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

Dry axillae (armpits) is a more reliable indicator of dehydration in elderly patients than skin turgor because axillary skin is less affected by age-related elasticity loss.

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

Advance directives and established goals of care take ethical and legal precedence when making decisions about artificial nutrition for patients with advanced dementia who lack decision-making capacity.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic medications

Answer

Anticholinergic medications reduce parasympathetic stimulation of salivary glands, causing dry mouth that impairs chewing, swallowing, and appetite.

Question 4

Sarcopenia in older adults is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with aging

Answer

Sarcopenia is the progressive, age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that contributes to functional decline, increased fall risk, and malnutrition.

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

The standard recommendation of approximately 30 mL/kg/day places a 70 kg adult at about 2,100 mL; the practical clinical range is 1,500–2,000 mL minimum for most elderly patients.

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Nutrition and Hydration in the Elderly 2