ATI RN
basic geriatric nursing 6th edition test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
What is the most common type of vision impairment in older adults?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cataracts. Cataracts are the most common type of vision impairment in older adults due to the clouding of the eye's lens. As people age, proteins in the lens can clump together, leading to vision issues. Glaucoma (B) is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, AMD (C) affects the macula in the retina, and diabetic retinopathy (D) is a complication of diabetes affecting blood vessels in the retina. However, cataracts are the primary cause of vision impairment in older adults due to the natural aging process of the eye.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse prepares an older woman, who is Polish, for discharge through an interpreter and notes that she becomes tense during the instructions about elimination. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it directly addresses the older woman's emotional response to the instructions, showing empathy and understanding. By asking how she feels, the nurse can uncover any concerns or fears she may have, leading to effective communication and tailored support. Moving on to medication (A) ignores the woman's distress, potentially worsening the situation. Instructing the interpreter to repeat instructions (C) may not address the underlying issue. Having the woman repeat instructions (D) does not acknowledge her emotional state and may not resolve her tension.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is caring for a 70 yr old client with pain related to osteoarthritis. The pain is relatively constant. The client is prescribed pharmacological treatment for the pain. In suggesting alternative therapies to the client, the nurse would consider their effectiveness to be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Greater when used in conjunction with pharmacological therapy. This is because combining alternative therapies with pharmacological treatment can often provide a synergistic effect, resulting in better pain management outcomes. Alternative therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or mindfulness techniques can complement the effects of medications, leading to improved pain relief. Options A and D are incorrect as age alone does not determine the effectiveness of alternative therapies. Option C is also incorrect as combining therapies can enhance overall pain management strategies.
Question 4 of 9
An older patient worries that simple tasks, like balancing a checkbook, take longer. How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Acknowledge patient's concern. Step 2: Educate on normal aging changes affecting cognitive function. Step 3: Reassure patient that slight delays in tasks are common. Step 4: Encourage healthy habits to support cognitive function. Step 5: Emphasize the importance of monitoring any significant changes. Summary: Choice A is correct as it addresses the concern, educates on normal aging changes, reassures the patient, and provides guidance on monitoring. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they either suggest immediate evaluation without considering normal aging changes or provide inaccurate information about brain function in aging.
Question 5 of 9
In managing frailty, what is the most important factor for improving strength and overall function in older adults?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Certainly! Regular strength training exercises are crucial for improving strength and overall function in older adults with frailty. Strength training helps build muscle mass, improve balance, and increase mobility, leading to enhanced functional abilities. It also helps prevent falls and maintain independence. High-protein diet (A) supports muscle health but alone is not sufficient. Medication management (B) is important but not the primary factor for physical function. Limiting physical activity (D) can worsen frailty by causing deconditioning and loss of muscle strength.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following is true about the Nurse Competence in Aging (NCA) initiative?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the Nurse Competence in Aging (NCA) initiative focuses on developing resources for nurses to access evidence-based information on topics related to the care of older adults. This is evident in the initiative's goal to enhance the knowledge and skills of nurses caring for older adults. The other choices are incorrect because A is not specific to the NCA initiative, C pertains to scholarships rather than resources for accessing information, and D is incorrect as the NCA initiative did not develop the first certification in gerontological nursing.
Question 7 of 9
In managing older adults with Alzheimer's disease, what is the most effective approach to improve quality of life?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most effective approach to improve quality of life in older adults with Alzheimer's disease is non-pharmacological interventions like music therapy and structured routines. This is because these interventions have been shown to reduce behavioral symptoms, enhance cognitive function, and promote overall well-being without the potential side effects of pharmacological treatments. Music therapy can help calm and stimulate memory recall, while structured routines provide predictability and familiarity, reducing confusion and agitation. Pharmacological management of behavioral symptoms alone may not address the root causes of the behaviors and can lead to adverse effects. Physical immobilization is harmful and can worsen cognitive decline. Sedatives can have detrimental effects on cognition and may increase the risk of falls and other complications. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions are the most effective and holistic approach to enhancing the quality of life for older adults with Alzheimer's disease.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of delirium in older adults?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Delirium in older adults results from reversible metabolic changes, such as electrolyte imbalances. Delirium is a multifactorial condition often triggered by physiological imbalances, including electrolyte disturbances. These imbalances can disrupt normal brain function, leading to confusion and cognitive impairment. Other choices are incorrect: A is more typical of sepsis, C is more associated with conditions like dementia, and D is not a primary cause of delirium.
Question 9 of 9
A 78 yr old female presents to the ED with complaints of nausea and sudden onset shortness of breath. The initial workup includes ____________.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, EKG and serial enzymes for determination of an MI. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of nausea and sudden onset shortness of breath raise concern for a possible myocardial infarction (MI). Conducting an EKG and serial enzymes helps in diagnosing an MI by assessing for cardiac ischemia or injury. Upper endoscopy (choice A) is not indicated for these symptoms. A CT of the head (choice B) is unnecessary as the symptoms are suggestive of a cardiac issue, not a neurological one. Liver function studies (choice C) do not align with the presenting symptoms and are not a priority in this acute setting. Conducting an EKG and serial enzymes is the most appropriate initial workup to assess for a possible MI in this elderly patient with concerning symptoms.