Question 1
The nurse completes an admission assessment on an older adult patient. The nurse identifies which factor that may contribute to falls?
A. Decreased appetite
B. Polypharmacy
C. Improved balance
D. Enhanced vision Correct Answer: B. Polypharmacy
Explanation: Polypharmacy (taking 5+ medications) is one of the leading modifiable risk factors for falls in older adults due to drug interactions, side effects (drowsiness, orthostasis, dizziness), and altered pharmacokinetics in aging.Question 2
The nurse, preparing to discharge an 81-year-old client from the hospital, recognizes that the majority of older adults ________________.
A. Require institutional care
B. Live alone
C. Are unable to care for themselves
D. Are actively involved in their community Correct Answer: D. Are actively involved in their community
Explanation: Myth-busting: Most older adults (≈70–80%) live independently in the community, not in institutions. Many remain socially engaged, volunteer, or participate in family/community activities.Question 3
When developing the plan of care for an older adult hospitalized for an acute illness, the nurse should __________.
A. Use a standardized geriatric nursing care plan
B. Minimize activity level during hospitalization
C. Consider the preadmission functional abilities when setting patient goals
D. Plan for likely long-term-care transfer to allow additional time for recovery Correct Answer: C. Consider the preadmission functional abilities when setting patient goals
Explanation: Baseline functional status (pre-admission ADLs/IADLs) is the gold standard reference for goal-setting in geriatrics. Hospitalization often causes functional decline; plans should aim to return to or maintain pre-illness level, not assume permanent loss.Question 4
The nurse is aware that the majority of older adults:
A. Live alone
B. Live in institutional settings
C. Are unable to care for themselves
D. Are actively involved in their community Correct Answer: D. Are actively involved in their community
Explanation: Reinforces debunking ageism myths. Majority live in community settings and remain active/engaged.Question 5
The nurse defines ageism most accurately as __________.
A. The study of social, cultural, psychological, cognitive, economic, and biological aspects of aging
B. Discrimination against older adults based on age
C. A tendency to attribute problems to the aging process rather than disease
D. Positive attitudes toward older adults Correct Answer: B. Discrimination against older adults based on age
Explanation: Ageism is prejudice or discrimination based solely on chronological age (negative stereotypes, exclusion from opportunities, etc.).Question 6
Which of the following statements is true for nursing care of older adult clients?
A. The majority of older adults live below the poverty line
B. The majority of older adults live above the poverty line
C. Older adults rarely use prescription medications
D. Institutional care is required for most older adults Correct Answer: B. The majority of older adults live above the poverty line
Explanation: Economic myth-busting: Most older adults are not impoverished; many have retirement income, pensions, or assets above poverty thresholds.Question 7
The major risk of polypharmacy for the older adult is _______________.
A. Increased cost of medications
B. Adverse drug reactions and interactions
C. Better adherence to treatment
D. Fewer physician visits Correct Answer: B. Adverse drug reactions and interactions
Explanation: Polypharmacy heightens risk of ADRs, falls, hospitalizations, cognitive impairment, and non-adherence.Question 8
Which physiological change is most likely to occur with normal aging? (Select all that apply or single best)
A. Decreased renal function
B. Reduced muscle mass (sarcopenia)
C. Improved reaction time
D. Increased bone density Correct Answer: A and B (if select-all); or A/B as primary
Explanation: Normal aging includes sarcopenia, reduced GFR (renal), slower reaction time, decreased bone density (osteopenia risk).Question 9
A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about health promotion. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. Exercise is not recommended after age 65
B. Regular exercise can help maintain bone density and muscle strength
C. Falls are inevitable with aging
D. Polypharmacy has no risks Correct Answer: B. Regular exercise can help maintain bone density and muscle strength
Explanation: Evidence-based health promotion: Strength/balance training reduces fall risk and combats sarcopenia/osteoporosis.Question 10
What should the nurse do when developing the plan of care for an older adult hospitalized for an acute illness? (Variations)
→ Consider the preadmission functional abilities when setting patient goals (most common correct choice).