ATI RN
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
________ is a factor that contributes to a high incidence of falls in the elderly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: high likelihood of orthostatic hypotension upon rising quickly. Orthostatic hypotension is a common issue in the elderly, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up quickly, leading to dizziness and falls. This factor directly contributes to the high incidence of falls in the elderly. Increased muscle mass and tone (A) actually reduce the risk of falls, while improving eyesight in dim light (C) would decrease the risk. Constipation (D) is not directly related to falls in the elderly.
Question 3 of 9
Mr. J has been admitted to the hospital from her own home. The admitting nurse notes that the patient has severe edema in the lower extremities, no hair on the legs, and ulcerations on her feet. These signs and symptoms are most likely indications of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Circulatory problems related to age and a chronic illness. Severe edema, hair loss on the legs, and foot ulcerations are indicative of poor circulation, often seen in conditions like peripheral artery disease. Age and chronic illnesses can contribute to circulatory issues. A diet low in protein (choice A) would not directly cause these symptoms. Exposure to cold (choice B) would not explain the specific symptoms mentioned. Frequent falls (choice C) do not align with the symptoms provided.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
A nurse is caring for a culturally diverse patient who has missed follow-up appointments. The patient says: “You don’t understand—in my culture, we don’t do things like that.” The nurse understands which of the following about the patient’s culture?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The culture has a different orientation to time than Western medicine. This is because the patient's statement about not following up on appointments due to cultural reasons suggests a difference in the perception and importance of time. In some cultures, time is more fluid and flexible compared to the rigid scheduling of Western medicine. This understanding helps the nurse provide culturally sensitive care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: The culture does not value Western medicine - This is not necessarily implied by the patient's statement about cultural differences. C: The culture is an interdependent culture - The patient's statement does not provide direct evidence of the culture being interdependent. D: The culture does not believe in preventative care - There is no indication in the patient's statement that the culture does not believe in preventative care.
Question 6 of 9
Mr J., an 80 yr old who has had flu like symptoms with diarrhea and has vomited 4 times in the last 24 hours is seen in the ED. Mr. J seems confused and is lethargic. The nurse notes that Mr. J has dry skin, a brown tongue, sunken cheeks and concentrated urine. This array of symptoms indicates:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: dehydration. Mr. J's symptoms of flu-like illness, diarrhea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy, dry skin, brown tongue, sunken cheeks, and concentrated urine are indicative of severe dehydration. Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, decreased blood volume, and impaired organ function, resulting in confusion and lethargy. Skin changes, dry mucous membranes, and concentrated urine are also classic signs of dehydration. The other choices (A, C, D) do not align with the constellation of symptoms presented by Mr. J and are less likely based on the information provided.
Question 7 of 9
Nursing interventions for the client with CHF include all of the following except_____
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because assisting with upper endoscopy is not a standard nursing intervention for CHF. Nursing interventions for CHF focus on managing symptoms, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. Choices A, B, and C are correct as they address important aspects of CHF management such as monitoring symptoms, educating on medications, and promoting a low-sodium diet. Helping with an upper endoscopy is unrelated to the management of CHF and falls outside the scope of nursing care for this condition.
Question 8 of 9
All of the following except ___are risk factors for an elderly person developing pneumonia.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diarrhea. Diarrhea is not a risk factor for developing pneumonia in elderly individuals. The rationale for this is that pneumonia is primarily caused by respiratory infections, not gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Neurological disease, heart failure, and COPD are all risk factors for pneumonia because they can weaken the immune system or impair lung function, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. These conditions can lead to aspiration, impaired cough reflex, or compromised lung function, increasing the likelihood of developing pneumonia.
Question 9 of 9
An older adult who is a traditional Chinese man has a blood pressure of 80/54 mm Hg and refuses to remain in the bed. Which intervention should the nurse use to promote and maintain his health?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C is correct as it involves understanding the patient's beliefs and preferences, crucial in culturally competent care. A would not address the patient's perspective directly. B is broad and lacks specificity. D assumes all traditional Chinese individuals seek Chinese medicine, which may not be the case.