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 RN exams exam guide or more RN 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
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 4
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 5
A family member of a resident in a long-term care facility inquires about the role of gerontological nursing certification. What is the most accurate response the nurse can provide?
A. Gerontological nursing certification indicates that a nurse has advanced knowledge and skills specifically related to the care of older adults.'
B. All nurses in long-term care must obtain gerontological certification after completing their initial training.'
C. Certification in gerontology is only necessary for nurses working in rehabilitation centers.'
D. Only nurses with a master's degree can achieve certification in gerontology.'
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Gerontological nursing certification indicates that a nurse has advanced knowledge and skills specifically related to the care of older adults.'
The correct answer is A: Gerontological nursing certification indicates that a nurse has advanced knowledge and skills specifically related to the care of older adults. This is accurate because gerontological nursing certification is a voluntary certification that demonstrates a nurse's specialized expertise in caring for the elderly population. Nurses who obtain this certification have undergone additional training and education in gerontological nursing, making them more competent in addressing the unique needs of older adults.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: All nurses in long-term care must obtain gerontological certification after completing their initial training - This is false as gerontological certification is not mandatory for all nurses in long-term care.
C: Certification in gerontology is only necessary for nurses working in rehabilitation centers - This is incorrect as gerontological certification is beneficial for nurses caring for older adults in various settings, not just rehabilitation centers.
D: Only nurses with a master's degree can achieve certification in gerontology - This is not true as nurses with
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.
Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.
Question 6
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
Correct answer:
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.
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
Correct answer:
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.
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.
Correct answer:
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
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.
Correct answer:
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
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.
Correct answer:
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.
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.
Correct answer:
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.
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 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 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.
RN exams geriatric practice questions for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the RN exams exam guide.
The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.
