ATI RN
basic geriatric nursing test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
How does sarcopenia impact functional independence in older adults?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, directly impacts balance and mobility in older adults. Muscle weakness from sarcopenia reduces stability and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. This affects functional independence as it limits the ability to perform daily activities safely. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as sarcopenia primarily affects muscle mass and strength, not body fat, lung capacity, or joint stiffness.
Question 2 of 9
What is the primary goal of the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To offer holistic care that allows older adults to live in the community. PACE aims to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to help seniors remain independent in their homes and communities. This includes medical, social, and behavioral services. Choice A is incorrect as PACE focuses on holistic care rather than just intensive medical treatment. Choice B is incorrect as PACE aims to prevent nursing home placement by supporting older adults to live at home. Choice D is incorrect as while PACE may help reduce healthcare costs through preventive and coordinated care, the primary goal is to support seniors in living in the community.
Question 3 of 9
In differentiating between health and wellness in health care, which of the following statements is true?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because health refers to a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, encompassing attitudes and behaviors. Choice B is incorrect as previous generations did consider illness prevention. Choice C is incorrect as wellness and self-actualization can also be influenced by genetics and environment. Choice D is incorrect as wellness can still be achieved through various aspects even if one's health is compromised.
Question 4 of 9
All of the following are characteristics associated with centenarians EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smoking. Centenarians are individuals who live to be 100 years old or older and smoking is a known risk factor for various diseases and premature death. Exercise, weight control, and delayed onset of disease are commonly associated characteristics of centenarians as they promote overall health and longevity. Smoking, on the other hand, has been proven to have detrimental effects on health and is not typically seen in individuals who live to be 100 or older. Therefore, the absence of smoking is a more accurate characteristic associated with centenarians.
Question 5 of 9
According to Healthy People 2020, older adults have been identified as a priority, with a goal to improve their health, function, and quality of life. Identify the targeted chronic focus areas for improvement.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetes. Healthy People 2020 focuses on improving the health of older adults, and diabetes is a chronic condition prevalent in this population. It can significantly impact health, function, and quality of life if not managed properly. Diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems. By targeting diabetes, the goal is to prevent these complications and improve overall health outcomes for older adults. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Arthritis - While arthritis is common in older adults, it is not a targeted chronic focus area identified by Healthy People 2020 for this population. C: Congestive heart failure - Although heart health is important, congestive heart failure is not specifically highlighted as a priority for improvement in older adults by Healthy People 2020. D: Dementia - Dementia is a serious concern in the aging population, but it is not one of the targeted chronic focus areas identified by Healthy People 202
Question 6 of 9
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 7 of 9
On which biological theory of aging is the prevention of telomere shortening based?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Genetic research. Telomere shortening is primarily based on the theory of cellular senescence, which is related to genetic research. Telomeres are protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Genetic research has shown that telomere shortening is associated with aging and age-related diseases. Caloric restriction, oxidative stress, and cross-link theories of aging are not directly linked to telomere shortening. Caloric restriction focuses on extending lifespan by reducing calorie intake, oxidative stress theory suggests that aging is caused by cumulative damage from reactive oxygen species, and cross-link theory emphasizes the accumulation of non-reversible bonds between molecules as a cause of aging.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following statements describing dental care for the elderly population is incorrect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because losing one's teeth is not a normal part of the aging process. Teeth loss is primarily due to poor oral hygiene, dental diseases, and other factors, not solely aging. Step 1: Aging itself does not directly cause tooth loss. Step 2: Proper oral care and regular dental checkups can prevent tooth loss. Step 3: Edentulous clients still need dental checkups for oral health. Step 4: Regular dental exams can prevent tooth loss and improve chewing ability. Step 5: The incidence of oral malignancies does increase with age, emphasizing the importance of regular oral exams. Incorrect answers: B: Clients who are edentulous need dental checkups for oral health. C: Regular exams can prevent tooth loss and improve chewing ability. D: Oral malignancies increase with age, highlighting the importance of regular oral exams. Overall, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are crucial for elderly individuals' oral health, preventing tooth
Question 9 of 9
An older patient who was just diagnosed with a terminal disease states, "All my life I attended church, but I am still worried about what will happen after death." The nurse's best response is which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "The unknown may be frightening. Do you want to talk about this?" This response acknowledges the patient's fear and offers an opportunity for the patient to express their concerns. It shows empathy and encourages open communication. Choice B is incorrect because it assumes all religious people share the same belief, which may not be the case for this patient. Choice C is incorrect as it imposes experiences of others onto the patient, which may not align with their beliefs or feelings. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes the patient's feelings without giving them a chance to express themselves.