ATI RN
geriatric nursing exam questions with rationale Questions
Question 1 of 5
The common symptom associated with moderate to severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is___.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Intermittent claudication, defined as pain in the lower extremities with walking that improves with rest, is a classic symptom of moderate to severe PAD. This occurs due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during exercise. Other choices are incorrect: A is typically associated with syncope or fainting; B is more indicative of cardiovascular or pulmonary issues; and C is more commonly seen in mesenteric ischemia.
Question 2 of 5
An older adult client with dementia is having difficulty with self-care. What intervention by the nurse would best assist the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide step-by-step verbal cues to assist the client. This intervention is appropriate for an older adult with dementia as it offers structured support while still promoting independence. Verbal cues can help guide the client through the self-care tasks, maintaining their dignity and autonomy. Option A is incorrect as full independence may be overwhelming and unsafe. Option C is inappropriate and neglectful. Option D may be too demanding for someone with dementia. Verbal cues strike a balance between support and autonomy, making it the best intervention in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is a true statement about differing health belief systems?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in most cultures, including Western ones, older adults are more likely to initially seek traditional or cultural methods of treatment before resorting to biomedical professionals. This is often due to cultural beliefs and practices ingrained in societies. A is incorrect because personalistic or magicoreligious beliefs still exist in Western societies alongside biomedical principles. C is incorrect because Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional Indian system of medicine, not the same as traditional Chinese medicine. D is incorrect because the belief in balancing opposite qualities is characteristic of holistic or traditional medicine practices, not necessarily magicoreligious belief systems.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse plans care for an older African American man who is from Jamaica and resides in New York City. Which should the nurse include in planning care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Maintain blood pressure below 120/70 mm Hg. Rationale: 1. Older African American individuals are at higher risk for hypertension. 2. African American men have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to other demographic groups. 3. Hypertension is a common health issue among Jamaican individuals. 4. Keeping blood pressure below 120/70 mm Hg helps prevent complications like stroke and heart disease. Summary: A. Attributing illness to voodoo is culturally inappropriate and lacks evidence-based practice. B. Improving social relationships may be beneficial but is not directly related to the man's health needs. D. Reviewing magicoreligious systems is not relevant to addressing the man's health issues like hypertension.
Question 5 of 5
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.