PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 4 V3 | Gerontological
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. An 82-year-old patient presents with acute confusion and a suspected urinary tract
infection. Which cognitive condition does the nurse expect the patient is experiencing?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Depression
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, fluctuating change in mental status
often triggered by an underlying medical condition like a UTI. Unlike dementia, delirium is
typically reversible once the primary cause is treated. The nurse must recognize that
sudden onset confusion in the elderly is a medical emergency until proven otherwise.
2. Which of the following is a primary goal of palliative care for an older adult with a terminal
illness?
A. Curing the underlying disease process
B. Providing symptom management and comfort
C. Hastening the death process for the patient
D. Limiting communication with family members
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on the quality of life by providing relief from
symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, and nausea. It can be provided at any stage of
a serious illness, not just during the final days of life. This approach involves a
multidisciplinary team to support both the patient and their family’s emotional and
physical needs.
3. The nurse is assessing an elderly patient’s risk for falls. Which physiological change
associated with aging contributes most significantly to this risk?
A. Increased bone density
B. Decreased reaction time and balance
C. Enhanced peripheral vision
D. Increased muscle mass
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Aging results in a decrease in neurological processing speed, which leads to
slower reaction times when stumbling. Additionally, changes in the vestibular system and
proprioception can impair balance. These factors combined significantly increase the
incidence of falls in the geriatric population.
4. Which medication category on the Beers Criteria list should be used with extreme caution
in the elderly due to the risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls?
A. Antibiotics
, B. Stool softeners
C. Alpha-1 blockers
D. Multivitamins
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Alpha-1 blockers are associated with a high risk of orthostatic hypotension in
older adults. The Beers Criteria identifies these as potentially inappropriate medications
because the risks often outweigh the benefits. Nurses must monitor blood pressure closely
and educate patients on rising slowly from a sitting or lying position.
5. An older adult patient reports experiencing dry mouth. Which term should the nurse use to
document this finding?
A. Dysphagia
B. Presbyopia
C. Alopecia
D. Xerostomia
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Xerostomia is the subjective feeling of oral dryness, which is common in
elderly patients often due to medication side effects. It can lead to difficulties with
speaking, eating, and an increased risk of dental caries. Management includes frequent sips
of water, sugarless candy, or saliva substitutes.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. An 82-year-old patient presents with acute confusion and a suspected urinary tract
infection. Which cognitive condition does the nurse expect the patient is experiencing?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Depression
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, fluctuating change in mental status
often triggered by an underlying medical condition like a UTI. Unlike dementia, delirium is
typically reversible once the primary cause is treated. The nurse must recognize that
sudden onset confusion in the elderly is a medical emergency until proven otherwise.
2. Which of the following is a primary goal of palliative care for an older adult with a terminal
illness?
A. Curing the underlying disease process
B. Providing symptom management and comfort
C. Hastening the death process for the patient
D. Limiting communication with family members
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on the quality of life by providing relief from
symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, and nausea. It can be provided at any stage of
a serious illness, not just during the final days of life. This approach involves a
multidisciplinary team to support both the patient and their family’s emotional and
physical needs.
3. The nurse is assessing an elderly patient’s risk for falls. Which physiological change
associated with aging contributes most significantly to this risk?
A. Increased bone density
B. Decreased reaction time and balance
C. Enhanced peripheral vision
D. Increased muscle mass
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Aging results in a decrease in neurological processing speed, which leads to
slower reaction times when stumbling. Additionally, changes in the vestibular system and
proprioception can impair balance. These factors combined significantly increase the
incidence of falls in the geriatric population.
4. Which medication category on the Beers Criteria list should be used with extreme caution
in the elderly due to the risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls?
A. Antibiotics
, B. Stool softeners
C. Alpha-1 blockers
D. Multivitamins
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Alpha-1 blockers are associated with a high risk of orthostatic hypotension in
older adults. The Beers Criteria identifies these as potentially inappropriate medications
because the risks often outweigh the benefits. Nurses must monitor blood pressure closely
and educate patients on rising slowly from a sitting or lying position.
5. An older adult patient reports experiencing dry mouth. Which term should the nurse use to
document this finding?
A. Dysphagia
B. Presbyopia
C. Alopecia
D. Xerostomia
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Xerostomia is the subjective feeling of oral dryness, which is common in
elderly patients often due to medication side effects. It can lead to difficulties with
speaking, eating, and an increased risk of dental caries. Management includes frequent sips
of water, sugarless candy, or saliva substitutes.
