,NU 176/NU176 Exam 2 | Geriatric Nursing
(2026) Actual Q&A PDF | Galen College
1. A nurse is assessing an 84-year-old patient's functional status. Which activity
is considered an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?
A) Bathing
B) Toileting
C) Managing finances
D) Eating
Correct Answer: Managing finances
Rationale: IADLs are complex tasks necessary for independent living, such as
managing finances, shopping, and meal preparation. Basic ADLs include bathing,
toileting, and eating. A decline in IADLs can be an early indicator of cognitive
impairment.
2. An older adult with dementia is incontinent of stool. What is the nurse's
priority intervention?
A) Restrict fluids to reduce stool volume
B) Apply an adult brief and change it every shift
C) Administer a daily laxative
D) Implement a prompted toileting program
Correct Answer: Implement a prompted toileting program
,Rationale: A prompted toileting program helps maintain continence and dignity
by anticipating elimination needs. It is a non-invasive, evidence-based
approach. Fluid restriction and laxatives may worsen the problem; briefs
manage but do not address the cause.
3. Which statement best defines frailty in the older adult population?
A) A normal age-related decline in physical function
B) An inevitable consequence of living past 80
C) A reversible condition caused solely by poor nutrition
D) A state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes due to
decreased physiological reserve
Correct Answer: A state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes
due to decreased physiological reserve
Rationale: Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterized by diminished strength,
endurance, and physiologic function, increasing vulnerability to stressors. It is
not a normal part of aging and can be identified and managed with targeted
interventions.
4. The nurse is evaluating an older adult's fall risk using the Timed Up and Go
(TUG) test. The patient completes the test in 15 seconds. What action should
the nurse take?
A) Document the finding as normal and continue routine care
B) Implement fall prevention interventions
C) Notify the provider immediately for hospitalization
D) Restrict the patient to a wheelchair
, Correct Answer: Implement fall prevention interventions
Rationale: A TUG time of 15 seconds indicates impaired mobility and increased
fall risk. The nurse should initiate fall precautions such as non-skid socks, clear
pathways, and strengthening exercises, and reassess. Restriction is not the first-
line intervention.
5. An older adult patient is admitted with confusion, inattention, and fluctuating
level of consciousness that developed over two days. The nurse suspects
delirium. Which is the most likely cause?
A) Progressive Alzheimer's disease
B) An acute urinary tract infection
C) Normal aging changes
D) Chronic vascular dementia
Correct Answer: An acute urinary tract infection
Rationale: Delirium is an acute, reversible condition often triggered by infection
(especially UTI in older adults), medications, or electrolyte imbalances. The
sudden onset and fluctuating symptoms differentiate it from dementia, which is
chronic and progressive.
6. The nurse is using the SPICES assessment tool for an older adult. What does
the "S" represent?
A) Skin breakdown
B) Sleep disorders
(2026) Actual Q&A PDF | Galen College
1. A nurse is assessing an 84-year-old patient's functional status. Which activity
is considered an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?
A) Bathing
B) Toileting
C) Managing finances
D) Eating
Correct Answer: Managing finances
Rationale: IADLs are complex tasks necessary for independent living, such as
managing finances, shopping, and meal preparation. Basic ADLs include bathing,
toileting, and eating. A decline in IADLs can be an early indicator of cognitive
impairment.
2. An older adult with dementia is incontinent of stool. What is the nurse's
priority intervention?
A) Restrict fluids to reduce stool volume
B) Apply an adult brief and change it every shift
C) Administer a daily laxative
D) Implement a prompted toileting program
Correct Answer: Implement a prompted toileting program
,Rationale: A prompted toileting program helps maintain continence and dignity
by anticipating elimination needs. It is a non-invasive, evidence-based
approach. Fluid restriction and laxatives may worsen the problem; briefs
manage but do not address the cause.
3. Which statement best defines frailty in the older adult population?
A) A normal age-related decline in physical function
B) An inevitable consequence of living past 80
C) A reversible condition caused solely by poor nutrition
D) A state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes due to
decreased physiological reserve
Correct Answer: A state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes
due to decreased physiological reserve
Rationale: Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterized by diminished strength,
endurance, and physiologic function, increasing vulnerability to stressors. It is
not a normal part of aging and can be identified and managed with targeted
interventions.
4. The nurse is evaluating an older adult's fall risk using the Timed Up and Go
(TUG) test. The patient completes the test in 15 seconds. What action should
the nurse take?
A) Document the finding as normal and continue routine care
B) Implement fall prevention interventions
C) Notify the provider immediately for hospitalization
D) Restrict the patient to a wheelchair
, Correct Answer: Implement fall prevention interventions
Rationale: A TUG time of 15 seconds indicates impaired mobility and increased
fall risk. The nurse should initiate fall precautions such as non-skid socks, clear
pathways, and strengthening exercises, and reassess. Restriction is not the first-
line intervention.
5. An older adult patient is admitted with confusion, inattention, and fluctuating
level of consciousness that developed over two days. The nurse suspects
delirium. Which is the most likely cause?
A) Progressive Alzheimer's disease
B) An acute urinary tract infection
C) Normal aging changes
D) Chronic vascular dementia
Correct Answer: An acute urinary tract infection
Rationale: Delirium is an acute, reversible condition often triggered by infection
(especially UTI in older adults), medications, or electrolyte imbalances. The
sudden onset and fluctuating symptoms differentiate it from dementia, which is
chronic and progressive.
6. The nurse is using the SPICES assessment tool for an older adult. What does
the "S" represent?
A) Skin breakdown
B) Sleep disorders
