NCLEX-PN
NCLEX Questions on Older Adults Questions
Question 1 of 5
After performing an assessment and determining that there are no other causes, the nurse concludes that the older adult’s recent hearing loss in one ear may be from cerumen accumulation from age-related changes. The nurse’s conclusion was based on which age-related changes that contribute to the cerumen accumulation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reduced sweat gland activity and thinning/drying of the ear canal skin cause cerumen buildup, affecting sound perception. Ossicular calcification, eardrum changes, and presbycusis are unrelated.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing the 84-year-old client during a routine health examination. Which finding should the nurse investigate first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Impaired swallowing increases aspiration risk and may indicate a non-age-related condition, requiring priority investigation. Decreased cough, light urine, and height loss are age-related.
Question 3 of 5
A 72-year-old woman reports she is sexually active. It is most important for the nurse to follow up by asking which question?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing sexual partners is critical due to rising STI/HIV rates in older adults. Lubricants, medication effects, and positions are secondary to infection risk.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse teaches the 18-year-old diabetic client to perform self-administration of insulin. Each time the client makes even a small mistake, the client apologizes for getting it wrong- The client also profusely apologizes when making a minimal mistake in other activities. Based on Erikson’s developmental stages, the nurse concludes that the client may have an unresolved developmental task of which age period?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The behavior indicates an unresolved conflict of 'autonomy versus shame and doubt' associated with the 18-month to 3-year-old age group. When parents are overly critical, the child may develop an overly critical superego, manifesting as constant apologizing for small mistakes.
Question 5 of 5
The home health nurse suspects elder mistreatment of the 93-year-old client by the live-in caregiver. Which findings support the nurse’s conclusion? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A;B;C;E
Rationale: Urine burns (neglect), wrist bruises (physical abuse), unexplained expenditures (financial abuse), and caregiver alcohol use (abuser characteristic) support mistreatment. Increased talkativeness suggests comfort, not abuse.