Which of the following medications should be avoided in older adults due to the increased risk of falls?

Questions 44

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

basic geriatric nursing 8th edition test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

Which of the following medications should be avoided in older adults due to the increased risk of falls?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, increasing the risk of falls in older adults. They can also impair balance and coordination. Older adults are more sensitive to these effects due to age-related changes in metabolism and increased risk of cognitive impairment. Beta-blockers (A), statins (C), and antihypertensives (D) are generally safe in older adults and do not directly increase the risk of falls. Beta-blockers can sometimes cause dizziness but are more commonly associated with bradycardia. Statins are used to lower cholesterol levels and do not affect fall risk. Antihypertensives help lower blood pressure and can actually reduce the risk of falls by preventing conditions like orthostatic hypotension.

Question 2 of 9

Providing information about diet & exercise for a healthy diabetic client is best described as which nursing activity?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Promoting wellness. Providing information about diet and exercise for a healthy diabetic client falls under promoting wellness because it focuses on proactive measures to maintain health and prevent complications. It aims to empower the client to make healthy lifestyle choices. B: Preventing illness is not the best description as the client is already diabetic, so the focus is on managing the condition rather than solely preventing it. C: Treating disease is not accurate because the client is already diabetic and the goal is not to treat the disease, but rather manage it effectively. D: Restoring health is not applicable in this scenario as the client is not in a state of compromised health that needs to be restored.

Question 3 of 9

In treating depression in older adults, which of the following is considered the most effective treatment modality?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with antidepressant medications, for treating depression in older adults. CBT helps address negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression, while antidepressant medications provide physiological support. Combining both approaches has been shown to be more effective than either treatment alone in older adults. A: Long-term pharmacological therapy with SSRIs may have side effects and limited effectiveness in older adults. C: Antidepressant medications alone may not address the underlying psychological factors contributing to depression. D: Psychodynamic therapy may not be as effective in older adults as it focuses on unresolved issues from early life rather than targeting current depressive symptoms.

Question 4 of 9

What is a major risk factor for pressure ulcers in older adults?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Malnutrition and dehydration. Malnutrition and dehydration are major risk factors for pressure ulcers in older adults because they can lead to poor skin integrity, reduced tissue resilience, and impaired wound healing. Lack of sleep (choice A) may contribute to overall health issues but is not a direct risk factor for pressure ulcers. Excessive physical activity (choice C) can increase the risk of injury but does not directly cause pressure ulcers. High blood pressure (choice D) is a risk factor for cardiovascular issues but is not specifically linked to the development of pressure ulcers.

Question 5 of 9

Tuberculosis

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs. Clients taking immunosuppressant medications have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to developing active tuberculosis. This is due to the fact that the immune system is less able to fight off the bacteria causing tuberculosis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because tuberculosis is not spread by persons with positive skin tests and no symptoms, it is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) not a virus related to HIV, and it typically causes weight loss and not weight gain in the early stages.

Question 6 of 9

Which of the following is a common side effect of benzodiazepines in older adults?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased risk of falls. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, leading to an increased risk of falls in older adults. This is due to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, which can affect balance and motor skills. Increased alertness (choice A) is not a common side effect of benzodiazepines, as they typically have a calming and sedating effect. Improved memory (choice C) is also unlikely, as benzodiazepines are more commonly associated with memory impairment. Enhanced muscle strength (choice D) is not a known side effect of benzodiazepines, as they do not directly affect muscle strength. In summary, the correct answer is B because benzodiazepines can increase the risk of falls in older adults due to their sedative properties.

Question 7 of 9

The nurse designs a group exercise program at a senior center. Which room should the nurse choose?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a room with hardwood floor and large windows overlooking a garden area offers a safe, non-slip surface for exercise and natural light for a pleasant environment. Hardwood floors are ideal for exercise to prevent slipping, and the large windows provide a view of the garden area, which can enhance motivation and mood. The other choices are incorrect because A has throw rugs, which can cause tripping hazards, B lacks natural light and ventilation, and D has a linoleum floor which may not be as safe for exercise compared to hardwood.

Question 8 of 9

Which of the following can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults with chronic pain?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical therapy. CBT helps older adults manage pain through changing thought patterns and behaviors, improving coping skills. Physical therapy helps maintain mobility and reduce pain. Both approaches address the physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain, leading to better quality of life. Complete bed rest (A) can worsen pain and lead to muscle weakness. Unsupervised use of opioids (B) can be dangerous, leading to addiction and other health issues. Isolation and minimal social interaction (D) can contribute to depression and exacerbate pain.

Question 9 of 9

A nurse in a long-term care facility is using the TimeSlips program with a group of cognitively impaired older adults. The nurse is using which of the following techniques?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the TimeSlips program involves providing a picture as a creative prompt for group members to collaboratively create a story. This technique stimulates imagination and communication in cognitively impaired individuals. Choice B is incorrect as recording responses is not specific to the TimeSlips method. Choice C is incorrect as complimenting contributions is not a core component of the TimeSlips program. Choice D is incorrect as reading back the story during the session does not align with the collaborative, creative process of TimeSlips.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days