NU 131 NURSING AND HEALTHCARE 1 EXAM 4 (PDF) | 2026
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS + RATIONALES | STUDY
GUIDE | 100% CORRECT
1. The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is showing clinical manifestations of
depression. The nurse recognizes that this occurs in this age group primarily due to:
A) Nervous system changes
B) Fatigue
C) Increased confusion
D) Multiple losses
Correct Answer: D) Multiple losses
Rationale: Depression in older adults is often linked to the cumulative effect of multiple losses,
including loss of loved ones, health, independence, and social roles . While physical changes and
fatigue can contribute, the psychosocial impact of these losses is a primary precipitating factor.
2. The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is malnourished. Which physiological change
does the nurse recognize as contributing to this problem?
A) Oversensitivity to smells
B) Side effects of medications
C) Alteration in taste
D) Increased peristalsis
Correct Answer: C) Alteration in taste
Rationale: Age-related changes, such as a diminished sense of taste and smell, can reduce
appetite and lead to poor nutritional intake in older adults . This is a known physiological factor
contributing to malnutrition in this population.
,3. The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is reminiscing about their life. The client
expresses regret for life choices and feels they will not be missed. Which developmental stage is
the client struggling with according to Erikson?
A) Despair
B) Guilt
C) Ego integrity
D) Stagnation
Correct Answer: A) Despair
Rationale: According to Erikson's theory, the final stage of development is Integrity vs. Despair.
An older adult who looks back on their life with regret and feelings of worthlessness is
experiencing despair, the negative outcome of this stage .
4. A 40-year-old patient notices a decline in visual acuity during an eye examination. The most
likely cause of this symptom at this age is:
A) Cataracts
B) Presbyopia
C) Glaucoma
D) Macular degeneration
Correct Answer: B) Presbyopia
Rationale: Presbyopia, the age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on near objects, typically
begins around age 40 . This is a normal physiological change of middle adulthood.
5. The psychosocial task for the young adult, according to Erikson, is:
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B) Industry vs. Inferiority
C) Intimacy vs. Isolation
,D) Generativity vs. Stagnation
Correct Answer: C) Intimacy vs. Isolation
Rationale: Erikson's stage for young adulthood (approximately ages 20-40) is Intimacy vs.
Isolation. The primary task is forming intimate, loving relationships with others . Failure to do so
can lead to feelings of isolation.
6. The nurse is talking with a middle-aged client who is planning to return to college but fears
they cannot succeed due to their age. Which is the best response?
A) "Maybe you should consider a different goal."
B) "That is a common fear, but many people your age do well."
C) "Many people returning to college need time to adjust."
D) "You are never too old to learn something new."
Correct Answer: C) "Many people returning to college need time to adjust."
Rationale: This response normalizes the client's feelings while providing a realistic and
supportive perspective . It acknowledges the challenge but reassures the client that adjustment is
a normal part of the process.
7. Which statement about early adulthood physical development is correct?
A) Physical growth continues until age 30.
B) Blood pressure decreases due to increased vessel elasticity.
C) Basal metabolic rate increases.
D) Physical growth is complete.
Correct Answer: D) Physical growth is complete.
, Rationale: By early adulthood, physical growth is typically complete . Physiological peak
performance occurs during this stage, after which gradual age-related changes begin, such as
increased blood pressure from decreased vascular elasticity.
8. A nurse is discussing health promotion screenings with a 50-year-old male client. Which
screening should the nurse include in the discussion?
A) Thyroid levels
B) Colonoscopy
C) Testicular ultrasound
D) Skin lesion mapping
Correct Answer: B) Colonoscopy
Rationale: Routine screening for colorectal cancer with a colonoscopy is recommended for
average-risk adults starting at age 45-50 . This is a key health promotion activity for middle-aged
adults.
9. The nurse is assessing a 16-year-old male who is withdrawn and reports difficulty
concentrating in school. The mother is concerned about his excessive masturbation. Which is
most important for the nurse to explore further?
A) Mother's level of comfort discussing sexuality
B) Presence of genital discomfort
C) Frequency of masturbation
D) Client's understanding of healthy sexuality
Correct Answer: D) Client's understanding of healthy sexuality
Rationale: While frequency of masturbation may be a concern, the priority is to assess the
adolescent's understanding of healthy sexuality and address any misconceptions . This allows the
nurse to provide appropriate education and support, which is the most important initial
intervention.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS + RATIONALES | STUDY
GUIDE | 100% CORRECT
1. The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is showing clinical manifestations of
depression. The nurse recognizes that this occurs in this age group primarily due to:
A) Nervous system changes
B) Fatigue
C) Increased confusion
D) Multiple losses
Correct Answer: D) Multiple losses
Rationale: Depression in older adults is often linked to the cumulative effect of multiple losses,
including loss of loved ones, health, independence, and social roles . While physical changes and
fatigue can contribute, the psychosocial impact of these losses is a primary precipitating factor.
2. The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is malnourished. Which physiological change
does the nurse recognize as contributing to this problem?
A) Oversensitivity to smells
B) Side effects of medications
C) Alteration in taste
D) Increased peristalsis
Correct Answer: C) Alteration in taste
Rationale: Age-related changes, such as a diminished sense of taste and smell, can reduce
appetite and lead to poor nutritional intake in older adults . This is a known physiological factor
contributing to malnutrition in this population.
,3. The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is reminiscing about their life. The client
expresses regret for life choices and feels they will not be missed. Which developmental stage is
the client struggling with according to Erikson?
A) Despair
B) Guilt
C) Ego integrity
D) Stagnation
Correct Answer: A) Despair
Rationale: According to Erikson's theory, the final stage of development is Integrity vs. Despair.
An older adult who looks back on their life with regret and feelings of worthlessness is
experiencing despair, the negative outcome of this stage .
4. A 40-year-old patient notices a decline in visual acuity during an eye examination. The most
likely cause of this symptom at this age is:
A) Cataracts
B) Presbyopia
C) Glaucoma
D) Macular degeneration
Correct Answer: B) Presbyopia
Rationale: Presbyopia, the age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on near objects, typically
begins around age 40 . This is a normal physiological change of middle adulthood.
5. The psychosocial task for the young adult, according to Erikson, is:
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B) Industry vs. Inferiority
C) Intimacy vs. Isolation
,D) Generativity vs. Stagnation
Correct Answer: C) Intimacy vs. Isolation
Rationale: Erikson's stage for young adulthood (approximately ages 20-40) is Intimacy vs.
Isolation. The primary task is forming intimate, loving relationships with others . Failure to do so
can lead to feelings of isolation.
6. The nurse is talking with a middle-aged client who is planning to return to college but fears
they cannot succeed due to their age. Which is the best response?
A) "Maybe you should consider a different goal."
B) "That is a common fear, but many people your age do well."
C) "Many people returning to college need time to adjust."
D) "You are never too old to learn something new."
Correct Answer: C) "Many people returning to college need time to adjust."
Rationale: This response normalizes the client's feelings while providing a realistic and
supportive perspective . It acknowledges the challenge but reassures the client that adjustment is
a normal part of the process.
7. Which statement about early adulthood physical development is correct?
A) Physical growth continues until age 30.
B) Blood pressure decreases due to increased vessel elasticity.
C) Basal metabolic rate increases.
D) Physical growth is complete.
Correct Answer: D) Physical growth is complete.
, Rationale: By early adulthood, physical growth is typically complete . Physiological peak
performance occurs during this stage, after which gradual age-related changes begin, such as
increased blood pressure from decreased vascular elasticity.
8. A nurse is discussing health promotion screenings with a 50-year-old male client. Which
screening should the nurse include in the discussion?
A) Thyroid levels
B) Colonoscopy
C) Testicular ultrasound
D) Skin lesion mapping
Correct Answer: B) Colonoscopy
Rationale: Routine screening for colorectal cancer with a colonoscopy is recommended for
average-risk adults starting at age 45-50 . This is a key health promotion activity for middle-aged
adults.
9. The nurse is assessing a 16-year-old male who is withdrawn and reports difficulty
concentrating in school. The mother is concerned about his excessive masturbation. Which is
most important for the nurse to explore further?
A) Mother's level of comfort discussing sexuality
B) Presence of genital discomfort
C) Frequency of masturbation
D) Client's understanding of healthy sexuality
Correct Answer: D) Client's understanding of healthy sexuality
Rationale: While frequency of masturbation may be a concern, the priority is to assess the
adolescent's understanding of healthy sexuality and address any misconceptions . This allows the
nurse to provide appropriate education and support, which is the most important initial
intervention.
