PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 2 V1 | Gerontological
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. When assessing an 80-year-old patient, which cardiovascular change should the nurse
expect as a result of the normal aging process?
A. Increased heart rate response to stress
B. Increased stiffness of the large arteries
C. Decreased peripheral vascular resistance
D. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Arterial stiffening occurs as a result of collagen cross-linking and loss of
elastin in the vessel walls. This change leads to an increase in systolic blood pressure often
seen in older adults. Nurses must monitor these patients for hypertension and associated
cardiovascular risks.
2. According to Erik Erikson, which developmental stage is characteristic of the older adult
population?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair involves the older adult reflecting on their life and
feeling a sense of satisfaction or failure. Achieving integrity allows the individual to face
death without fear. Nurses can support this by encouraging reminiscence therapy to help
patients process their life experiences.
3. An older adult patient is prescribed a fat-soluble medication. How does age-related body
composition change the distribution of this drug?
A. It increases the concentration of the drug in the blood
B. It decreases the half-life of the medication
C. It speeds up the excretion of the drug via the kidneys
D. It results in a longer duration of action due to storage in adipose tissue
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Older adults typically have an increase in body fat percentage and a decrease
in total body water. Fat-soluble drugs are stored in the expanded adipose tissue, leading to
a prolonged half-life and potential toxicity. Nurses must monitor for delayed side effects
when these medications are administered.
4. Which assessment finding is a hallmark symptom of delirium in a geriatric patient?
A. Gradual loss of memory over several years
B. A slow, progressive decline in cognitive function
, C. Acute onset of confusion with fluctuating levels of consciousness
D. Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms and a disturbed state
of mind. It is often reversible if the underlying cause, such as an infection or medication
reaction, is treated. Nurses must differentiate delirium from dementia to ensure the patient
receives immediate medical intervention.
5. A nurse is educating a family about home safety for an older adult with mobility issues.
Which intervention is the most effective for fall prevention?
A. Installing bright fluorescent lights in all rooms
B. Encouraging the patient to wear socks at all times
C. Removing all throw rugs and clutter from walkways
D. Limiting the patient’s movement to one room
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Throw rugs and clutter are major tripping hazards for older adults with gait
instability. Clearing the floor path significantly reduces the risk of accidental falls and
subsequent fractures. Nursing care includes performing environmental assessments to
identify and mitigate these risks.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. When assessing an 80-year-old patient, which cardiovascular change should the nurse
expect as a result of the normal aging process?
A. Increased heart rate response to stress
B. Increased stiffness of the large arteries
C. Decreased peripheral vascular resistance
D. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Arterial stiffening occurs as a result of collagen cross-linking and loss of
elastin in the vessel walls. This change leads to an increase in systolic blood pressure often
seen in older adults. Nurses must monitor these patients for hypertension and associated
cardiovascular risks.
2. According to Erik Erikson, which developmental stage is characteristic of the older adult
population?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair involves the older adult reflecting on their life and
feeling a sense of satisfaction or failure. Achieving integrity allows the individual to face
death without fear. Nurses can support this by encouraging reminiscence therapy to help
patients process their life experiences.
3. An older adult patient is prescribed a fat-soluble medication. How does age-related body
composition change the distribution of this drug?
A. It increases the concentration of the drug in the blood
B. It decreases the half-life of the medication
C. It speeds up the excretion of the drug via the kidneys
D. It results in a longer duration of action due to storage in adipose tissue
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Older adults typically have an increase in body fat percentage and a decrease
in total body water. Fat-soluble drugs are stored in the expanded adipose tissue, leading to
a prolonged half-life and potential toxicity. Nurses must monitor for delayed side effects
when these medications are administered.
4. Which assessment finding is a hallmark symptom of delirium in a geriatric patient?
A. Gradual loss of memory over several years
B. A slow, progressive decline in cognitive function
, C. Acute onset of confusion with fluctuating levels of consciousness
D. Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms and a disturbed state
of mind. It is often reversible if the underlying cause, such as an infection or medication
reaction, is treated. Nurses must differentiate delirium from dementia to ensure the patient
receives immediate medical intervention.
5. A nurse is educating a family about home safety for an older adult with mobility issues.
Which intervention is the most effective for fall prevention?
A. Installing bright fluorescent lights in all rooms
B. Encouraging the patient to wear socks at all times
C. Removing all throw rugs and clutter from walkways
D. Limiting the patient’s movement to one room
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Throw rugs and clutter are major tripping hazards for older adults with gait
instability. Clearing the floor path significantly reduces the risk of accidental falls and
subsequent fractures. Nursing care includes performing environmental assessments to
identify and mitigate these risks.
