Gerontological Nurse Test Gerontological Nursing 2

Question 1

An 82-year-old patient is prescribed a new benzodiazepine for anxiety. According to the Beers Criteria, what is the primary concern with this medication in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of falls and cognitive impairment

Answer

The Beers Criteria lists benzodiazepines as potentially inappropriate for older adults due to increased risk of falls, fractures, motor vehicle accidents, and cognitive impairment.

Question 2

A gerontological nurse is assessing a 78-year-old patient for dehydration. Which clinical finding is MOST reliable in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Orthostatic hypotension

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension (a drop in systolic BP ≥20 mmHg or diastolic ≥10 mmHg upon standing) is a reliable indicator of dehydration in older adults; skin turgor and thirst are less reliable due to age-related changes.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes 'presbycusis' as it relates to gerontological nursing?

Accepted Answer

Age-related sensorineural hearing loss affecting high frequencies

Answer

Presbycusis is the gradual, bilateral, symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss associated with aging, primarily affecting high-frequency sounds.

Question 4

A nurse is caring for a 75-year-old patient who scores 20 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). How should the nurse interpret this score?

Accepted Answer

Moderate cognitive impairment

Answer

MMSE scores of 18–23 indicate mild impairment, while scores of 10–17 indicate moderate impairment; a score of 20 falls in the mild-to-moderate range and most guidelines classify it as moderate impairment.

Question 5

An older adult patient with chronic kidney disease requires pain management. Which opioid analgesic is considered SAFEST in this population?

Accepted Answer

Hydromorphone (low dose)

Answer

Hydromorphone at low doses is preferred in renal impairment because its active metabolites accumulate less than those of morphine; meperidine and codeine are contraindicated due to toxic metabolite accumulation.

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Gerontological Nursing 2