ATI RN
geriatric nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which health belief system uses treatments to repair a body part?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Biomedical. Biomedical health belief system focuses on treating diseases and conditions by repairing or replacing specific body parts through medical interventions such as surgeries, medications, and therapies. This approach is based on scientific evidence and aims to address the physical aspects of health. Incorrect choices: A: Holistic - Holistic health belief system emphasizes treating the whole person, including physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, rather than focusing solely on repairing specific body parts. C: Personalistic - Personalistic health belief system attributes illnesses to external factors such as curses or supernatural forces, rather than treating specific body parts. D: Magicoreligious - Magicoreligious health belief system relies on magical or religious rituals to heal illnesses, rather than repairing body parts through medical interventions.
Question 2 of 9
The ANA Scope and Standards of Gerontological Nursing (2010) addresses which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Standards of gerontological nursing practice, as the ANA Scope and Standards of Gerontological Nursing (2010) specifically outlines the accepted standards and guidelines for gerontological nursing practice. This document does not focus on skills and knowledge (Choice A), levels of practice (Choice B), or certification requirements (Choice C), but rather on setting the standards and expectations for gerontological nursing care. It is essential for nurses to adhere to these standards to provide high-quality care to older adults.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following is the most effective strategy to reduce the risk of falls in older adults?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Installing safety bars and removing tripping hazards. This strategy addresses environmental factors that contribute to falls in older adults. Safety bars provide support, while removing tripping hazards reduces the risk of accidents. Restricting mobility (choice A) can lead to muscle weakness and increase fall risk. Increasing medication dosages (choice C) can cause side effects like dizziness, increasing fall risk. Providing frequent sedation (choice D) can impair alertness and balance, also increasing fall risk. Thus, choice B is the most effective strategy to reduce falls by modifying the physical environment.
Question 4 of 9
What is the most common chronic condition affecting older adults in the U.S.?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common chronic condition affecting older adults in the U.S. This is because aging increases the risk of developing hypertension due to changes in blood vessels and the heart. Hypertension can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease and stroke. Summary: B: Osteoporosis primarily affects bone density and is more common in older women. C: Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects memory and cognitive function, but it is not as prevalent as hypertension among older adults. D: Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels and while it is common, hypertension is more prevalent in older adults in the U.S.
Question 5 of 9
How should gerontological nurses address the issue of polypharmacy in older adults?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because regularly reviewing and adjusting medications can help minimize adverse effects of polypharmacy in older adults. This approach ensures that the medications are appropriate, necessary, and not causing harm. A: Encouraging herbal supplements is not a recommended approach as they can interact with prescription medications. B: Prioritizing over-the-counter medications may not address the complexities of polypharmacy and can still contribute to drug interactions. D: Limiting patient discussions about medications can lead to misunderstandings and non-adherence.
Question 6 of 9
What is the primary reason older adults are at higher risk for adverse reactions to anesthesia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Age-related changes in liver function. As people age, there are changes in liver metabolism and blood flow, affecting the processing of anesthetic agents. Liver function declines with age, leading to slower drug metabolism and clearance, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Decreased muscle mass (A) may affect drug distribution but not metabolism. Decreased renal function (B) can impact drug excretion but is not the primary reason for adverse reactions. Increased body fat (C) can alter drug distribution but is not the main factor in anesthesia reactions for older adults.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following best describes the role of a nurse in managing polypharmacy in elderly patients?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Conducting regular reviews allows nurses to assess the necessity and appropriateness of each medication, addressing potential drug interactions, duplications, and side effects in elderly patients. Step 2: This proactive approach helps prevent polypharmacy-related complications and ensures optimal medication management. Step 3: Ensuring medications are taken exactly as directed (A) may not address the root cause of polypharmacy. Recommending over-the-counter medications (C) without proper evaluation can worsen the issue. Administering medications only during hospital stays (D) is not a comprehensive solution outside of the hospital setting.
Question 8 of 9
All of the following except___ are considered standard therapy for an elderly person with congestive heart failure (CHF).
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because antibiotics are not standard therapy for congestive heart failure in the elderly. The rationale is that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not heart failure. A: ACE inhibitors are standard therapy as they help dilate blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart. C: Diuretics help reduce fluid buildup in the body, which is beneficial for managing CHF symptoms. D: Beta blockers are used to reduce the heart's workload and help manage the stress response, making them standard therapy for CHF.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse at a nursing home wants to help decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the residents. Which should the nurse do to implement this goal?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because assisting residents with ambulation to meals promotes physical activity, which is known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and promotes the growth of new brain cells. Keeping curtains open (choice A) may offer natural light but does not directly reduce the risk of AD. Offering beads for stringing (choice B) and showing movies (choice C) may provide cognitive stimulation but do not address the physical activity needed to decrease the risk of AD.