NCLEX Questions on Older Adults

Question 1 of 5

The nurse is reviewing a laboratory report for a 61-year-old client. Which finding is most important for the nurse to address with the HCP?

A. Total cholesterol 180 mg/dL; was 140 at age 50B. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increasedC. Alkaline phosphatase increasedD. AST, ALT, and serum bilirubin increased

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Elevated liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin) are not age-related and suggest liver pathology, requiring immediate HCP notification. Cholesterol, ESR, and alkaline phosphatase increases are normal with aging.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse has limited time to teach the middle-aged adult client. The nurse should initially plan to take which action?

A. Provide brochures and handouts that the client can discuss with family membersB. Make a referral to outpatient resources for the client to receive the needed teachingC. Establish the highest-priority learning needs and teach with each client or family contactD. Answer the client’s questions and leave the extensive teaching for the nurse on the next shift

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Prioritizing learning needs ensures important teaching is completed efficiently during limited time. Brochures alone, referrals, or deferring teaching are less effective initially.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is collecting information from the young adult client. Which psychosocial questions should the nurse ask during the admission assessment? Select all that apply.

A. Do you have any pets?'B. How many hours of sleep do you get?'C. When was your last bowel movement?'D. How much alcohol do you drink?'E. Can you describe your sexual activity?'

Correct Answer: A;B;D;E

Rationale: The nurse should ask about pets (enhances mental well-being), sleep (affects coping and immunity), alcohol use (impacts health risks), and sexual activity (STI/HIV risks). Bowel movement is physiological, not psychosocial.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse is caring for the older adult client. The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for developing skin breakdown when making which observations? Select all that apply.

A. A nursing assistant applies a perfumed lotion to the client’s skinB. Two nursing assistants are elevating the client’s heels off the bedC. A family member brings the client’s favorite custard from homeD. The nurse applies an alcohol-based hand wash to the client’s handsE. The nurse is directing the client to push with the heels to move up in bed

Correct Answer: A;D;E

Rationale: Perfumed lotion, alcohol-based wash, and heel friction increase skin breakdown risk. Elevating heels and nutrition reduce risk.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse completes teaching for the 80-year-old female client. Which statement made by the client indicates further teaching is needed?

A. Instead of using sodium seasonings, I plan to try one with herbs and lemon.'B. Although I find my lavender-scented hand cream relaxing, I should not use it.'C. I should place a towel on the floor outside my shower so I don’t slip when getting out.'D. Rather than relying on laxatives, I should increase my intake of fruits and vegetables.'

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Placing a towel on the floor increases fall risk; a slip-resistant mat is needed. Nonsodium seasonings, avoiding scented lotions, and increasing roughage are correct.

NCLEX Questions on Older Adults | Nurselytic

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