PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 2 V3 | Gerontological
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. An older adult patient is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion, agitation, and visual
hallucinations. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Normal age-related memory loss
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid, acute onset of confusion and
fluctuations in consciousness. In contrast, dementia involves a slow, progressive decline in
cognitive function. Identifying and treating the underlying cause of delirium is a priority for
the geriatric nurse.
2. When assessing an elderly patient for depression, the nurse notes the patient reports
memory gaps and difficulty concentrating. This condition is often referred to as:
A. Aphasia
B. Apraxia
C. Sundowning
D. Pseudodementia
,Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Pseudodementia occurs when clinical depression in older adults mimics the
cognitive symptoms of dementia. Unlike permanent dementia, these symptoms usually
improve significantly once the depression is treated effectively. Nurses must distinguish
between the two to ensure the patient receives appropriate psychiatric intervention.
3. An 80-year-old patient is prescribed multiple medications by different specialists. What is
the primary risk associated with this practice?
A. Polypharmacy and drug interactions
B. Improved therapeutic outcomes
C. Decreased healthcare costs
D. Enhanced medication adherence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Polypharmacy is the use of multiple medications simultaneously, which is
common among seniors with comorbid conditions. This increases the risk of adverse drug
reactions, falls, and hospitalization due to complex drug-to-drug interactions. A medication
reconciliation should be performed at every transition of care to mitigate these risks.
4. According to the Beers Criteria, which class of medication should generally be avoided in
older adults due to the risk of falls and sedation?
A. Oral hypoglycemics
B. Antibiotics
, C. Statin therapy
D. Benzodiazepines
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Beers Criteria identifies medications that are potentially inappropriate
for the elderly because the risks outweigh the benefits. Benzodiazepines increase the risk
of cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, and fractures in the older population. Safer
alternatives should be explored for managing anxiety or insomnia in this age group.
5. Which physiological change in the aging process affects the metabolism of drugs in the
liver?
A. Decreased liver mass and enzyme activity
B. Increased hepatic blood flow
C. Increased stomach acid production
D. Enhanced renal filtration
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Aging typically results in reduced liver mass and a decrease in hepatic blood
flow and enzyme activity. This slows the metabolism of many drugs, leading to a prolonged
half-life and an increased risk of toxicity. Nurses should monitor for signs of drug
accumulation even when standard dosages are administered.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. An older adult patient is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion, agitation, and visual
hallucinations. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Normal age-related memory loss
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid, acute onset of confusion and
fluctuations in consciousness. In contrast, dementia involves a slow, progressive decline in
cognitive function. Identifying and treating the underlying cause of delirium is a priority for
the geriatric nurse.
2. When assessing an elderly patient for depression, the nurse notes the patient reports
memory gaps and difficulty concentrating. This condition is often referred to as:
A. Aphasia
B. Apraxia
C. Sundowning
D. Pseudodementia
,Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Pseudodementia occurs when clinical depression in older adults mimics the
cognitive symptoms of dementia. Unlike permanent dementia, these symptoms usually
improve significantly once the depression is treated effectively. Nurses must distinguish
between the two to ensure the patient receives appropriate psychiatric intervention.
3. An 80-year-old patient is prescribed multiple medications by different specialists. What is
the primary risk associated with this practice?
A. Polypharmacy and drug interactions
B. Improved therapeutic outcomes
C. Decreased healthcare costs
D. Enhanced medication adherence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Polypharmacy is the use of multiple medications simultaneously, which is
common among seniors with comorbid conditions. This increases the risk of adverse drug
reactions, falls, and hospitalization due to complex drug-to-drug interactions. A medication
reconciliation should be performed at every transition of care to mitigate these risks.
4. According to the Beers Criteria, which class of medication should generally be avoided in
older adults due to the risk of falls and sedation?
A. Oral hypoglycemics
B. Antibiotics
, C. Statin therapy
D. Benzodiazepines
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Beers Criteria identifies medications that are potentially inappropriate
for the elderly because the risks outweigh the benefits. Benzodiazepines increase the risk
of cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, and fractures in the older population. Safer
alternatives should be explored for managing anxiety or insomnia in this age group.
5. Which physiological change in the aging process affects the metabolism of drugs in the
liver?
A. Decreased liver mass and enzyme activity
B. Increased hepatic blood flow
C. Increased stomach acid production
D. Enhanced renal filtration
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Aging typically results in reduced liver mass and a decrease in hepatic blood
flow and enzyme activity. This slows the metabolism of many drugs, leading to a prolonged
half-life and an increased risk of toxicity. Nurses should monitor for signs of drug
accumulation even when standard dosages are administered.
