ATI RN
geriatric nursing exam questions with rationale Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is a significant risk factor for developing osteoporosis in older adults?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Low calcium intake. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Calcium is essential for bone health, and a low intake can lead to decreased bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis. Physical activity, while beneficial for overall health, is not a significant risk factor for osteoporosis. High alcohol consumption can contribute to bone loss but is not as significant as low calcium intake. Genetics play a role in predisposing individuals to osteoporosis, but it is not a modifiable risk factor like low calcium intake. Thus, B is the correct answer.
Question 2 of 9
Pneumonia in the older client can be caused by all of the following except_____.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, which does not directly cause pneumonia. Aspiration from a poor swallow (A), community acquired pneumonia (B), and compromised immune function (D) are all known risk factors for pneumonia in older adults. Aspiration can lead to the entry of bacteria into the lungs, community-acquired pneumonia is a common cause of infection in the elderly, and compromised immune function makes older adults more susceptible to infections. Thus, sleep apnea is the only option that does not directly contribute to the development of pneumonia in older clients.
Question 3 of 9
A nursing home executive interviews registered nurses to fill a full-time position for direct patient care to maintain the standards of eldercare. Which nurse should the nursing home hire?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Certified gerontological nurse. This nurse has specialized knowledge and training in caring for elderly patients, aligning with the nursing home's focus on eldercare standards. Certification demonstrates expertise in gerontological nursing. A: A nurse from a certified college may not necessarily have specialized training in gerontological nursing. B: Experience is valuable, but without specific gerontological training, the nurse may lack the specialized skills required for eldercare. D: A gerontological nurse practitioner has advanced training, but for direct patient care in a nursing home setting, a certified gerontological nurse may be a better fit.
Question 4 of 9
Which factor(s) are associated with the provision of culturally competent care? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A, B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Cultural awareness is crucial for understanding one's own biases and recognizing cultural differences. 2. Cultural knowledge involves understanding diverse cultural practices, beliefs, and values. 3. Cultural skills refer to the ability to effectively communicate and adapt care to meet individual cultural needs. 4. Cultural connections, while important, do not directly relate to providing culturally competent care. In summary, A and B are correct as they form the foundation for providing culturally competent care, while C and D do not encompass all aspects necessary for culturally competent care.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following is the most important consideration when providing care to older adults with multiple chronic conditions?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Coordinating care among healthcare providers. This is the most important consideration for providing care to older adults with multiple chronic conditions because it ensures that all aspects of their health are managed comprehensively and efficiently. Coordinating care among healthcare providers helps prevent medication interactions, duplicate tests, and conflicting treatment plans. It also promotes better communication and collaboration among the healthcare team, leading to improved outcomes for the patient. A: Treating each condition independently is not ideal as it may result in conflicting treatment plans and overlook the holistic nature of managing multiple chronic conditions. B: Using a single medication for all conditions is not appropriate as different conditions may require specific medications tailored to each individual's needs. D: Limiting social interactions to reduce stress is not directly related to managing multiple chronic conditions and may have negative effects on the overall well-being of the older adults.
Question 6 of 9
An older patient learns she has metastatic cancer and states: “I must have angered God.” This is an example of which type of belief?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Magicoreligious. This belief involves attributing illness to supernatural forces or divine punishment. In this scenario, the patient's statement implies a belief that her illness is a result of angering God, indicating a magical or religious explanation. Choice A (Biomedical) focuses on scientific and physical causes of illness, which is not reflected in the patient's statement. Choice C (Naturalistic) involves viewing illness as a part of the natural world, without supernatural elements. Choice D (Ayurvedic) is a traditional Indian system of medicine and does not relate to the patient's belief in supernatural punishment.
Question 7 of 9
An older woman retires after a long career as an elementary school principal and begins to volunteer in the local library reading to children. The older woman is very pleased with her volunteer activities. This is consistent with which theory of aging?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Role theory. Role theory suggests that individuals continue to seek fulfilling roles and activities in older age to maintain a sense of purpose and identity. In this scenario, the older woman's transition from a career as a school principal to volunteering at the library aligns with the idea of seeking meaningful roles. B: Disengagement theory posits that older adults withdraw from society as they age, which contradicts the woman's active engagement in volunteering. C: Age-stratification theory focuses on how age influences opportunities and constraints within society, not on individual choices like volunteering. D: Social exchange theory emphasizes reciprocal relationships and benefits gained from social interactions, which is not the primary focus in this scenario.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse plans care for an older African American man who is from Jamaica and resides in New York City. Which should the nurse include in planning care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Maintain blood pressure below 120/70 mm Hg. Rationale: 1. Older African American individuals are at higher risk for hypertension. 2. African American men have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to other demographic groups. 3. Hypertension is a common health issue among Jamaican individuals. 4. Keeping blood pressure below 120/70 mm Hg helps prevent complications like stroke and heart disease. Summary: A. Attributing illness to voodoo is culturally inappropriate and lacks evidence-based practice. B. Improving social relationships may be beneficial but is not directly related to the man's health needs. D. Reviewing magicoreligious systems is not relevant to addressing the man's health issues like hypertension.
Question 9 of 9
The home health nurse is visiting a client for the first time. While assessing the client's medication, it is noted that there are 19 prescription and several over-the-counter medications that the client is taking. What intervention should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Determine whether there are medication duplications. This is the first intervention the nurse should take because medication duplications can lead to potential drug interactions and adverse effects. By identifying duplicate medications, the nurse can prevent harm to the client. Choice B: Starting to educate the client on proper medication adherence may be important, but it is not the first priority in this scenario. Choice C: Monitoring the client's blood pressure closely is not directly related to the issue of multiple medications and should not be the first intervention. Choice D: Asking the client to stop taking some medications without proper assessment and consultation with a healthcare provider can be risky and may not address the issue of medication duplications.