Older Adult Final Exam | Gerontological Nursing Practice Questions & Verified Answers
1.Which statement made by a nurse reflects a lack of A
understanding regarding sexual intimacy and the older
adult patient?
a. "Older adults express less interest in intimacy as both
acute and chronic illnesses develop."
b. "Sexual expression is considered an enhancement to
the quality of the older adult's life."
c. "Expressing sexual needs may be difficult or impossible
for some older adults."
d. "Interest in physical contact tends to persist throughout
life for both genders."
2. A 70-year-old female patient shares with the nurse her C
concern that recently it takes more time to achieve an
orgasm. The nurse responds most therapeutically when
answering:
a. "You've described a common result of aging for both
men and women."
b. "If you experience difficulty achieving orgasms, you
should discuss that with your doctor."
c. "Your body produces fewer sex hormones now, and you
need more stimulation to climax."
d. "I understand your concern. Let's talk more about the
changes you've noticed."
3. A type 2 insulin-dependent diabetic 70-year-old recently B
lost his wife and is experiencing impotence. Besides
educating the patient on the normal effects of aging on
sexual function, the nurse should initially include
information regarding:
a. the effect that stress has on sexual performance.
b. the effect of diabetes mellitus on the vascular system.
c. the link between depression and sexual dysfunction.
d. sexual dysfunction related to long-term use of insulin.
4. Upon entering the room of a cognitively impaired older C
adult patient, the nurse observes that he is exposed and
rubbing his genitals. The nurse's initial concern is to:
a. alert staff to be aware of this new behavior.
b. provide the patient with privacy.
c. assess him for possible pain and fever.
d. provide a verbal cue for him to stop the behavior.
5. To effectively assess an older adult patient's sexual A
needs, the nurse must initially:
a. reflect on personal feelings that create barriers to
effective communication with the patient.
b. be familiar with the sexual needs of the older adult
population.
c. assess the patient's physical capacity to engage in
sexual activities.
d. inform the patient of the personal nature of the detailed
questioning this assessment requires.
6. An older adult patient recovering from a radical D
prostatectomy is discussing his postsurgical care plan with
the nurse when he expresses concern about long-term
impotence. The nurse initially responds:
a. "I'd suggest a consult with a sexuality counselor for you
and your partner."
b. "When you've healed sufficiently, we can discuss
prosthetic devices that help."
c. "There are medications called phosphodiesterase
inhibitors that minimize that problem."
d. "While postsurgical erectile dysfunction is likely, it is
generally temporary."
, Older Adult Final Exam | Gerontological Nursing Practice Questions & Verified Answers
7. The charge nurse on an extended care unit recognizes D
an immediate need for additional unit education regarding
sexuality and the older adult when overhearing a staff
member state:
a. "I've had to tell her to stop touching my breasts twice
today."
b. "Someone needs to tell him to keep his pants zipped."
c. "I realize they have needs, but I'm not sure how to
handle that."
d. "It's sad that Alzheimer disease causes them to become
sexual perverts."
8. An older adult female patient who has multiple sexual B
partners asks the nurse if the risk for contracting HIV really
does increase as we age. The nurse shows the best
understanding of this risk when responding:
a. "Any time one engages in sex with multiple partners, the
risk for contracting HIV increases."
b. "Changes in vaginal tissue and immune function
increase the risk, especially if sex is unprotected."
c. "Unless you are engaging in unprotected oral sex, your
risk does not increase substantially."
d. "Yes, your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted
disease (STD) including HIV, dramatically increases as
you age."
9. Through the open door of the patient's room, the nurse D
observes a male patient and his long-term partner in a
romantic embrace. The nurse's priority intervention is
directed toward:
a. reinforcing for the staff the patient's intimacy needs.
b. explaining to the patient the challenges that his
relationship poses for the staff.
c. offering to discuss the barriers to intimacy that the
patient and his partner face.
d. quietly closing the door to address the patient's right to
privacy.
10. The gerontologic nurse wants to begin assessing B
concerns related to sexuality among the population of
patients seen in the clinic. What action by the nurse is
best?
a. Give the patients questionnaires to fill out.
b. Get permission to discuss sexuality with them.
c. Tell the patients you are now assessing sexuality.
d. Ask the patients if they have concerns about sex.
11. The nursing manager feels that intimacy needs are not B
being assessed or addressed by the staff on the unit. What
action by the manager is best?
a. Tell the staff sexuality is expected to be assessed.
b. Provide the staff with education on sexuality.
c. Obtain tools for staff to use when assessing sexuality.
d. Allow those with cultural objections to opt out.
12. The nurse notes the patient's chart lists "dyspareunia" A
as a complaint. What teaching does the nurse plan to
provide?
a. Use of water-soluble lubricants
b. Performing Kegel exercises
c. Deep breathing and relaxation
d. Use of antifungal medications
13. The nurse using the permission, limited information, D
specific suggestions, and intensive therapy (PLISSIT)
model offers specific suggestions when:
a. Referring the patient to a sex therapist.
b. Discussing over-the-counter lubricants.
c. Teaching safer sex practices.
d. Discussing sexual positioning after hip surgery.
, Older Adult Final Exam | Gerontological Nursing Practice Questions & Verified Answers
14. The patient who recently had a radical prostatectomy C
has the nursing diagnosis of ineffective sexuality patterns.
What assessment by the nurse best indicates that the
goals for this diagnosis have been met?
a. Patient states he can live without sex.
b. Patient says that impotence is temporary.
c. Patient states his needs are being met.
d. Patient asks about medication for ED.
15. An older adult has begun dating after being widowed B
for many years. The adult confides to the nurse about
having several sexual partners. What action by the nurse
is best?
a. Warn the patient that the family may not appreciate the
situation.
b. Teach the patient about safer sexual practices including
condoms.
c. Ask the patient if there are any medical concerns related
to sex.
d. Tell the patient he or she may begin to have feelings of
guilt.
16. What information about sexuality is contrary to C
research on sexuality in older men?
a. Erections are not as firm.
b. It takes longer to obtain erections.
c. Erectile dysfunction is inevitable.
d. Ejaculation may not be a strong.
17. A patient with arthritis has difficulty participating is sex A
because of joint pain and stiffness. What action by the
nurse is best?
a. Suggest a warm shower prior to sexual activity.
b. Ask the patient if he or she needs more pain medication.
c. Explore other ways of expressing sexuality.
d. Refer the patient to a rheumatologist.
18. An older male patient is seen in the family practice C
clinic and tells the nurse he no longer takes his metoprolol
(Toprol) because "it interferes with my lifestyle." What
action by the nurse is best?
a. Warn the patient of the complications of hypertension.
b. Ask the patient if he can afford the medication.
c. Tell the patient this drug often causes erectile
dysfunction.
d. Take the patient's blood pressure and record the
findings.
19. A male patient takes carbamazepine (Tegretol). The B
spouse reports sexual dysfunction, but the patient
adamantly denies he has this problem. What response by
the nurse is best?
a. Telling him, "You need to think of your wife's needs too."
b. Telling him this is common and can be discussed if
wanted.
c. Questioning the patient again about sexual functioning
d. Telling the doctor to change the patient's prescription
20. A patient has many sexual partners but does not use B
condoms. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Ask the patient what he or she knows about HIV.
b. Assess the patient for barriers to using condoms.
c. Give the patient statistics on HIV in older adults.
d. Tell the patient safer sex practices should be used.
, Older Adult Final Exam | Gerontological Nursing Practice Questions & Verified Answers
21. A recently widowed patient reports new onset of sexual A
dysfunction. There are no new medications or illnesses.
What action by the nurse is best?
a. Assess the patient's alcohol intake.
b. Refer the patient for counseling.
c. Ask if there are new partners.
d. Have the patient speak to the doctor.
22. A patient lives in a long-term care facility and has mild A
dementia. The patient has been showing interest in
another resident. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Determining if the resident has decision-making
capacity.
b. Refusing to allow the residents to be alone together.
c. Asking the resident's family if the relationship is okay.
d. Providing time for the residents to be together.
23. The family of a resident in an assisted living facility B
contacts the director to say they are "appalled" that the
resident is allowed to have pornographic magazines in the
room. What response by the director is most appropriate?
a. "We will take those away immediately."
b. "Your loved one has the right to have these."
c. "How do you know about these magazines?"
d. "He cannot stay here if he has these in the room."
1. The nurse working in long-term care knows there are A, B, C, D
several barriers to sexual expression for older patients.
Which of the following are barriers? (Select all that apply.)
a. Decreasing desire
b. Medication side effects
c. Disease processes
d. Social circumstances
e. Increased libido
2. The nurse is learning about postmenopausal changes A, B, C, E
that can affect sexuality in women. Which of the following
are included? (Select all that apply.)
a. Shortening of the vagina
b. Need to void after intercourse
c. Vaginal dryness
d. Vaginal irritation needs investigation
e. Vaginal secretions diminish
1. An 80-year-old patient has nausea and vomiting related A
to a gastrointestinal disorder. The nursing intervention
most likely to help the patient is to:
a. offer sips of soda every 15 minutes until more is
tolerated.
b. encourage the patient to lie in a prone position while
nauseated.
c. encourage the intake of high-calorie foods such as
milkshakes.
d. keep the patient on a nothing-by-mouth (NPO) order
until the nausea subsides.
2. When preparing to discharge an older patient with mild A
dysphagia, the nurse suggests that the patient can
minimize symptoms by:
a. eating small meals every 2 to 3 hours
b. cutting a sandwich into bite-sized peicees.
c. eating less but choosing nutrient-dense foods.
d. drinking thin liquids instead of eating solids.
1.Which statement made by a nurse reflects a lack of A
understanding regarding sexual intimacy and the older
adult patient?
a. "Older adults express less interest in intimacy as both
acute and chronic illnesses develop."
b. "Sexual expression is considered an enhancement to
the quality of the older adult's life."
c. "Expressing sexual needs may be difficult or impossible
for some older adults."
d. "Interest in physical contact tends to persist throughout
life for both genders."
2. A 70-year-old female patient shares with the nurse her C
concern that recently it takes more time to achieve an
orgasm. The nurse responds most therapeutically when
answering:
a. "You've described a common result of aging for both
men and women."
b. "If you experience difficulty achieving orgasms, you
should discuss that with your doctor."
c. "Your body produces fewer sex hormones now, and you
need more stimulation to climax."
d. "I understand your concern. Let's talk more about the
changes you've noticed."
3. A type 2 insulin-dependent diabetic 70-year-old recently B
lost his wife and is experiencing impotence. Besides
educating the patient on the normal effects of aging on
sexual function, the nurse should initially include
information regarding:
a. the effect that stress has on sexual performance.
b. the effect of diabetes mellitus on the vascular system.
c. the link between depression and sexual dysfunction.
d. sexual dysfunction related to long-term use of insulin.
4. Upon entering the room of a cognitively impaired older C
adult patient, the nurse observes that he is exposed and
rubbing his genitals. The nurse's initial concern is to:
a. alert staff to be aware of this new behavior.
b. provide the patient with privacy.
c. assess him for possible pain and fever.
d. provide a verbal cue for him to stop the behavior.
5. To effectively assess an older adult patient's sexual A
needs, the nurse must initially:
a. reflect on personal feelings that create barriers to
effective communication with the patient.
b. be familiar with the sexual needs of the older adult
population.
c. assess the patient's physical capacity to engage in
sexual activities.
d. inform the patient of the personal nature of the detailed
questioning this assessment requires.
6. An older adult patient recovering from a radical D
prostatectomy is discussing his postsurgical care plan with
the nurse when he expresses concern about long-term
impotence. The nurse initially responds:
a. "I'd suggest a consult with a sexuality counselor for you
and your partner."
b. "When you've healed sufficiently, we can discuss
prosthetic devices that help."
c. "There are medications called phosphodiesterase
inhibitors that minimize that problem."
d. "While postsurgical erectile dysfunction is likely, it is
generally temporary."
, Older Adult Final Exam | Gerontological Nursing Practice Questions & Verified Answers
7. The charge nurse on an extended care unit recognizes D
an immediate need for additional unit education regarding
sexuality and the older adult when overhearing a staff
member state:
a. "I've had to tell her to stop touching my breasts twice
today."
b. "Someone needs to tell him to keep his pants zipped."
c. "I realize they have needs, but I'm not sure how to
handle that."
d. "It's sad that Alzheimer disease causes them to become
sexual perverts."
8. An older adult female patient who has multiple sexual B
partners asks the nurse if the risk for contracting HIV really
does increase as we age. The nurse shows the best
understanding of this risk when responding:
a. "Any time one engages in sex with multiple partners, the
risk for contracting HIV increases."
b. "Changes in vaginal tissue and immune function
increase the risk, especially if sex is unprotected."
c. "Unless you are engaging in unprotected oral sex, your
risk does not increase substantially."
d. "Yes, your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted
disease (STD) including HIV, dramatically increases as
you age."
9. Through the open door of the patient's room, the nurse D
observes a male patient and his long-term partner in a
romantic embrace. The nurse's priority intervention is
directed toward:
a. reinforcing for the staff the patient's intimacy needs.
b. explaining to the patient the challenges that his
relationship poses for the staff.
c. offering to discuss the barriers to intimacy that the
patient and his partner face.
d. quietly closing the door to address the patient's right to
privacy.
10. The gerontologic nurse wants to begin assessing B
concerns related to sexuality among the population of
patients seen in the clinic. What action by the nurse is
best?
a. Give the patients questionnaires to fill out.
b. Get permission to discuss sexuality with them.
c. Tell the patients you are now assessing sexuality.
d. Ask the patients if they have concerns about sex.
11. The nursing manager feels that intimacy needs are not B
being assessed or addressed by the staff on the unit. What
action by the manager is best?
a. Tell the staff sexuality is expected to be assessed.
b. Provide the staff with education on sexuality.
c. Obtain tools for staff to use when assessing sexuality.
d. Allow those with cultural objections to opt out.
12. The nurse notes the patient's chart lists "dyspareunia" A
as a complaint. What teaching does the nurse plan to
provide?
a. Use of water-soluble lubricants
b. Performing Kegel exercises
c. Deep breathing and relaxation
d. Use of antifungal medications
13. The nurse using the permission, limited information, D
specific suggestions, and intensive therapy (PLISSIT)
model offers specific suggestions when:
a. Referring the patient to a sex therapist.
b. Discussing over-the-counter lubricants.
c. Teaching safer sex practices.
d. Discussing sexual positioning after hip surgery.
, Older Adult Final Exam | Gerontological Nursing Practice Questions & Verified Answers
14. The patient who recently had a radical prostatectomy C
has the nursing diagnosis of ineffective sexuality patterns.
What assessment by the nurse best indicates that the
goals for this diagnosis have been met?
a. Patient states he can live without sex.
b. Patient says that impotence is temporary.
c. Patient states his needs are being met.
d. Patient asks about medication for ED.
15. An older adult has begun dating after being widowed B
for many years. The adult confides to the nurse about
having several sexual partners. What action by the nurse
is best?
a. Warn the patient that the family may not appreciate the
situation.
b. Teach the patient about safer sexual practices including
condoms.
c. Ask the patient if there are any medical concerns related
to sex.
d. Tell the patient he or she may begin to have feelings of
guilt.
16. What information about sexuality is contrary to C
research on sexuality in older men?
a. Erections are not as firm.
b. It takes longer to obtain erections.
c. Erectile dysfunction is inevitable.
d. Ejaculation may not be a strong.
17. A patient with arthritis has difficulty participating is sex A
because of joint pain and stiffness. What action by the
nurse is best?
a. Suggest a warm shower prior to sexual activity.
b. Ask the patient if he or she needs more pain medication.
c. Explore other ways of expressing sexuality.
d. Refer the patient to a rheumatologist.
18. An older male patient is seen in the family practice C
clinic and tells the nurse he no longer takes his metoprolol
(Toprol) because "it interferes with my lifestyle." What
action by the nurse is best?
a. Warn the patient of the complications of hypertension.
b. Ask the patient if he can afford the medication.
c. Tell the patient this drug often causes erectile
dysfunction.
d. Take the patient's blood pressure and record the
findings.
19. A male patient takes carbamazepine (Tegretol). The B
spouse reports sexual dysfunction, but the patient
adamantly denies he has this problem. What response by
the nurse is best?
a. Telling him, "You need to think of your wife's needs too."
b. Telling him this is common and can be discussed if
wanted.
c. Questioning the patient again about sexual functioning
d. Telling the doctor to change the patient's prescription
20. A patient has many sexual partners but does not use B
condoms. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Ask the patient what he or she knows about HIV.
b. Assess the patient for barriers to using condoms.
c. Give the patient statistics on HIV in older adults.
d. Tell the patient safer sex practices should be used.
, Older Adult Final Exam | Gerontological Nursing Practice Questions & Verified Answers
21. A recently widowed patient reports new onset of sexual A
dysfunction. There are no new medications or illnesses.
What action by the nurse is best?
a. Assess the patient's alcohol intake.
b. Refer the patient for counseling.
c. Ask if there are new partners.
d. Have the patient speak to the doctor.
22. A patient lives in a long-term care facility and has mild A
dementia. The patient has been showing interest in
another resident. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Determining if the resident has decision-making
capacity.
b. Refusing to allow the residents to be alone together.
c. Asking the resident's family if the relationship is okay.
d. Providing time for the residents to be together.
23. The family of a resident in an assisted living facility B
contacts the director to say they are "appalled" that the
resident is allowed to have pornographic magazines in the
room. What response by the director is most appropriate?
a. "We will take those away immediately."
b. "Your loved one has the right to have these."
c. "How do you know about these magazines?"
d. "He cannot stay here if he has these in the room."
1. The nurse working in long-term care knows there are A, B, C, D
several barriers to sexual expression for older patients.
Which of the following are barriers? (Select all that apply.)
a. Decreasing desire
b. Medication side effects
c. Disease processes
d. Social circumstances
e. Increased libido
2. The nurse is learning about postmenopausal changes A, B, C, E
that can affect sexuality in women. Which of the following
are included? (Select all that apply.)
a. Shortening of the vagina
b. Need to void after intercourse
c. Vaginal dryness
d. Vaginal irritation needs investigation
e. Vaginal secretions diminish
1. An 80-year-old patient has nausea and vomiting related A
to a gastrointestinal disorder. The nursing intervention
most likely to help the patient is to:
a. offer sips of soda every 15 minutes until more is
tolerated.
b. encourage the patient to lie in a prone position while
nauseated.
c. encourage the intake of high-calorie foods such as
milkshakes.
d. keep the patient on a nothing-by-mouth (NPO) order
until the nausea subsides.
2. When preparing to discharge an older patient with mild A
dysphagia, the nurse suggests that the patient can
minimize symptoms by:
a. eating small meals every 2 to 3 hours
b. cutting a sandwich into bite-sized peicees.
c. eating less but choosing nutrient-dense foods.
d. drinking thin liquids instead of eating solids.
