NUR 257 CHRONIC EXAM 4 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | GALEN
COLLEGE OF NURSING | QUESTIONS
WITH DETAILED RATIONALES | FALL
2025/2026 |GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED
PASS | LATEST!!
1. Which statement best describes a chronic illness?
A. A condition that always has a predictable cure
B. A condition requiring ongoing management over an extended period
C. A condition that develops suddenly and resolves quickly
D. A condition requiring hospitalization in every case
Answer: B. A condition requiring ongoing management over an extended period.
Rationale: Chronic conditions generally require continuing assessment, treatment, self-
management, and adaptation over months or years.
2. Which principle is most important when caring for a client with multiple chronic
conditions?
A. Focus exclusively on the most recently diagnosed condition
B. Encourage the client to make all decisions independently without assistance
C. Use a collaborative approach involving the client and healthcare team
D. Avoid discussing long-term goals
Answer: C. Use a collaborative approach involving the client and healthcare team.
Rationale: Chronic illness management is most effective when clients, families, and
healthcare professionals collaborate on individualized goals and interventions.
3. Which finding is generally considered an abnormal change in an older adult?
A. Increased need for bright lighting
B. Gradual decrease in skin elasticity
C. New-onset confusion
D. Reduced muscle mass
Answer: C. New-onset confusion.
,Rationale: Some physiologic changes occur with normal aging, but acute confusion or a
significant change in mental status should be investigated for an underlying problem.
4. Which intervention is appropriate for reducing fall risk in an older adult's home?
A. Encourage the use of loose rugs
B. Keep frequently used items on high shelves
C. Improve lighting and remove environmental hazards
D. Encourage walking without assistive devices
Answer: C. Improve lighting and remove environmental hazards.
Rationale: Adequate lighting, removal of clutter, secure flooring, and appropriate assistive
devices can reduce environmental fall risks.
5. Which medication effect is the nurse most concerned about when administering an
opioid to an older adult?
A. Mild dry mouth
B. Respiratory depression
C. Increased appetite
D. Temporary flushing
Answer: B. Respiratory depression.
Rationale: Opioids can suppress the respiratory center. Respiratory rate and level of
consciousness must be monitored, particularly in older adults.
6. Which medication is commonly used to treat an acute gout attack?
A. Colchicine
B. Levothyroxine
C. Alendronate
D. Furosemide
Answer: A. Colchicine.
Rationale: Colchicine can be used to reduce inflammation associated with an acute gout
flare. Long-term urate-lowering therapy has a different role.
7. Which dietary teaching is appropriate for a client with recurrent gout?
A. Increase alcohol consumption
B. Maintain adequate hydration
C. Eliminate all carbohydrates
D. Increase intake of organ meats
,Answer: B. Maintain adequate hydration.
Rationale: Adequate fluid intake can help reduce uric-acid concentration and support renal
excretion. Alcohol and purine-rich foods may contribute to attacks.
8. Which activity is generally appropriate for a client with osteoarthritis?
A. Prolonged high-impact running
B. Low-impact swimming
C. Complete bed rest
D. Repetitive jumping exercises
Answer: B. Low-impact swimming.
Rationale: Low-impact activities can improve mobility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness
while placing less stress on affected joints.
9. Which finding is most characteristic of osteoporosis?
A. Increased bone density
B. Increased bone fragility
C. Excessive cartilage growth
D. Increased muscle mass
Answer: B. Increased bone fragility.
Rationale: Osteoporosis involves reduced bone strength and increased fracture risk,
particularly involving the hip, spine, and wrist.
10. Which intervention is appropriate for preventing osteoporosis-related fractures?
A. Encourage weight-bearing activity as tolerated
B. Encourage prolonged immobility
C. Avoid calcium-containing foods
D. Limit exposure to all physical activity
Answer: A. Encourage weight-bearing activity as tolerated.
Rationale: Appropriate weight-bearing and resistance exercise can support bone strength
and physical function while also helping reduce fall risk.
11. Which assessment finding should the nurse recognize as a possible manifestation of
depression in an older adult?
A. Persistent loss of interest in activities
B. Increased participation in social activities
, C. Consistently elevated energy
D. Improved concentration
Answer: A. Persistent loss of interest in activities.
Rationale: Depression may present with loss of interest, fatigue, sleep or appetite changes,
impaired concentration, and other emotional or physical symptoms.
12. A client with a chronic condition reports increasing fatigue and inability to perform
usual activities. What should the nurse do first?
A. Tell the client that fatigue is always expected
B. Assess the characteristics and severity of the fatigue
C. Recommend complete bed rest
D. Discontinue all medications
Answer: B. Assess the characteristics and severity of the fatigue.
Rationale: Assessment is the first step. Fatigue can result from the disease itself, medication
effects, anemia, infection, depression, sleep problems, or other causes.
13. Which statement demonstrates appropriate people-first language?
A. "The diabetic in room 4 needs medication."
B. "The disabled patient is waiting."
C. "The patient with diabetes is waiting for education."
D. "The wheelchair-bound patient needs assistance."
Answer: C. "The patient with diabetes is waiting for education."
Rationale: People-first language identifies the individual before the condition and avoids
defining the person solely by a diagnosis or disability.
14. Which nursing action promotes independence in a client with a chronic disability?
A. Perform every activity for the client
B. Encourage the client to perform tasks within their abilities
C. Prevent the client from making decisions
D. Avoid assistive devices
Answer: B. Encourage the client to perform tasks within their abilities.
Rationale: Supporting appropriate independence promotes autonomy, self-efficacy, and
functional ability.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | GALEN
COLLEGE OF NURSING | QUESTIONS
WITH DETAILED RATIONALES | FALL
2025/2026 |GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED
PASS | LATEST!!
1. Which statement best describes a chronic illness?
A. A condition that always has a predictable cure
B. A condition requiring ongoing management over an extended period
C. A condition that develops suddenly and resolves quickly
D. A condition requiring hospitalization in every case
Answer: B. A condition requiring ongoing management over an extended period.
Rationale: Chronic conditions generally require continuing assessment, treatment, self-
management, and adaptation over months or years.
2. Which principle is most important when caring for a client with multiple chronic
conditions?
A. Focus exclusively on the most recently diagnosed condition
B. Encourage the client to make all decisions independently without assistance
C. Use a collaborative approach involving the client and healthcare team
D. Avoid discussing long-term goals
Answer: C. Use a collaborative approach involving the client and healthcare team.
Rationale: Chronic illness management is most effective when clients, families, and
healthcare professionals collaborate on individualized goals and interventions.
3. Which finding is generally considered an abnormal change in an older adult?
A. Increased need for bright lighting
B. Gradual decrease in skin elasticity
C. New-onset confusion
D. Reduced muscle mass
Answer: C. New-onset confusion.
,Rationale: Some physiologic changes occur with normal aging, but acute confusion or a
significant change in mental status should be investigated for an underlying problem.
4. Which intervention is appropriate for reducing fall risk in an older adult's home?
A. Encourage the use of loose rugs
B. Keep frequently used items on high shelves
C. Improve lighting and remove environmental hazards
D. Encourage walking without assistive devices
Answer: C. Improve lighting and remove environmental hazards.
Rationale: Adequate lighting, removal of clutter, secure flooring, and appropriate assistive
devices can reduce environmental fall risks.
5. Which medication effect is the nurse most concerned about when administering an
opioid to an older adult?
A. Mild dry mouth
B. Respiratory depression
C. Increased appetite
D. Temporary flushing
Answer: B. Respiratory depression.
Rationale: Opioids can suppress the respiratory center. Respiratory rate and level of
consciousness must be monitored, particularly in older adults.
6. Which medication is commonly used to treat an acute gout attack?
A. Colchicine
B. Levothyroxine
C. Alendronate
D. Furosemide
Answer: A. Colchicine.
Rationale: Colchicine can be used to reduce inflammation associated with an acute gout
flare. Long-term urate-lowering therapy has a different role.
7. Which dietary teaching is appropriate for a client with recurrent gout?
A. Increase alcohol consumption
B. Maintain adequate hydration
C. Eliminate all carbohydrates
D. Increase intake of organ meats
,Answer: B. Maintain adequate hydration.
Rationale: Adequate fluid intake can help reduce uric-acid concentration and support renal
excretion. Alcohol and purine-rich foods may contribute to attacks.
8. Which activity is generally appropriate for a client with osteoarthritis?
A. Prolonged high-impact running
B. Low-impact swimming
C. Complete bed rest
D. Repetitive jumping exercises
Answer: B. Low-impact swimming.
Rationale: Low-impact activities can improve mobility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness
while placing less stress on affected joints.
9. Which finding is most characteristic of osteoporosis?
A. Increased bone density
B. Increased bone fragility
C. Excessive cartilage growth
D. Increased muscle mass
Answer: B. Increased bone fragility.
Rationale: Osteoporosis involves reduced bone strength and increased fracture risk,
particularly involving the hip, spine, and wrist.
10. Which intervention is appropriate for preventing osteoporosis-related fractures?
A. Encourage weight-bearing activity as tolerated
B. Encourage prolonged immobility
C. Avoid calcium-containing foods
D. Limit exposure to all physical activity
Answer: A. Encourage weight-bearing activity as tolerated.
Rationale: Appropriate weight-bearing and resistance exercise can support bone strength
and physical function while also helping reduce fall risk.
11. Which assessment finding should the nurse recognize as a possible manifestation of
depression in an older adult?
A. Persistent loss of interest in activities
B. Increased participation in social activities
, C. Consistently elevated energy
D. Improved concentration
Answer: A. Persistent loss of interest in activities.
Rationale: Depression may present with loss of interest, fatigue, sleep or appetite changes,
impaired concentration, and other emotional or physical symptoms.
12. A client with a chronic condition reports increasing fatigue and inability to perform
usual activities. What should the nurse do first?
A. Tell the client that fatigue is always expected
B. Assess the characteristics and severity of the fatigue
C. Recommend complete bed rest
D. Discontinue all medications
Answer: B. Assess the characteristics and severity of the fatigue.
Rationale: Assessment is the first step. Fatigue can result from the disease itself, medication
effects, anemia, infection, depression, sleep problems, or other causes.
13. Which statement demonstrates appropriate people-first language?
A. "The diabetic in room 4 needs medication."
B. "The disabled patient is waiting."
C. "The patient with diabetes is waiting for education."
D. "The wheelchair-bound patient needs assistance."
Answer: C. "The patient with diabetes is waiting for education."
Rationale: People-first language identifies the individual before the condition and avoids
defining the person solely by a diagnosis or disability.
14. Which nursing action promotes independence in a client with a chronic disability?
A. Perform every activity for the client
B. Encourage the client to perform tasks within their abilities
C. Prevent the client from making decisions
D. Avoid assistive devices
Answer: B. Encourage the client to perform tasks within their abilities.
Rationale: Supporting appropriate independence promotes autonomy, self-efficacy, and
functional ability.
