ATI RN
geriatric nursing exam questions with rationale Questions
Question 1 of 9
When caring for an older adult with advanced heart failure, which intervention is most likely to improve the patient's quality of life?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing palliative care focused on symptom management and comfort. This is the most appropriate intervention for an older adult with advanced heart failure as it prioritizes quality of life by focusing on alleviating symptoms and ensuring comfort. High-dose diuretics (choice A) may lead to electrolyte imbalances and worsen the patient's condition. Initiating aggressive cardiac surgery (choice C) may be too risky and invasive for an older adult with advanced heart failure. Enforcing strict bed rest (choice D) can lead to deconditioning and muscle wasting, further compromising the patient's quality of life.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse observes older women learning advanced knitting techniques. The nurse concludes that this learning activity is suitable for these women because it accomplishes which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because learning advanced knitting techniques adds to the existing knowledge base of older women. This activity stimulates cognitive functioning, enhances problem-solving skills, and fosters creativity. It also helps maintain mental acuity and memory. Choice A is incorrect because although knitting may involve hand movements, it primarily benefits cognitive functions. Choice B is incorrect as the primary focus is on individual learning rather than group cohesion. Choice C is incorrect as the main purpose of the activity is intellectual growth rather than social interaction.
Question 3 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.
Question 4 of 9
Which gerontological nursing organization welcomes nurses from all educational backgrounds?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA). NGNA welcomes nurses from all educational backgrounds, focusing on gerontological nursing practice. The other choices have specific focuses: B is for nurse practitioners, C is for directors of nursing administration, and D is for professionals in the field of aging. NGNA's inclusivity makes it the correct choice for nurses from all educational backgrounds interested in gerontological nursing.
Question 5 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 6 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 7 of 9
The nurse is reviewing the care plan of an 89 yr old client who has been admitted for prostate surgery. The client is on medication for hypertension and had a recent fall at home prior to admission. The nurse would include which assessment in the care plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Checking postural blood pressures is essential to assess for orthostatic hypotension in an elderly client with a history of falls and hypertension medication. Orthostatic hypotension can lead to falls, so monitoring postural B/Ps is crucial. Checking B/P every 2 hours (choice A) is not necessary and could cause unnecessary discomfort to the client. Checking serum sodium levels (choice C) and serum creatinine levels (choice D) are not directly related to the client's risk factors for falls post-prostate surgery.
Question 8 of 9
How does polypharmacy affect older adults?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because polypharmacy in older adults increases the risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions due to multiple medications being taken concurrently. This can lead to medication errors, decreased adherence, drug toxicity, and increased healthcare costs. Choice A is incorrect as polypharmacy does not improve overall quality of life but rather can negatively impact it. Choice C is incorrect as polypharmacy does not prevent age-related health conditions but can exacerbate them. Choice D is incorrect as polypharmacy has a significant impact on health outcomes in older adults.
Question 9 of 9
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.