Gerontological Nurse Test Nutrition and Hydration in the Elderly 2

Question 1

Which clinical sign is most reliable for assessing dehydration in older adults when skin turgor is unreliable due to normal age-related changes?

Accepted Answer

Dry axillae

Answer

Decreased urine output

Answer

Pitting edema

Answer

Increased respiratory rate

Question 2

A 78-year-old patient with advanced dementia cannot take adequate oral nutrition. What is the most important factor when considering enteral tube feeding?

Accepted Answer

The patient's advance directives and goals of care

Answer

The patient's weight loss percentage

Answer

The current serum albumin level

Answer

The patient's family preference alone

Question 3

Which medication class most commonly causes xerostomia (dry mouth) that contributes to nutritional problems in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic medications

Answer

ACE inhibitors

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Statins

Question 4

Sarcopenia in older adults is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with aging

Answer

Increased fat mass with decreased bone density

Answer

Inflammation of the sarcomeres in cardiac muscle

Answer

Excessive protein accumulation in muscle tissue

Question 5

What is the standard minimum daily fluid requirement for a healthy 70 kg older adult?

Accepted Answer

1,500–2,000 mL

Answer

500–700 mL

Answer

1,000–1,200 mL

Answer

3,000–4,000 mL

Question 6

Which nursing intervention is most effective for promoting adequate nutrition in a hospitalized older adult with poor appetite?

Accepted Answer

Offering small, frequent meals with preferred foods

Answer

Inserting a nasogastric tube immediately

Answer

Providing high-calorie protein shakes exclusively

Answer

Restricting meals to scheduled times only

Question 7

In the DETERMINE nutritional risk checklist used with older adults, the letter 'D' stands for which risk factor?

Accepted Answer

Disease

Answer

Dehydration

Answer

Dental problems

Answer

Decreased mobility