ATI RN
geriatric nursing exam questions with rationale Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is a strong predictor of functional decline in older adults?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Depression. Depression is a strong predictor of functional decline in older adults because it can lead to decreased motivation, social withdrawal, and physical symptoms that affect daily activities. Depression is also associated with cognitive impairment, which can further impact functioning. Being physically active (A) and high socioeconomic status (B) are generally positive factors for maintaining function. Advanced age (C) alone is not a strong predictor of functional decline compared to depression.
Question 2 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.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following statements is true regarding life expectancy in the United States?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because life expectancy is influenced by multiple factors such as gender, ethnicity, and living environment. Gender does play a role, but it is not the sole determinant. Ethnicity and living environment also significantly impact life expectancy. Genetic factors may contribute, but they are not the primary factor affecting life expectancy. Therefore, choice C is the most comprehensive and accurate statement. Choices A and B are incorrect as they oversimplify the factors that influence life expectancy, while choice D is also incorrect as it overlooks the significant impact of other factors beyond genetics.
Question 4 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.
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
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 8 of 9
What is the most effective way to prevent delirium in hospitalized older adults?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ensuring early mobilization and reorientation. Delirium in hospitalized older adults is often caused by factors like immobility and disorientation. Early mobilization helps maintain physical and cognitive function, reducing the risk of delirium. Reorientation techniques help patients stay connected to reality, preventing confusion. Limiting visitors (A) can lead to social isolation, exacerbating delirium. Reducing physical restraints (B) is important but not as effective as promoting mobility. Providing a calm environment (C) is beneficial but may not address the underlying causes of delirium.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following clients is at greatest risk for orthostatic hypotension?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because straining to void can lead to increased vagal stimulation, resulting in decreased blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). A: age and walker use don't directly increase risk. C: a leg cast may not directly affect blood pressure. D: Premarin use is not a common cause of orthostatic hypotension.