LVN Geriatric Care 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are common age-related changes that affect nursing care?
- Decreased sensory acuity, reduced mobility, slower metabolism, thinner skin, and cognitive changes (Correct answer)
- No changes occur with aging
- Only hearing loss
- Only vision changes
Correct answer: Decreased sensory acuity, reduced mobility, slower metabolism, thinner skin, and cognitive changes
Normal aging affects every body system, requiring adapted care approaches.
Question 2: What is polypharmacy in elderly patients?
- The use of multiple medications increasing the risk of interactions, falls, and adverse effects (Correct answer)
- Taking one medication
- Using herbal supplements
- Visiting multiple pharmacies
Correct answer: The use of multiple medications increasing the risk of interactions, falls, and adverse effects
Older adults often take many medications, each adding risk of interactions and side effects.
Question 3: What is fall prevention in elderly care?
- A multifaceted approach including assessment, environmental modification, exercise, and medication review (Correct answer)
- Only bed rails
- Only non-slip socks
- Falls cannot be prevented
Correct answer: A multifaceted approach including assessment, environmental modification, exercise, and medication review
Fall prevention combines risk assessment, environmental safety measures, physical activity, and medication management.
Question 4: What are the signs of elder abuse?
- Unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, withdrawal, fear of caregivers, and sudden financial changes (Correct answer)
- Only physical bruises
- Elder abuse does not exist
- Only occurs in nursing homes
Correct answer: Unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, withdrawal, fear of caregivers, and sudden financial changes
Elder abuse may be physical, emotional, financial, or neglectful, and nurses are mandated reporters.
Question 5: What is dementia vs. delirium?
- Dementia is chronic, progressive cognitive decline; delirium is acute, reversible confusion (Correct answer)
- They are the same
- Delirium is permanent
- Dementia starts suddenly
Correct answer: Dementia is chronic, progressive cognitive decline; delirium is acute, reversible confusion
Dementia develops slowly and is irreversible; delirium develops quickly, has an identifiable cause, and is often reversible with treatment.
Question 6: What is end-of-life care?
- Comprehensive care focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for terminally ill patients (Correct answer)
- Only pain management
- Aggressive treatment of all conditions
- Care that hastens death
Correct answer: Comprehensive care focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for terminally ill patients
End-of-life care prioritizes symptom management, emotional support, and honoring patient wishes during the dying process.
LVN Geriatric Care 1
What are common age-related changes that affect nursing care?