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

Pain should be reassessed 30–60 minutes after opioid administration to evaluate effectiveness and adjust care as needed.

Question 2

Which sign indicates that an elderly patient is experiencing dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Skin tenting and dry mucous membranes

Answer

Skin tenting (poor turgor) and dry mucous membranes are classic signs of dehydration, especially in elderly patients.

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

For a patient with comfort-focused goals, the priority is to relieve distress through palliative interventions aligned with the care plan.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Protein-calorie malnutrition

Answer

Protein-calorie malnutrition is prevalent in elderly residents due to decreased appetite, dysphagia, depression, and functional limitations.

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

An unresponsive patient cannot safely swallow; IV dextrose or glucagon is required to safely treat severe hypoglycemia.

(LVN) Licensed Vocational Nurse Practice Test

(LVN) Licensed Vocational Nurse Practice Test

LVN Geriatric Care 5