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
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 3 of 9
The gerontological nurse collaborates with the wound care team about an older patient who has an ulcer. How is this nurse demonstrating leadership in the care of older people?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Coordinating members of the health care team. This demonstrates leadership as the nurse is taking charge of organizing and communicating with various healthcare professionals to ensure the best care for the older patient. By collaborating with the wound care team, the nurse shows effective coordination and communication skills, which are crucial in managing complex cases in older adults. Assessing older adults effectively (choice A) is important but does not specifically address leadership in coordinating care. Facilitating access to eldercare programs (choice B) is important but does not directly demonstrate leadership in coordinating care. Empowering older adults to manage chronic illness (choice D) is important for patient education but does not directly show leadership in coordinating the healthcare team.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
What is the most common barrier to effective pain management in older adults?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because reluctance of older adults to report pain is a significant barrier to effective pain management. Older adults may underreport pain due to various factors such as fear of being seen as a burden, denial of aging-related changes, or belief that pain is a natural part of aging. This can lead to under-treatment of pain and decreased quality of life. Choices A, B, and C are not the most common barriers in this context. Fear of addiction to opioids, insufficient knowledge among healthcare providers, and inadequate access to specialists are important factors but are not as prevalent as older adults' reluctance to report pain.
Question 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 of 9
Which common cognitive impairment is often mistaken for normal aging in older adults?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is often mistaken for normal aging because it involves subtle changes in memory and thinking abilities that are beyond what is expected for age but not severe enough to be classified as dementia. Individuals with MCI may experience forgetfulness or difficulty with complex tasks, which can be misconstrued as typical age-related changes. Alzheimer's disease (B), dementia with Lewy bodies (C), and vascular dementia (D) are all forms of dementia characterized by more significant cognitive decline and functional impairment compared to MCI, making them less likely to be confused with normal aging.