Gerontology PN2025 – Verified Questions and Answers for Final Exam |
Nursing Care for Older Adults
Description:
This document includes verified exam questions and answers for Gerontology PN2025, focused on key
issues in older adult care. Topics covered include sleep disturbances, dementia misconceptions, delirium
and depression differentiation, caregiver stress, sexuality in aging, preventive care, durable power of
attorney, and healthy aging indicators. Designed as a practical and accurate tool for nursing students
preparing for exams and clinical application in gerontological nursing.
"Create a dark, cool environment that is free from noise. That should help." - ✅✅-In addressing the
older patient's concern about his difficulty in sleeping, which suggestion by the nurse would be most
beneficial?
"Dementia is a normal part of the aging process" - ✅✅-Which statement made by the nursing student
indicates further learning is required?
"Family members are usually unaware of what they do not know and the home health nurse can provide
more education." - ✅✅-The nurse is precepting a student nurse for the day and is preparing to
discharge an older adult from the hospital. Which statement from the student nurse indicates
understanding of education provided to older adults and their caregivers?
"Fever, while common in younger patients, often does not occur with pneumonia for an older adult." -
✅✅-The spouse of an older adult patient states to the nurse, "I had no idea my husband had
pneumonia since the symptoms were very different from our granddaughter's when she was sick."
Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
"Have you had any difficulty sleeping?"
"What do you do to take care of yourself?"
"Do you and your spouse have frequent arguments?" - ✅✅-The nurse is working with the caregiver of a
spouse who sustained a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) with left hemiparesis. The spouse needs to be
fed and bathed. The caregiver works full-time to afford to live. Which questions should the nurse ask the
caregiver to determine the presence of caregiver burden?
,"How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?" - ✅✅-A patient is complaining of profound
feelings of sadness with a lack of interest in things that used to be pleasurable. Upon further
investigation it is revealed the patient has also been experiencing insomnia, has gained about 10
pounds, and is easily agitated. The nurse believes the patient may be depressed and asks which question
to help validate a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?
"I believe we should be able to provide you with some privacy so that you can maintain this closeness." -
✅✅-A woman visits the nurse practitioner at the nursing home where her husband lives. The woman
tells the nurse that she really misses the intimate contact since her husband was placed in the nursing
home. Which statement by the nurse would be helpful in meeting the sexuality needs of the couple?
"I will contact our social worker to bring up durable power of attorney paperwork for your review and
signature." - ✅✅-The son of an elderly patient with cognitive decline asks the nurse case manager
about pursuing paper work to oversee his father's personal and financial affairs. How does the nurse
respond to the son?
"I've just developed this rash across my stomach that really hurts."
Shingles - ✅✅-The nurse is performing an admission assessment on an 80-year-old patient. Which
complaint by the patient would cause the nurse to be more concerned and result in additional follow-
up?
"If you have had negative screenings in the past, we don't recommend repeated screenings after the age
of 65." - ✅✅-An 80-year-old woman is brought to the gynecologist's office with the family insisting
upon a Pap smear for cervical cancer screening. The patient does not wish to have the exam. How
should the nurse respond to the disagreement?
"If you want coverage for doctor's office visits, you should sign up for Medicare A and B." - ✅✅-An
adult is contemplating retirement at age 66 and is eligible for Medicare. The person chooses to take only
Medicare Part A. Based on this decision, which is the nurse's best response?
"Mild to moderate physical exercise will help you maintain your highest functional level." - ✅✅-The
nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with moderate osteoporosis who has been referred to the local
rehabilitation program for physical therapy. Which comment by the nurse would promote the patient's
participation in the rehabilitation process?
,"Mom can't open cans anymore, and I'm fearful that she is not eating enough." - ✅✅-A family is
scheduled for an appointment with their 75-year-old mother's nurse practitioner to discuss concerns
about the mother's progress. The mother has significant physical limitations due to severe arthritis, but
remains cognitively intact and vibrant. Which of the family's concerns can be addressed with tertiary
preventive measures?
"My husband's status right now won't determine his outcome."
Initial status does impact the patient's overall outcome when contending with a diagnosis of delirium.
This statement indicates the need for further education. - ✅✅-The nurse provides education to the
family of an older adult patient who is diagnosed with delirium. Which statement by the family member
indicates to the nurse a need for further education?
"My leg amputation makes things harder, but I still find a way to work."
This patient shows acceptance of past accomplishments and finds value in him- or herself despite
current limitations, which is healthy aging according to Jung. The person who wants to travel more
displays remorse. The focus on past accomplishments does not show current acceptance. Reading and
gardening do not show acceptance of past accomplishments. - ✅✅-What statement by a patient most
indicates healthy aging according to Jung?
"My parent has forgotten to pay the mortgage for two months in a row." - ✅✅-The nurse meets with
the patient who has Alzheimer disease and the patient's adult child. Which statement made by the adult
child indicates to the nurse that the patient may benefit from a durable power of attorney?
"My parent is no longer interested in gardening, which used to be a favorite activity." - ✅✅-The nurse is
caring for a patient with early-onset Alzheimer disease. The nurse meets with the patient and the
patient's adult child. Which statement does the nurse expect to hear from the adult child?
"Patients with delirium are experiencing medication side effects, toxin effects, or substance intoxication
or withdrawal."
The onset of delirium is rapid, from hours to days. Delirium occurs in all setting, including homes and
health care facilities. Hospitalized patients with cancer and AIDS commonly develop delirium. - ✅✅-
Which statement by the student nurse indicates further learning about delirium is required?
, "Radiation therapy no longer causes such terrible side effects." - ✅✅-An older adult patient with breast
cancer is reluctant to agree to the suggested treatment plan because "I have heard such horrible things
about radiation therapy." The nurse responds:
"Respite care will help maintain my mental and physical health."
"Respite care can be provided by my daughter or nephew."
"Respite care can provide care to my spouse while I get away for a few days."
"Respite care provides me help during the day while I am here at home as well." - ✅✅-The home health
nurse visits the home of an older couple in which the spouse is caring for their husband who sustained a
stroke and requires total care, including tube feedings. The spouse is fatigued and asks the nurse how
someone is expected to be a 24-hour day caregiver. The nurse suggests respite care for the caregiver.
Which statements made by the caregiver indicate an understanding of respite care?
"The best interventions are learned through trial and error." - ✅✅-The nurse teaches the novice nurse
about planning interventions for patients with dementia. Which statement made by the novice nurse
indicates learning is effective?
"The patient is becoming a danger to self." - ✅✅-The nurse is receiving bedside shift report on a patient
with sundown syndrome. Which statement made in the shift report alerts the nurse that
pharmacological treatment of sundown syndrome should be pursued?
"We will provide you with written instructions."
Postoperative care requires teaching the patient and family home care procedures for the period after
cataract surgery and should be given orally as well in written form. The patient may or may not have
family present. Asking about anxiety could be important, but yes/no questions are not therapeutic. The
nurse's idea of what are the important points may differ from the patient's. - ✅✅-The morning of her
scheduled cataract extraction and intraocular lens placement of the right eye, an older adult patient
expresses concern that she will not remember her instructions for home care. Which statement is the
best response to the patient's concern?
"You need the same amount over 24 hours, so drink enough by dinnertime." - ✅✅-An older patient
reports that sleep was being severely affected by the need to urinate frequently. The patient states he
has begun restricting his fluid intake after 5 PM to help with the problem. The nurse responds:
Nursing Care for Older Adults
Description:
This document includes verified exam questions and answers for Gerontology PN2025, focused on key
issues in older adult care. Topics covered include sleep disturbances, dementia misconceptions, delirium
and depression differentiation, caregiver stress, sexuality in aging, preventive care, durable power of
attorney, and healthy aging indicators. Designed as a practical and accurate tool for nursing students
preparing for exams and clinical application in gerontological nursing.
"Create a dark, cool environment that is free from noise. That should help." - ✅✅-In addressing the
older patient's concern about his difficulty in sleeping, which suggestion by the nurse would be most
beneficial?
"Dementia is a normal part of the aging process" - ✅✅-Which statement made by the nursing student
indicates further learning is required?
"Family members are usually unaware of what they do not know and the home health nurse can provide
more education." - ✅✅-The nurse is precepting a student nurse for the day and is preparing to
discharge an older adult from the hospital. Which statement from the student nurse indicates
understanding of education provided to older adults and their caregivers?
"Fever, while common in younger patients, often does not occur with pneumonia for an older adult." -
✅✅-The spouse of an older adult patient states to the nurse, "I had no idea my husband had
pneumonia since the symptoms were very different from our granddaughter's when she was sick."
Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
"Have you had any difficulty sleeping?"
"What do you do to take care of yourself?"
"Do you and your spouse have frequent arguments?" - ✅✅-The nurse is working with the caregiver of a
spouse who sustained a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) with left hemiparesis. The spouse needs to be
fed and bathed. The caregiver works full-time to afford to live. Which questions should the nurse ask the
caregiver to determine the presence of caregiver burden?
,"How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?" - ✅✅-A patient is complaining of profound
feelings of sadness with a lack of interest in things that used to be pleasurable. Upon further
investigation it is revealed the patient has also been experiencing insomnia, has gained about 10
pounds, and is easily agitated. The nurse believes the patient may be depressed and asks which question
to help validate a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?
"I believe we should be able to provide you with some privacy so that you can maintain this closeness." -
✅✅-A woman visits the nurse practitioner at the nursing home where her husband lives. The woman
tells the nurse that she really misses the intimate contact since her husband was placed in the nursing
home. Which statement by the nurse would be helpful in meeting the sexuality needs of the couple?
"I will contact our social worker to bring up durable power of attorney paperwork for your review and
signature." - ✅✅-The son of an elderly patient with cognitive decline asks the nurse case manager
about pursuing paper work to oversee his father's personal and financial affairs. How does the nurse
respond to the son?
"I've just developed this rash across my stomach that really hurts."
Shingles - ✅✅-The nurse is performing an admission assessment on an 80-year-old patient. Which
complaint by the patient would cause the nurse to be more concerned and result in additional follow-
up?
"If you have had negative screenings in the past, we don't recommend repeated screenings after the age
of 65." - ✅✅-An 80-year-old woman is brought to the gynecologist's office with the family insisting
upon a Pap smear for cervical cancer screening. The patient does not wish to have the exam. How
should the nurse respond to the disagreement?
"If you want coverage for doctor's office visits, you should sign up for Medicare A and B." - ✅✅-An
adult is contemplating retirement at age 66 and is eligible for Medicare. The person chooses to take only
Medicare Part A. Based on this decision, which is the nurse's best response?
"Mild to moderate physical exercise will help you maintain your highest functional level." - ✅✅-The
nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with moderate osteoporosis who has been referred to the local
rehabilitation program for physical therapy. Which comment by the nurse would promote the patient's
participation in the rehabilitation process?
,"Mom can't open cans anymore, and I'm fearful that she is not eating enough." - ✅✅-A family is
scheduled for an appointment with their 75-year-old mother's nurse practitioner to discuss concerns
about the mother's progress. The mother has significant physical limitations due to severe arthritis, but
remains cognitively intact and vibrant. Which of the family's concerns can be addressed with tertiary
preventive measures?
"My husband's status right now won't determine his outcome."
Initial status does impact the patient's overall outcome when contending with a diagnosis of delirium.
This statement indicates the need for further education. - ✅✅-The nurse provides education to the
family of an older adult patient who is diagnosed with delirium. Which statement by the family member
indicates to the nurse a need for further education?
"My leg amputation makes things harder, but I still find a way to work."
This patient shows acceptance of past accomplishments and finds value in him- or herself despite
current limitations, which is healthy aging according to Jung. The person who wants to travel more
displays remorse. The focus on past accomplishments does not show current acceptance. Reading and
gardening do not show acceptance of past accomplishments. - ✅✅-What statement by a patient most
indicates healthy aging according to Jung?
"My parent has forgotten to pay the mortgage for two months in a row." - ✅✅-The nurse meets with
the patient who has Alzheimer disease and the patient's adult child. Which statement made by the adult
child indicates to the nurse that the patient may benefit from a durable power of attorney?
"My parent is no longer interested in gardening, which used to be a favorite activity." - ✅✅-The nurse is
caring for a patient with early-onset Alzheimer disease. The nurse meets with the patient and the
patient's adult child. Which statement does the nurse expect to hear from the adult child?
"Patients with delirium are experiencing medication side effects, toxin effects, or substance intoxication
or withdrawal."
The onset of delirium is rapid, from hours to days. Delirium occurs in all setting, including homes and
health care facilities. Hospitalized patients with cancer and AIDS commonly develop delirium. - ✅✅-
Which statement by the student nurse indicates further learning about delirium is required?
, "Radiation therapy no longer causes such terrible side effects." - ✅✅-An older adult patient with breast
cancer is reluctant to agree to the suggested treatment plan because "I have heard such horrible things
about radiation therapy." The nurse responds:
"Respite care will help maintain my mental and physical health."
"Respite care can be provided by my daughter or nephew."
"Respite care can provide care to my spouse while I get away for a few days."
"Respite care provides me help during the day while I am here at home as well." - ✅✅-The home health
nurse visits the home of an older couple in which the spouse is caring for their husband who sustained a
stroke and requires total care, including tube feedings. The spouse is fatigued and asks the nurse how
someone is expected to be a 24-hour day caregiver. The nurse suggests respite care for the caregiver.
Which statements made by the caregiver indicate an understanding of respite care?
"The best interventions are learned through trial and error." - ✅✅-The nurse teaches the novice nurse
about planning interventions for patients with dementia. Which statement made by the novice nurse
indicates learning is effective?
"The patient is becoming a danger to self." - ✅✅-The nurse is receiving bedside shift report on a patient
with sundown syndrome. Which statement made in the shift report alerts the nurse that
pharmacological treatment of sundown syndrome should be pursued?
"We will provide you with written instructions."
Postoperative care requires teaching the patient and family home care procedures for the period after
cataract surgery and should be given orally as well in written form. The patient may or may not have
family present. Asking about anxiety could be important, but yes/no questions are not therapeutic. The
nurse's idea of what are the important points may differ from the patient's. - ✅✅-The morning of her
scheduled cataract extraction and intraocular lens placement of the right eye, an older adult patient
expresses concern that she will not remember her instructions for home care. Which statement is the
best response to the patient's concern?
"You need the same amount over 24 hours, so drink enough by dinnertime." - ✅✅-An older patient
reports that sleep was being severely affected by the need to urinate frequently. The patient states he
has begun restricting his fluid intake after 5 PM to help with the problem. The nurse responds:
