ATI RN
basic geriatric nursing test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
How does loneliness affect older adults' health?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Loneliness in older adults can lead to increased stress, inflammation, and unhealthy behaviors, all of which can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and depression. Social isolation can also impact mental health.
Choice A is incorrect as loneliness does impact health.
Choice C is incorrect as loneliness typically weakens immune function.
Choice D is incorrect as loneliness affects both mental and physical health.
Question 2 of 5
The microvascular changes that occur as a result of uncontrolled diabetes include all of the following except___:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: cerebral vascular disease. Microvascular changes in diabetes mainly affect small blood vessels in organs like the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy). Cerebral vascular disease involves larger blood vessels in the brain, not typically considered a result of microvascular changes in diabetes. Retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy are well-documented complications of uncontrolled diabetes due to damage to small blood vessels in these specific organs.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is an indicator of dementia rather than normal aging?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because memory loss affecting daily functioning is a key indicator of dementia, not normal aging. Normal aging may involve some forgetfulness, but it typically does not significantly impact daily activities.
Choice A is incorrect because difficulty recalling recent events can occur in both normal aging and dementia.
Choice B is incorrect as increased forgetfulness is a common feature of aging and may not necessarily indicate dementia.
Choice C is incorrect as forgetting names of familiar people can also be a normal part of aging and does not solely point to dementia. Memory loss affecting daily functioning is a more specific and severe symptom that strongly suggests dementia over normal aging.
Question 4 of 5
What is the primary reason older adults with cognitive impairments experience difficulties with medication adherence?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cognitive decline affecting memory and decision-making. Older adults with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, may struggle with remembering to take their medications as prescribed and making sound decisions regarding their medication regimen due to cognitive decline. Memory deficits can lead to missed doses, while impaired decision-making can result in improper adherence.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the primary reason for medication non-adherence in this population is the cognitive decline impacting memory and decision-making, rather than lack of understanding, physical inability, or fear of side effects.
Question 5 of 5
Decreased functioning of which physical structure is likely to result in decreased metabolism in older adults?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. In older adults, decreased thyroid function, known as hypothyroidism, can lead to a decrease in metabolism. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and slowed heart rate.
A: Kidney - While the kidneys play a role in filtering waste and maintaining fluid balance, decreased kidney function typically does not directly impact metabolism.
C: Brain - The brain plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, but it does not directly control metabolism.
D: Skeleton - The skeleton provides structural support and protects organs but does not directly influence metabolism.