ATI RN
basic geriatric nursing test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which condition is often misdiagnosed as depression in older adults?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dementia. Older adults often experience cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes that can be mistaken for symptoms of depression. Dementia is a common condition in the elderly that can be misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, and changes in sleep patterns. Chronic fatigue syndrome (A), anemia (C), and sleep apnea (D) may also present with symptoms of fatigue and sleep disturbances, but they are less likely to be confused with depression in older adults compared to dementia.
Question 2 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 3 of 9
The nurse is performing an assessment on an older adult client. What assessment data would indicate a potential complication associated with the skin of this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crusting. In older adults, crusting on the skin can indicate a potential complication such as infection, dermatitis, or impaired wound healing. Crusting may result from dryness, scratching, or poor circulation. It is essential for the nurse to assess and address the underlying cause promptly to prevent further complications. B: Wrinkling is a normal part of aging and not necessarily indicative of a complication unless it is severe and associated with other symptoms. C: Thinning/loss of elasticity of skin is a common age-related change and may not always indicate a complication unless it is excessive. D: Crusting is a duplicate answer.
Question 4 of 9
Which of the following organizations have interdisciplinary membership?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, the Gerontological Society of America, because it includes members from various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, biology, and medicine. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a holistic understanding of aging. The other choices focus specifically on nursing (B), aging (C), or higher education (D), and do not encompass a wide range of disciplines like choice A. This makes them more specialized and less likely to have a diverse membership across different fields.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following best describes the concept of "cognitive reserve" in older adults?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "It is the brain's ability to maintain function despite age-related changes and pathology." Cognitive reserve in older adults refers to the brain's ability to withstand age-related changes and pathology while maintaining cognitive function. This concept suggests that individuals with higher cognitive reserve may show fewer cognitive deficits even in the presence of brain damage or pathology. Choice A is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not about compensating for damage through enhanced neurogenesis but rather about maintaining function despite changes. Choice B is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not specifically about the relationship between cognitive decline and physical health; it focuses on maintaining cognitive function. Choice D is incorrect because cognitive reserve is not about developing new cognitive abilities later in life but rather preserving existing cognitive function.
Question 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 of 9
The nurse is providing instructions to a nursing assistant regarding care of an older client with hearing loss. The nurse tells the assistant that clients with a hearing loss:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because clients with hearing loss typically have difficulty hearing high-pitched tones, making it easier for them to respond to low-pitched tones. Low-pitched tones are easier for individuals with hearing loss to perceive due to the nature of hearing loss affecting the ability to hear higher frequencies. Choice B is incorrect as it is a generalization that does not consider the specific nature of hearing loss. Choice C is incorrect because individuals with hearing loss may require various forms of assistance beyond just lip-reading. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with hearing loss generally struggle more with high-pitched tones.