer: Planning enough time for the interview
Rationale: Building rapport with an older adult client involves planning
enough time for the interview. This allows the client to feel unhurried and
,comfortable sharing information, which is essential for establishing trust and
obtaining a thorough health history. Rushing can increase anxiety and hinder
effective communication. (Sources: )
**5. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the nurse's
understanding about the function of gathering subjective and objective data?
**
A) To determine the client's insurance coverage
B) To formulate nursing diagnoses and to plan client care
C) To evaluate the effectiveness of past treatments
D) To establish a baseline for family members
Correct Answer: To formulate nursing diagnoses and to plan client care
Rationale: The primary function of gathering subjective and objective data is
to formulate nursing diagnoses and plan client care. The nursing process
begins with assessment, and the data collected forms the foundation for
identifying client problems, establishing goals, and implementing appropriate
nursing interventions. (Sources: )
**6. Which of the following statements best describes the nurse's
understanding of best approaches to an older adult health interview?**
A) Use only closed-ended questions to save time
B) Explain the purpose of the interview so that the individual will know what
to expect
C) Conduct the interview with family members present at all times
D) Avoid discussing sensitive topics to prevent discomfort
Correct Answer: Explain the purpose of the interview so that the individual
will know what to expect
, Rationale: Explaining the purpose of the interview is a best approach when
conducting a health history with an older adult. This helps alleviate anxiety,
sets clear expectations, and promotes cooperation, making the interview
process more effective and patient-centered. (Sources: )
**7. The nurse is assessing an older adult client who has impaired mobility.
Which strategy would the nurse use to best help the client?**
A) Encourage the client to remain in bed
B) Perform all activities of daily living for the client
C) Modify the environment to reduce risks
D) Restrict the client's visitors to prevent falls
Correct Answer: Modify the environment to reduce risks
Rationale: For an older adult with impaired mobility, the best strategy is to
modify the environment to reduce risks. This includes removing tripping
hazards, ensuring adequate lighting, and installing grab bars, which helps
prevent falls and promotes safety and independence. (Sources: )
**8. True or False: Information that can be gathered using senses of vision,
hearing, touch, and smell is subjective data.**
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: False
Rationale: This statement is false. Information gathered using the senses of
vision, hearing, touch, and smell is objective data, not subjective. Subjective
data consists of information provided by the client, such as symptoms,
