ATI RN
geriatric nursing exam questions with rationale Questions
Question 1 of 9
An older woman retires after a long career as an elementary school principal and begins to volunteer in the local library reading to children. The older woman is very pleased with her volunteer activities. This is consistent with which theory of aging?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Role theory. Role theory suggests that individuals continue to seek fulfilling roles and activities in older age to maintain a sense of purpose and identity. In this scenario, the older woman's transition from a career as a school principal to volunteering at the library aligns with the idea of seeking meaningful roles. B: Disengagement theory posits that older adults withdraw from society as they age, which contradicts the woman's active engagement in volunteering. C: Age-stratification theory focuses on how age influences opportunities and constraints within society, not on individual choices like volunteering. D: Social exchange theory emphasizes reciprocal relationships and benefits gained from social interactions, which is not the primary focus in this scenario.
Question 2 of 9
An older woman with a UTI reports mild symptoms and a low-grade fever. Why didn’t she develop a higher temperature?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because normal age-related immune changes can result in a lower fever response to illness in older adults. As people age, their immune system may not respond as vigorously to infections, leading to a muted fever response. This explains why the older woman with a UTI experienced only mild symptoms and a low-grade fever. Choice A is incorrect because the seriousness of a UTI does not necessarily correlate with the presence or absence of a fever. Choice C is incorrect as older adults can still develop fevers in response to infections. Choice D is incorrect as it is too broad and does not specifically address the age-related immune changes that impact fever response in older adults.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is providing medication instructions to an older client who is taking digoxin (Lanoxin) daily. What age-related body changes could place the client at risk for digoxin toxicity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased lean body mass and decreased glomerular filtration rate. 1. Decreased lean body mass: With aging, there is a natural decline in muscle mass which can affect the distribution and metabolism of digoxin, potentially increasing its concentration in the body. 2. Decreased glomerular filtration rate: As individuals age, there is a decrease in kidney function, particularly in the glomerular filtration rate, which can lead to decreased excretion of digoxin, resulting in its accumulation and potential toxicity. Therefore, these age-related changes can place the older client at risk for digoxin toxicity. Summary: B: Increased muscle mass and improved renal function - This choice is incorrect as aging is associated with decreased muscle mass and declining renal function. C: Higher levels of albumin and increased drug metabolism - This choice is incorrect as aging is typically associated with decreased albumin levels and slower drug metabolism. D: Decreased hepatic function and increased body fluid
Question 4 of 9
What is the primary consideration when initiating care for older adults with palliative care needs?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Identifying goals of care through open conversations with the patient and family. This is crucial because palliative care for older adults should be person-centered and align with their preferences and values. By engaging in open conversations, healthcare providers can understand the individual's goals, values, and wishes, allowing for care to be tailored accordingly. This approach emphasizes holistic care beyond just managing pain and considers the patient's emotional, spiritual, and social needs. Incorrect choices: A: Focusing primarily on managing pain with medications overlooks the importance of addressing other aspects of care. C: Avoiding advanced medical treatments is not always appropriate as each situation should be assessed individually. D: Prescribing hospice care immediately may not be necessary or desired by the patient, as it depends on their specific needs and preferences.
Question 5 of 9
Mr. Abramson has been diagnosed with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) by his primary care provider. The most likely symptoms that prompted him to initially seek health care is___
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nocturia. Nocturia, or waking up at night to urinate, is a common symptom of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) due to the enlarged prostate pressing on the urethra, causing urinary frequency and urgency. Other symptoms like weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, incomplete emptying, and dribbling may also be present. Recurrent urinary tract infections (B) are less likely to be the initial symptom of BPH, as they are more commonly associated with urinary retention or obstruction. Functional incontinence (C) is not a typical symptom of BPH, as it is more related to mobility or cognitive issues. Hematuria (D) is not a common presenting symptom of BPH, as it is more indicative of other conditions like urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following statements is true regarding life expectancy in the United States?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because life expectancy is influenced by multiple factors such as gender, ethnicity, and living environment. Gender does play a role, but it is not the sole determinant. Ethnicity and living environment also significantly impact life expectancy. Genetic factors may contribute, but they are not the primary factor affecting life expectancy. Therefore, choice C is the most comprehensive and accurate statement. Choices A and B are incorrect as they oversimplify the factors that influence life expectancy, while choice D is also incorrect as it overlooks the significant impact of other factors beyond genetics.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following best describes the role of a gerontological nurse practitioner?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a gerontological nurse practitioner is trained to manage chronic conditions and promote health in older adults through preventive care, education, and treatment. This role involves a holistic approach to addressing the physical, mental, and social aspects of aging. Choice A is incorrect as palliative care is just one aspect of their role. Choice C is incorrect as they work in various settings, not just nursing homes. Choice D is incorrect as they work with a range of older adult patients, not just those with psychiatric conditions.
Question 8 of 9
An older patient learns she has metastatic cancer and states: “I must have angered God.” This is an example of which type of belief?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Magicoreligious. This belief involves attributing illness to supernatural forces or divine punishment. In this scenario, the patient's statement implies a belief that her illness is a result of angering God, indicating a magical or religious explanation. Choice A (Biomedical) focuses on scientific and physical causes of illness, which is not reflected in the patient's statement. Choice C (Naturalistic) involves viewing illness as a part of the natural world, without supernatural elements. Choice D (Ayurvedic) is a traditional Indian system of medicine and does not relate to the patient's belief in supernatural punishment.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse in an assisted living facility is planning an educational program on exercise for the residents. The nurse needs to consider which of the following when planning the activity?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because using large size fonts on written material is important for elderly individuals in assisted living facilities who may have visual impairments. This accommodation ensures that the residents can easily read and understand the information being presented. This is crucial for effective communication and engagement in the educational program. A: While using simple language is generally beneficial, the primary concern for this specific population is visual accessibility rather than language complexity. C: Providing the program in a quiet area is important for minimizing distractions, but it is not as critical as ensuring the residents can read the material. D: While building on prior knowledge is a good practice in teaching, it is secondary to ensuring that the information is visually accessible to the residents.