ATI RN
basic geriatric nursing test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is teaching a client with COPD about proper use of an inhaler. What should the nurse emphasize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because inhaling deeply before activating the inhaler ensures proper medication delivery to the lungs. This allows the medication to reach the affected areas efficiently. Choice A is incorrect because inhalers are often used preventatively, not just when short of breath. Choice C is incorrect as inhaling rapidly may not allow the medication to be effectively deposited in the lungs. Choice D is incorrect because using the inhaler excessively can lead to overuse and potential side effects.
Question 2 of 9
Which organization had the largest influence in the specialty of gerontological nursing?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: John Hartford Foundation. The John Hartford Foundation is known for its significant contributions to the field of gerontological nursing through funding research, education, and initiatives to improve care for older adults. The foundation has supported the development of gerontological nursing programs and resources, making it a key influencer in advancing the specialty. Explanation for other choices: A: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) primarily focuses on advocacy and support for older adults but does not have a direct influence on the specialty of gerontological nursing. C: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, but it does not specifically impact the development of gerontological nursing as an organization. D: Mutual of Omaha Insurance is an insurance company and does not have a direct role in shaping the field of gerontological nursing.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following is an indicator of dementia rather than normal aging?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because memory loss affecting daily functioning is a key indicator of dementia, not normal aging. Normal aging may involve some forgetfulness, but it typically does not significantly impact daily activities. Choice A is incorrect because difficulty recalling recent events can occur in both normal aging and dementia. Choice B is incorrect as increased forgetfulness is a common feature of aging and may not necessarily indicate dementia. Choice C is incorrect as forgetting names of familiar people can also be a normal part of aging and does not solely point to dementia. Memory loss affecting daily functioning is a more specific and severe symptom that strongly suggests dementia over normal aging.
Question 4 of 9
The microvascular changes that occur as a result of uncontrolled diabetes include all of the following except___:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: cerebral vascular disease. Microvascular changes in diabetes mainly affect small blood vessels in organs like the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy). Cerebral vascular disease involves larger blood vessels in the brain, not typically considered a result of microvascular changes in diabetes. Retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy are well-documented complications of uncontrolled diabetes due to damage to small blood vessels in these specific organs.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following assessment findings would be most suggestive of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because swelling in one leg with pitting edema is a classic sign of DVT. Pitting edema suggests fluid accumulation due to compromised venous circulation, which is common in DVT. Bilateral calf tenderness (choice A) is more indicative of muscle strain. Shortness of breath (choice C) is suggestive of a pulmonary embolism, a complication of DVT. Two plus palpable pulses (choice D) indicate good arterial circulation, not DVT.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
What is the most common type of dementia in older adults?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alzheimer's disease. It is the most common type of dementia in older adults, accounting for around 60-80% of cases. Alzheimer's is characterized by the presence of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. Vascular dementia (B) is caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, Lewy body dementia (C) is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, and Frontotemporal dementia (D) affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behavior and personality. However, in older adults, Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia due to its widespread impact on memory and cognition.
Question 8 of 9
Which nursing intervention is a holistic approach to an older adult?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because assigning female nurses to older women who are Islamic respects their cultural and religious beliefs, promoting holistic care. This approach considers the older adult's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, aligning with the principles of holistic nursing care. Choice A is incorrect because performing glucose testing during a weekly worship service does not necessarily address the older adult's holistic needs. Choice B is incorrect as simply wheeling ambulatory adults to exercise when running late does not encompass a holistic approach. Choice D is incorrect as allowing older adults in a nursing home to eat meals alone may neglect their social and emotional well-being.
Question 9 of 9
Which statements are true about aging and the brain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because most areas of the brain do not lose brain cells with age due to a process called neuroplasticity. This means that the brain can adapt and reorganize itself by forming new connections between existing brain cells. Memory decline is not inevitable (B) as cognitive decline varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors like lifestyle and genetics. Basic intelligence can change with age (C) due to various factors such as experience and education. The brain does continue to make new brain cells through a process called neurogenesis, making choice D incorrect.