LVN Geriatric Care 5

Question 1

An elderly patient on hospice reports pain of 8/10. The LVN administers a scheduled opioid. Within what timeframe should the LVN reassess pain?

Accepted Answer

30–60 minutes after administration

Answer

4 hours after administration

Answer

At the next scheduled vital signs

Answer

Only if the patient requests reassessment

Question 2

Which sign indicates that an elderly patient is experiencing dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Skin tenting and dry mucous membranes

Answer

Bounding peripheral pulses

Answer

Periorbital edema

Answer

Increased urine output

Question 3

An 80-year-old patient with COPD and heart failure has expressed a wish for comfort measures only. The LVN notices increased respiratory distress. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Notify the RN and administer comfort-focused interventions per the care plan

Answer

Initiate CPR per protocol

Answer

Apply supplemental oxygen at the highest available flow rate

Answer

Transfer to the ICU for closer monitoring

Question 4

Which nutritional finding is most common and concerning in elderly long-term care residents?

Accepted Answer

Protein-calorie malnutrition

Answer

Vitamin D toxicity

Answer

Hyperkalemia from excess dietary potassium

Answer

Iron overload

Question 5

A patient with type 2 diabetes who is 79 years old is found unresponsive with a blood glucose of 42 mg/dL. After notifying the RN, what is the LVN's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV dextrose or glucagon per orders if the patient cannot swallow safely

Answer

Administer insulin per sliding scale

Answer

Offer orange juice by mouth immediately

Answer

Document the finding and wait for the RN

Question 6

Which communication technique is most effective when interacting with an elderly patient who has hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Stand in front of the patient, speak slowly, and use lower-pitched tones

Answer

Speak loudly and quickly to keep the patient's attention

Answer

Write all instructions down without speaking

Answer

Use only hand gestures to avoid miscommunication

Question 7

A frail elderly patient's daughter asks about advance directives. Which statement by the LVN is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

'An advance directive documents the patient's wishes for future care and designates a healthcare proxy.'

Answer

'Advance directives are only for patients who are actively dying.'

Answer

'Only physicians can discuss advance directives with patients.'

Answer

'Advance directives cannot be changed once signed.'