LVN Geriatric & Long-Term Care 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which communication technique is most effective when interacting with a resident who has moderate hearing loss?
- Speak loudly and rapidly directly into the resident's ear
- Face the resident, speak clearly in a low-pitched voice, and reduce background noise (Correct answer)
- Write all communication in large-print notes only
- Speak exclusively to family members on behalf of the resident
Correct answer: Face the resident, speak clearly in a low-pitched voice, and reduce background noise
Facing the resident, using clear low-pitched speech, and reducing background noise optimize communication for those with age-related hearing loss.
Question 2: Which finding on skin assessment of an elderly resident requires the LVN to report to the RN as a potential Stage 1 pressure injury?
- Dry, flaky skin on the shins
- Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence (Correct answer)
- Bruising on the forearm from a blood draw
- Small spider veins on the legs
Correct answer: Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence
Non-blanchable erythema over a bony prominence is the hallmark of a Stage 1 pressure injury and must be reported and documented promptly.
Question 3: A long-term care resident with type 2 diabetes has a blood glucose of 58 mg/dL and is conscious. What is the LVN's priority intervention?
- Administer IV dextrose immediately
- Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate orally and recheck glucose in 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Withhold the next insulin dose and continue monitoring
- Call the physician and await orders before acting
Correct answer: Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate orally and recheck glucose in 15 minutes
The 15-15 rule—15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates followed by a glucose recheck in 15 minutes—is the standard first-line treatment for mild hypoglycemia in a conscious patient.
Question 4: Which behavior indicates that an LVN is providing culturally competent care to an elderly resident?
- Assuming all residents of the same ethnicity share identical health beliefs
- Asking the resident about their cultural preferences for care and incorporating them into the care plan (Correct answer)
- Providing only standard facility meals regardless of dietary practices
- Avoiding discussion of cultural background to prevent offense
Correct answer: Asking the resident about their cultural preferences for care and incorporating them into the care plan
Asking about and incorporating a resident's cultural preferences into the care plan demonstrates individualized, culturally competent nursing care.
Question 5: Which long-term care documentation requirement ensures continuity of care during shift changes?
- Verbal-only handoff reports with no written record
- Accurate, timely, and objective written nursing notes including changes in condition (Correct answer)
- Documentation completed only at the end of the week
- Nurse signatures on meal intake forms only
Correct answer: Accurate, timely, and objective written nursing notes including changes in condition
Accurate, timely, objective nursing documentation provides the legal record of care and ensures all team members have current information for continuity of care.
Question 6: An elderly resident who is normally sociable becomes withdrawn and tearful over two weeks. Which condition should the LVN suspect and report?
- Normal adjustment to facility life
- Depression (Correct answer)
- Malingering
- Early-onset Alzheimer's disease
Correct answer: Depression
Persistent withdrawal, tearfulness, and loss of interest in activities are classic signs of depression, which is common but underdiagnosed in elderly long-term care residents.
Question 7: Which practice best prevents the spread of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) in a long-term care facility?
- Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after contact
- Wearing gloves and gown, and washing hands with soap and water after care (Correct answer)
- Cohorting all residents in a common room
- Administering prophylactic antibiotics to all residents
Correct answer: Wearing gloves and gown, and washing hands with soap and water after care
C. diff spores are not killed by alcohol; soap and water handwashing along with contact precautions (gloves and gown) are required to prevent transmission.
LVN Geriatric & Long-Term Care 5
Which communication technique is most effective when interacting with a resident who has moderate hearing loss?