Gerontological Nurse Test Dementia and Cognitive Disorders

Question 1

Which feature best distinguishes delirium from dementia in an older adult?

Accepted Answer

Acute onset with fluctuating course

Answer

Delirium is characterized by acute onset and a fluctuating level of consciousness, whereas dementia typically has a gradual, progressive onset without acute fluctuation.

Question 2

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is used in gerontological nursing primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Screen for and monitor cognitive impairment

Answer

The MMSE is a standardized screening tool that assesses multiple cognitive domains and tracks changes over time; it cannot independently diagnose a specific dementia type.

Question 3

A patient with Alzheimer's disease exhibits sundowning. The nurse should anticipate that this behavior typically occurs:

Accepted Answer

Late afternoon and evening hours

Answer

Sundowning refers to increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral disturbances that commonly occur in late afternoon and evening in patients with dementia.

Question 4

Which non-pharmacological intervention is most appropriate for managing agitation in a patient with moderate dementia?

Accepted Answer

Consistent routine, familiar music, and a calm environment

Answer

Consistent routines, familiar sensory stimuli like music, and a calm low-stimulation environment are evidence-based non-pharmacological interventions for dementia-related agitation.

Question 5

Lewy body dementia is distinguished from Alzheimer's disease by the presence of which hallmark feature?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent vivid visual hallucinations

Answer

Recurrent, well-formed visual hallucinations are a core diagnostic feature of Lewy body dementia and are not typically prominent early in Alzheimer's disease.

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Dementia and Cognitive Disorders