NUR 2214 Week 5 Quiz V2 | NUR 2214
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 5
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient who suddenly becomes confused and is unable
to follow instructions. Which condition should the nurse investigate first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Depression
C. Delirium
D. Normal aging
Answer: C
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden change in mental status and
cognition. It is often triggered by an underlying medical condition such as a urinary tract
infection or electrolyte imbalance. Unlike dementia, delirium is typically reversible once
the primary cause is addressed by the healthcare team.
2. Which tool is specifically designed to screen for depression in the older adult population?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B. Katz Index
C. Braden Scale
,D. CAM Assessment
Answer: A
Rationale: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a validated tool consisting of 15 or 30
yes/no questions to identify depressive symptoms in seniors. It avoids focusing on somatic
symptoms that may be confused with physical illness in older adults. Using this tool allows
the nurse to initiate early intervention for a population at high risk for suicide.
3. An older adult with moderate-stage Alzheimer’s disease begins to wander during the
evening hours. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
A. Apply soft wrist restraints
B. Administer a high-dose sedative
C. Instruct the patient to stay in bed
D. Provide a safe area for pacing
Answer: D
Rationale: Wandering is a common behavior in dementia patients and often stems from a
need for physical activity or a response to anxiety. Providing a secure and safe environment
for the patient to walk prevents injury while respecting their autonomy. Restraints and
heavy sedation are discouraged as they increase the risk of falls and further agitation.
4. What is the primary difference between palliative care and hospice care?
A. Palliative care is only for the last 6 months of life
, B. Hospice care focuses on aggressive disease management
C. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments
D. Palliative care does not involve family support
Answer: C
Rationale: Palliative care is designed to improve quality of life for patients with serious
illnesses at any stage, even while they seek a cure. Hospice care is a specific type of
palliative care reserved for patients with a terminal prognosis of six months or less. Both
services emphasize symptom management and psychological support for the patient and
their loved ones.
5. A nurse identifies bruising on the back and torso of an older adult living with their son.
Which action must the nurse take first?
A. Interview the son about the bruises
B. Apply cold compresses to the area
C. Report the findings to Adult Protective Services
D. Cleanse the area with soap and water
Answer: C
Rationale: Nurses are mandated reporters for suspected elder abuse, neglect, or
exploitation. Bruising in non-prominent areas such as the torso often suggests physical
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 5
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient who suddenly becomes confused and is unable
to follow instructions. Which condition should the nurse investigate first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Depression
C. Delirium
D. Normal aging
Answer: C
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden change in mental status and
cognition. It is often triggered by an underlying medical condition such as a urinary tract
infection or electrolyte imbalance. Unlike dementia, delirium is typically reversible once
the primary cause is addressed by the healthcare team.
2. Which tool is specifically designed to screen for depression in the older adult population?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B. Katz Index
C. Braden Scale
,D. CAM Assessment
Answer: A
Rationale: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a validated tool consisting of 15 or 30
yes/no questions to identify depressive symptoms in seniors. It avoids focusing on somatic
symptoms that may be confused with physical illness in older adults. Using this tool allows
the nurse to initiate early intervention for a population at high risk for suicide.
3. An older adult with moderate-stage Alzheimer’s disease begins to wander during the
evening hours. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
A. Apply soft wrist restraints
B. Administer a high-dose sedative
C. Instruct the patient to stay in bed
D. Provide a safe area for pacing
Answer: D
Rationale: Wandering is a common behavior in dementia patients and often stems from a
need for physical activity or a response to anxiety. Providing a secure and safe environment
for the patient to walk prevents injury while respecting their autonomy. Restraints and
heavy sedation are discouraged as they increase the risk of falls and further agitation.
4. What is the primary difference between palliative care and hospice care?
A. Palliative care is only for the last 6 months of life
, B. Hospice care focuses on aggressive disease management
C. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments
D. Palliative care does not involve family support
Answer: C
Rationale: Palliative care is designed to improve quality of life for patients with serious
illnesses at any stage, even while they seek a cure. Hospice care is a specific type of
palliative care reserved for patients with a terminal prognosis of six months or less. Both
services emphasize symptom management and psychological support for the patient and
their loved ones.
5. A nurse identifies bruising on the back and torso of an older adult living with their son.
Which action must the nurse take first?
A. Interview the son about the bruises
B. Apply cold compresses to the area
C. Report the findings to Adult Protective Services
D. Cleanse the area with soap and water
Answer: C
Rationale: Nurses are mandated reporters for suspected elder abuse, neglect, or
exploitation. Bruising in non-prominent areas such as the torso often suggests physical
