You adjust care for older adults: polypharmacy, skin, confusion, and what family can safely do. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the LPN exams exam guide or more LPN exams practice questions.
Five geriatric questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
A nurse just finished teaching breast self-examination to a large group of women at a professional conference. During the session, she distributed literature and used culturally appropriate visual aids. However, the session was not as effective as it could have been. What is the most important thing the nurse forgot to include?
A. Lots of time for audience members to ask questions and clarify the information
B. An explanation of why culturally appropriate images are more acceptable
C. The opportunity for the women to practice what they learned
D. The use of simple language instead of printed material in case the women could not read
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — The opportunity for the women to practice what they learned
The correct answer is C: The opportunity for the women to practice what they learned. This is crucial because practical application reinforces learning. By allowing the women to practice breast self-examination techniques during the session, they can gain confidence and ensure they understand the process correctly. This hands-on approach enhances retention and ensures the information is effectively internalized.
Choice A (Lots of time for audience members to ask questions and clarify the information) is important but not as critical as providing the opportunity for practice. While addressing questions is beneficial, practical application solidifies learning.
Choice B (An explanation of why culturally appropriate images are more acceptable) is relevant for engaging the audience but not as essential as hands-on practice. Cultural sensitivity is important but does not directly impact the effectiveness of the teaching session.
Choice D (The use of simple language instead of printed material in case the women could not read) is also important for accessibility but does not address the core issue of reinforcing learning through practice. Simplified language aids comprehension but
Question 2
In clinical supervision, the nurse caring for the patient with a paranoid personality disorder tells the advanced practice nurse, 'I tried being caring and empathetic, but the patient just kept telling me to stay away.' Which response by the advanced practice nurse would be best?
A. Acting somewhat cynical and aloof, like they do, will make it easier for paranoid persons to bond with you over time. That, plus humor.'
B. You may be trying too hard too soon. Back off, give him some time to get used to you, then try your caring and empathetic approach again.'
C. Mistrustful people do not bond as others do, so first it's important to be realistic. Second, a neutral yet courteous approach will work better.'
D. You are on the right track, but give it more time. Actively conveying empathy and care will work, but paranoid persons respond more slowly.'
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Mistrustful people do not bond as others do, so first it's important to be realistic. Second, a neutral yet courteous approach will work better.'
The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the unique challenges of working with individuals with paranoid personality disorder. The response emphasizes the importance of being realistic about the patient's mistrust and suggests a neutral yet courteous approach. This approach recognizes the need to build trust gradually and not rush into being overly caring or empathetic, which could further trigger the patient's paranoia.
Choice A is incorrect because adopting a cynical and aloof attitude is not conducive to building rapport with individuals with paranoid personality disorder. Humor may also be perceived as mocking or dismissive.
Choice B is incorrect because it suggests backing off completely before trying a caring and empathetic approach again. This approach may not effectively address the patient's needs for support and may reinforce their feelings of isolation.
Choice D is incorrect because it suggests continuing with the caring and empathetic approach without acknowledging the need for a more cautious and neutral approach with individuals who are mistrustful. This approach may not effectively address the patient's specific needs and could potentially worsen the
Question 3
The nurse manager of a mental health center wants to improve medication adherence among the seriously mentally ill persons treated there. Which interventions are likely to help achieve this goal? Select one tha does not apply
A. Maintain stable and consistent staff
B. Increase the length of medication education groups
C. Stress that without treatment, illnesses will worsen
D. Prescribe drugs in smaller but more frequent dosages
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Maintain stable and consistent staff
Trust in ones providers is a key factor in treatment adherence, and mentally ill persons can sometimes take a very long time to develop such trust; therefore, interventions which stabilize staffing allow patients to have more time with staff to develop these bonds. Ready access to prescribers allows medicine-related concerns to be addressed quickly, reducing obstacles to adherence such as side effects or ineffective dosages. Medication costs can be obstacles to adherence as well. Many SMI patients have anosognosia and do not adhere to treatment because they believe they are not ill, so telling them nonadherence will worsen an illness they do not believe they have is unlikely to be helpful. Increasing medication education is helpful only when the cause of nonadherence is a knowledge deficit. Other issues that reduce adherence, particularly anosognosia and side effects, are seldom helped by longer medication education. Requiring medication adherence to participate in other programs is coercive and unethical. Smaller, more frequent doses do not reduce side effects and make the regimen more difficult for the patient to remember.
Question 4
A patient admitted to the eating disorders unit has yellow skin, the extremities are cold, and the heart rate is 42 bpm. The patient weighs 70 pounds; height is 5 feet 4 inches. The patient is quiet during the assessment, saying only, 'I will not eat until I lose enough weight to look thin.' Select the best initial nursing diagnosis.
A. Anxiety related to fear of weight gain.
B. Disturbed body image related to weight loss.
C. Ineffective coping related to lack of conflict resolution skills.
D. None of the above.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — None of the above.
Rationale for Correct Answer (D): None of the above is the best initial nursing diagnosis because the patient's symptoms suggest a severe medical condition rather than psychological issues. The yellow skin, cold extremities, low heart rate, extreme low weight, and refusal to eat indicate severe malnutrition and possible organ failure. Therefore, the priority is to address the patient's immediate medical needs, such as restoring electrolyte balance and preventing further complications. Psychological assessments and diagnoses can follow once the patient's physical health is stabilized.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: Anxiety related to fear of weight gain - This choice focuses on psychological factors, but the patient's symptoms indicate severe physical malnutrition rather than anxiety.
B: Disturbed body image related to weight loss - While body image issues may be present, the patient's critical medical condition takes precedence over psychological concerns.
C: Ineffective coping related to lack of conflict resolution skills - This choice does not address the urgency of the patient's physical symptoms and is not the most
Question 5
Which action would be most helpful for the nurse executive to implement evidence-based practice at a community nursing center that serves a large Cuban immigrant population?
A. Have university experts with cultural competency expertise review clinic policies.
B. Have weekly staff meetings for the purpose of discussing which methods seem to work best when helping immigrants.
C. Include Cuban immigrants from the community on the center's advisory board.
D. Send personnel to conferences and seminars that focus on treating Hispanic immigrants.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Include Cuban immigrants from the community on the center's advisory board.
The correct answer is C: Include Cuban immigrants from the community on the center's advisory board. This choice is the most helpful because involving the Cuban immigrant population directly in the decision-making process ensures that their unique needs and perspectives are considered when implementing evidence-based practice. By having Cuban immigrants on the advisory board, the nurse executive can gain valuable insights into the community's cultural preferences, beliefs, and barriers to healthcare access. This approach promotes cultural humility and fosters trust and collaboration between the center and the community.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they lack direct involvement of the Cuban immigrant population in the decision-making process. Having university experts review policies (A) may provide valuable insights but does not prioritize the community's input. Weekly staff meetings (B) may be helpful for internal discussions but do not involve the community directly. Sending personnel to conferences and seminars (D) can enhance knowledge but does not ensure community engagement in decision-making.
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Question 6
A nursing staff has worked very hard and successfully screening for diabetes in the community. Which of the following might best persuade the health board to increase funding for diabetic clinics in this community?
A. An epidemic of diabetes is now recognized and must be addressed.
B. The incidence of diabetes is now higher than previously recognized in the community.
C. The prevalence of diabetes is now higher than previously recognized in the community.
D. The risk for diabetes in the community could decrease if funding is received.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: The prevalence of diabetes is now higher than previously recognized in the community. This answer is correct because it directly addresses the need for increased funding by highlighting the actual current burden of diabetes in the community. By providing concrete data on the prevalence of diabetes, the nursing staff can effectively demonstrate the urgency and importance of expanding diabetic clinics.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: An epidemic of diabetes is now recognized and must be addressed - This choice is not as effective as choice C because it does not provide specific data on the prevalence of diabetes in the community.
B: The incidence of diabetes is now higher than previously recognized in the community - While incidence is important, prevalence gives a more accurate picture of the overall burden of the disease in the community.
D: The risk for diabetes in the community could decrease if funding is received - This choice focuses on potential future outcomes rather than the current situation, making it less persuasive in requesting increased funding.
A teacher comes to the mental health clinic saying a co-worker recently confronted her about behaviors that are annoying to other co-workers. She is now experiencing moderate to severe levels of anxiety. The co-worker told the patient that others find her very difficult because she is a perfectionist and micromanages the tasks of others on the teaching team, always demanding that things should be done according to her plans. The co-worker mentioned that the patient made everyone feel as though everything they tried was inadequate, and they feel frustrated and angry. The patient states she likes her co-workers and only wanted to help them be successful. The nurse realizes the patient's behaviors are most consistent with:
A. obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.
B. narcissistic personality disorder.
C. histrionic personality disorder.
D. schizoid personality disorder.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. This is because the patient's behaviors of being a perfectionist, micromanaging tasks, demanding things be done according to her plans, and making others feel inadequate align with the diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder are preoccupied with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.
Choice B: narcissistic personality disorder, is incorrect because the patient's behaviors are not characterized by a sense of grandiosity, a lack of empathy, or a need for admiration, which are hallmark features of narcissistic personality disorder.
Choice C: histrionic personality disorder, is incorrect as individuals with this disorder typically display attention-seeking behavior, emotional instability, and excessive emotionality, none of which are evident in the patient's presentation.
Choice D: schizoid personality disorder, is incorrect as individuals with this disorder tend to be socially detached, have limited emotional expression, and prefer solitary activities, which do not align with the
A patient with borderline personality disorder has been making steady progress but one day gets a phone call from her boyfriend, who breaks off their relationship. Although she has not self-injured in over 2 months, she makes repeated lacerations on her forearm. Which statement about this and most maladaptive behaviors seen in personality disorders is most accurate?
A. People with personality disorders rarely achieve lasting improvement.
B. However dysfunctional, most behavior is the person's best effort to cope.
C. People with personality disorders are at the mercy of others' actions.
D. What appears to be improvement can be manipulation instead.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: However dysfunctional, most behavior is the person's best effort to cope. In this scenario, the patient's self-injury following the breakup is a maladaptive coping mechanism to deal with emotional distress. Individuals with personality disorders often engage in maladaptive behaviors as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or stress. This behavior may not be effective or healthy, but it is their attempt to manage their internal struggles.
A: People with personality disorders rarely achieve lasting improvement - This statement is incorrect as individuals with personality disorders can make progress with therapy and support.
C: People with personality disorders are at the mercy of others' actions - This statement is incorrect as individuals with personality disorders have agency over their behaviors, even if they struggle with emotional regulation.
D: What appears to be improvement can be manipulation instead - This statement is incorrect as improvement in behavior should not be automatically attributed to manipulation; it could genuinely reflect progress in coping skills.
A 91-year-old female client with dementia is being seen by the home health nurse. Both she and her husband, who is 92 years old, were very active until her dementia became debilitating. Since that time, the client does not recognize her husband or children, forgets how to eat and dress, and wanders about the house day and night. Her husband wants to keep her at home to care for her, but the nurse notices that he is increasingly tired with each visit. What is the nurse's priority intervention for the nursing diagnosis of caregiver role strain?
A. Discuss strategies to coordinate care and other responsibilities
B. Encourage involvement in support groups
C. Identify resources to include financial, legal, and respite care
D. Stress the importance of self-nurturing
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Discuss strategies to coordinate care and other responsibilities. The priority intervention for caregiver role strain is to help the husband effectively manage caring for his wife with dementia. By discussing strategies to coordinate care and other responsibilities, the nurse can assist the husband in creating a plan to ensure the client's needs are met while also addressing his own well-being. This intervention will help alleviate the husband's increasing tiredness and provide support in managing the caregiving responsibilities.
Summary of other choices:
B: Encourage involvement in support groups - While support groups can be beneficial, the immediate priority is to address the husband's caregiving responsibilities.
C: Identify resources to include financial, legal, and respite care - While important, these resources may not directly address the husband's current strain in caring for his wife.
D: Stress the importance of self-nurturing - While self-care is important, the immediate focus should be on assisting the husband in managing his caregiving responsibilities.
A patient with many positive symptoms of schizophrenia, whose behavior is disorganized and who is highly anxious, tells the nurse in the psychiatric emergency department, 'You have got to help me. I do not know what is going on. I think someone is trying to wipe me out. I have to get a gun.' The patient, a college student, lives alone and has no family or support system in the immediate area. He has not left his room in 2 weeks, has not eaten in several days, and is unkempt. Of the available treatment settings, the nurse should recommend:
A. admission to an unlocked residential crisis unit.
B. inpatient hospitalization on a locked unit.
C. attending a day treatment program for 4 weeks.
D. admission to a partial hospital program.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: inpatient hospitalization on a locked unit. This option is the most appropriate given the patient's presentation. The patient is experiencing severe positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and disorganized behavior, posing a risk to himself and others by expressing intent to obtain a gun. Additionally, the patient is neglecting basic needs, indicating a need for close monitoring and intervention. Inpatient hospitalization on a locked unit provides a structured and secure environment for intensive treatment, ensuring safety and stabilization.
Incorrect choices:
A: Admission to an unlocked residential crisis unit may not provide the level of monitoring and security needed for a patient with active psychotic symptoms and self-harm potential.
C: Attending a day treatment program for 4 weeks does not address the acute safety concerns and level of impairment displayed by the patient.
D: Admission to a partial hospital program may not offer the round-the-clock supervision and immediate intervention required for someone at risk of harming themselves or others.
A 17-year-old client is admitted to the ED after being alternately hyperalert and difficult to arouse. His symptoms all started within the last few hours, during which time he became disoriented and confused. His behavior was agitated and restless, and his memory was impaired, especially for recent events. The client displayed some delusions and misinterpretations of his surroundings. The nurse's first action should be to:
A. Take the client's vital signs
B. Restrain the client to prevent injury
C. Obtain a pm order for a psychotropic medication
D. Ask the client for information about his medications
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Take the client's vital signs. The first step in assessing any client in the emergency department is to ensure their physiological stability. Vital signs provide essential information about the client's current physical condition, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature. In this case, the client's alternating states of hyperalertness and difficulty in arousal, disorientation, confusion, agitation, memory impairment, delusions, and misinterpretations of surroundings indicate a potential medical emergency. Therefore, taking the client's vital signs is crucial to determine if there are any immediate life-threatening conditions that need to be addressed promptly.
Summary of other choices:
B: Restrain the client to prevent injury - Restraint should only be used as a last resort for safety concerns and after assessing the client's physical condition.
C: Obtain a PRN order for a psychotropic medication - Administering psychotropic medication should not be the first action without assessing the client's physical condition and
What is the most effective strategy for preventing relapse in patients with anorexia nervosa?
A. Providing a strict, rigid meal plan that the patient must follow.
B. Offering frequent, supportive counseling to address underlying issues.
C. Encouraging the patient to self-monitor their food intake only.
D. Reassuring the patient that their weight will stabilize without further intervention.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because offering frequent, supportive counseling to address underlying issues is the most effective strategy for preventing relapse in patients with anorexia nervosa. Counseling helps patients explore and work through the root causes of their disorder, such as body image issues, low self-esteem, or past trauma. It also provides ongoing support and guidance in developing healthy coping mechanisms and behaviors.
Choice A is incorrect because providing a strict, rigid meal plan can exacerbate feelings of control and restriction, which are common triggers for relapse in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Choice C is incorrect as solely focusing on self-monitoring food intake may not address the psychological and emotional factors contributing to the disorder, which are crucial for long-term recovery.
Choice D is incorrect because reassuring the patient that their weight will stabilize without further intervention ignores the complexities of anorexia nervosa and does not address the underlying issues that need to be resolved for sustained recovery.
A client with catatonic schizophrenia has been posturing, standing with his left arm upraised and his right foot off the floor. For the most part, he ignores attempts at nursing intervention but will occasionally walk, sit, or lie down for a few minutes. The client eats standing up if the nurse brings a tray to the room. The priority nursing order would be to:
A. Insist that client sit or lie down for 30 minutes hourly
B. Assess for lower extremity edema bid
C. Provide high-calorie drinks hourly
D. Take client to activities therapy once daily
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Assess for lower extremity edema bid. It is important to assess for lower extremity edema in this client with catatonic schizophrenia as posturing in a standing position for prolonged periods can lead to decreased circulation and potential development of edema. This assessment is crucial to monitor the client's physical health and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis.
Choice A is incorrect as insisting the client sit or lie down for 30 minutes hourly may not address the underlying issue of potential lower extremity edema and could potentially worsen the client's condition by causing distress.
Choice C is incorrect as providing high-calorie drinks hourly does not address the immediate physical health concern of lower extremity edema and may not be appropriate without a comprehensive assessment of the client's nutritional needs.
Choice D is incorrect as taking the client to activities therapy once daily does not address the immediate need for assessing lower extremity edema and may not be suitable if the client's physical health
A patient, aged 82 years, has Alzheimer's disease. She lives with her daughter's family and goes to a day care facility on weekdays. The family cares for her during the evening and at night. Noting the patient had several bruises, the nurse discussed her observations with the daughter, who became defensive and said that her mother was very difficult to manage because she is confused and wanders all night. She says the bruises resulted from a fall down stairs. The daughter states, "I have lost my mother, and I cannot bear it anymore. It is wrecking my family."Â The nursing intervention that should take priority is:
A. Teaching the daughter more about the effects of Alzheimer's disease.
B. Identifying two options for caregiver respite and care assistance at night.
C. Supporting the daughter to grieve the loss of her mother's ability to function.
D. Teaching the family how to give physical care more effectively and efficiently.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Identifying two options for caregiver respite and care assistance at night. This is the priority intervention because it addresses the immediate need to ensure the patient's safety and well-being while also supporting the daughter who is struggling to cope. By identifying options for caregiver respite and care assistance at night, the daughter can get the help she needs to manage her mother's care effectively without feeling overwhelmed. This intervention promotes both the patient's safety and the daughter's mental well-being.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect:
A: Teaching the daughter more about the effects of Alzheimer's disease. While education is important, in this scenario, the immediate need is to address caregiver respite and care assistance.
C: Supporting the daughter to grieve the loss of her mother's ability to function. While supporting the daughter emotionally is important, ensuring the patient's safety should take priority.
D: Teaching the family how to give physical care more effectively and efficiently. While this is important
The nurse at the clinic is interviewing a patient who offers a number of vague somatic complaints that might not ordinarily prompt a visit to a caregiver: fatigue, back pain, headaches, and sleep disturbance. The patient seems tense, and after having spoken of the symptoms, seems reluctant to provide more information and is in a hurry to leave. The nurse can best serve the patient by:
A. Asking if the patient has ever had psychiatric counseling.
B. Completing a structured abuse assessment protocol.
C. Exploring the possibility of patient social isolation.
D. Asking the patient to disrobe to check for signs of abuse.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Completing a structured abuse assessment protocol. Given the patient's vague complaints, tension, reluctance to provide more information, and hurry to leave, these could be signs of potential abuse. Completing a structured abuse assessment protocol allows the nurse to systematically assess for any signs of abuse, which could be contributing to the patient's somatic complaints. This approach is necessary to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.
Incorrect choices:
A: Asking if the patient has ever had psychiatric counseling - This choice does not directly address the potential abuse concerns indicated by the patient's behavior.
C: Exploring the possibility of patient social isolation - While social isolation could be a contributing factor, the urgency to leave and reluctance to provide information are more indicative of potential abuse.
D: Asking the patient to disrobe to check for signs of abuse - This choice is invasive and inappropriate without first completing a structured abuse assessment protocol to determine if abuse is likely.
LPN exams geriatric practice questions for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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