ATI RN
basic geriatric nursing 6th edition test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 2 of 5
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.
Question 3 of 5
An 81 yr old female presents to the ED with altered level of consciousness. All of the following except____ are possible causes for this condition.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: peripheral arterial disease. Altered level of consciousness in an 81-year-old female is unlikely to be directly caused by peripheral arterial disease. Instead, hypoglycemia, pneumonia, and hypotension from dehydration are common causes of altered mental status in the elderly. Hypoglycemia can lead to brain dysfunction, pneumonia can cause low oxygen levels affecting brain function, and dehydration-induced hypotension can reduce blood flow to the brain. Therefore, peripheral arterial disease is not typically a direct cause of altered consciousness in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
All of the following conditions except___ can cause renal failure, especially in the older adult.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Ingesting excessive acetaminophen can lead to liver damage, not renal failure. Diabetes mellitus, prostate hypertrophy causing urinary obstruction, and heart failure are known to cause renal failure due to their effects on kidney function. Diabetic nephropathy can damage the kidneys over time, prostate hypertrophy can obstruct urine flow and lead to kidney damage, and heart failure can result in decreased blood flow to the kidneys, causing renal failure. Thus, D is the correct answer as it does not directly cause renal failure, unlike the other choices.
Question 5 of 5
All of the following except___ can occur due to the decreased tactile sensations that occur in the older person.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because social isolation is not directly related to decreased tactile sensations. A, C, and D are consequences of decreased tactile sensations in older individuals. A can occur due to not feeling the temperature, C due to not feeling pressure and injury, and D due to decreased sensation causing falls. Social isolation is more related to emotional or psychological factors rather than physical sensations. It is crucial to differentiate between physical consequences and social consequences when considering the effects of decreased tactile sensations in older individuals.