Gerontology HESI Practice Exam 99 Questions with Verified Answers
An older resident is newly admitted to an assisted living community. Which action
... [Show More] should the registered nurse (RN) implement to provide the resident to maintain safe medication administration? [select all that apply]
a. locked medication storage in the client's room
b. medication administration record (MAR)
c. payment forms for prescribed medications
d. delivery of adequate supply of medication
e. list of findings indicating medication effectiveness - CORRECT ANSWER a. locked medication storage in the client's room
b. medication administration record (MAR)
d. delivery of adequate supply of medication
e. list of findings indicating medication effectiveness
When assessing an older client, which age-related changes in the cardiovascular system should the registered nurse (RN) document? [select all that apply]
a. dyspnea
b. chest pain
c. cardiac murmurs
d. widening pulse pressure
e. irregular heart rate - CORRECT ANSWER c. cardiac murmurs
d. widening pulse pressure
An older client who recently moved into an assisted living community refuses to eat or join any activities. When evaluating the client further, what should the registered nurse (RN) focus on during next examination?
a. anxiety
b. depression
c. exhaustion
d. confusion - CORRECT ANSWER b. depression
Depression is a symptom that an older client is likely to experience with a sudden change in living accommodations when a loss of personal identity can create low self-esteem.
The registered nurse (RN) is caring for an elderly client with functional incontinence who lives in an assisted living community. The client is alert and mildly confused and can self ambulate. Which nursing intervention should the RN implement?
a. offer assistance with toileting Q2 hours
b. use protective disposal undergarment instead of underwear
c. ask if the client has attempted to void Q2 hours
d. obtain a prescription for intermittent catheterization - CORRECT ANSWER a. offer assistance with toileting Q2 hours
Toileting assistance maintains independence and self-esteem which are important for an older client with incontinence. A toileting schedule also decreases the clients chances of accidents and embarrassment.
The healthcare provider prescribes a new medication, atorvastatin (Lipitor), for an older client who arrives at the clinic for an annual physical examination. What common side effect should the registered nurse (RN) advise the client to observe for with this medication?
a. constipation
b. headaches
c. muscle weakness
d. nausea and vomiting - CORRECT ANSWER b. headaches
Headaches are the most common side effect of atorvastatin (Lipitor).
The registered nurse (RN) is re-enforcing discharge instructions with the family of an older client who was recently admitted for an intestinal obstruction. Which statement indicates that the family understands the instructions?
a. increase protein and carbohydrates in the daily diet
b. limit activity to bed rest for the first week and increase mobility incrementally each week
c. report abdominal distention, constipation, or any nausea and vomiting to the healthcare provider
d. drink liquids 2 hours after meals instead of during meals - CORRECT ANSWER c. report abdominal distention, constipation, or any nausea and vomiting to the healthcare provider
These symptoms occur with intestinal obstruction and should be addressed immediately.
An older male client asks the registered nurse (RN) how he can reduce his incidents of hemorrhoidal flare ups. What information should the RN offer the client about how to prevent rectal discomfort? [select all that apply]
a. increase fiber and liquids in the diet to help prevent constipation and straining
b. change exercise program to reflect less cardio-exercise and more weight training
c. use a therapeutic cushion or frequent repositioning for periods of prolonged sitting
d. take frequent warm sitz baths and do not use abrasive paper that can traumatize tissues
e. establish bowel habits by scheduling daily time to defecate when the client is not rushed - CORRECT ANSWER a. increase fiber and liquids in the diet to help prevent constipation and straining
c. use a therapeutic cushion or frequent repositioning for periods of prolonged sitting
d. take frequent warm sitz baths and do not use abrasive paper that can traumatize tissues
e. establish bowel habits by scheduling daily time to defecate when the client is not rushed
Fluids, comfort measures, and establishment of a regular bowel pattern help reduce incidents of hemorrhoid inflammation.
An older male client is seeking counseling about his recent sexual issues with his partner. What issue should the registered nurse (RN) explore in this discussion?
a. certain medications may impact sexual function
b. normal aging affects sexual function in male clients
c. safe sex is not necessary with older sexually active elders
d. sexual interest usually declines with aging in male clients - CORRECT ANSWER a. certain medications may impact sexual function
During the quarterly evaluations of the clients in the assisted living community, the registered nurse (RN) assesses for findings of failure to thrive in the older population. Which findings should the RN document and report as manifestations related to failure to thrive? [select all that apply]
a. unintentional weight loss
b. increased weakness
c. increased amounts of sleep
d. irritation and agitation
e. seeking constant attention from caregiver - CORRECT ANSWER a. unintentional weight loss
b. increased weakness
c. increased amounts of sleep
Symptoms of failure to thrive in the older population include weight loss, weakness, and excessive sleep, which should be documented and evaluated by a healthcare provider immediately.
The registered nurse (RN) is reinforcing discharge instructions to the family of an older client with failure to thrive. What information should the RN include to promote nutritional intake for the client? [select all that apply]
a. minimize stress level by providing the client with a quiet environment during meals
b. provide food variations that the client can manage without assistance
c. assist the client with eating meals in bed in a semi Fowler's position
d. encourage fluid intake before melas to decrease dehydration
e. offer any type of food to the client as long as calories are consumed - CORRECT ANSWER a. minimize stress level by providing the client with a quiet environment during meals
b. provide food variations that the client can manage without assistance
A and B continue to promote independence and decreased stress for the client, which will increase the opportunity for nutritional intake
An older woman asks the registered nurse (RN) how she can decrease her chances of getting cystitis. What information should the RN provide?
a. void and empty the bladder completely every 2 to 3 hours
b. take warm sitz baths with bubble bath to cleanse the vulva
c. decrease fluid volume intake to reduce urgency
d. test urine pH daily using over-the-counter (OTC) dipsticks - CORRECT ANSWER a. void and empty the bladder completely every 2 to 3 hours
An older male with Parkinson's disease (PD) is discharged home with levopoda-carbidopa (Sinemet) and instructions to this wife for his care. Which statement best indicates to the registered nurse (RN) that the wife understands her husband's needs?
a. "It is important to keep my husband in a chair or in bed as much as possible and prevent him from falling."
b. "I will notify the healthcare provider if my husband has increasing involuntary movement of his extremities."
c. "Since it is difficult for my husband to eat, we should stay in the house instead of going out to dine."
d. "I should expect that my husband be incontinent of bowel and bladder as his disease advances." - CORRECT ANSWER b. "I will notify the healthcare provider if my husband has increasing involuntary movement of his extremities."
The home health registered nurse (RN) visits an older women with heart failure (HF) who is on complete bed rest. Which intervention is most important for the RN to suggest to the client to prevent complications related to immobility?
a. get as much sleep as possible
b. perform leg exercises while in bed
c. increase protein intake to combat fatigue
d. invite friends to visit to decrease risk for depression - CORRECT ANSWER b. perform leg exercises while in bed
This client is at risk for complications related to immobility. Active leg exercises should be performed frequently to decrease the risk for thrombophlebitis.
An older male client is admitted to the hospital with left-sided heart failure (HF). Which finding should the registered nurse (RN) document that is consistent with HF?
a. ascites
b. pitting edema
c. jugular distention
d. course and fine crackles - CORRECT ANSWER d. course and fine crackles
An older female client who has been taking hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Lortab) Q4 hours for chronic back pain for the past 5 years tells the registered nurse (RN) that she cannot live without her pain pills. When asked if she is addicted, the client states that she is not an addict because the healthcare provider prescribed the pain pills. Which coping mechanism should the RN determine the client is using about her addiction?
a. lack of knowledge about narcotic medications
b. rationalization to support narcotic use
c. transfer of blame to healthcare provider
d. justification of narcotic use due to chronic pain - CORRECT ANSWER b. rationalization to support narcotic use
The client is using rationalization to maintain self-esteem when she is questioned by stating that she is not addicted because she is taking medication prescribed by a healthcare provider.
An older male client with heart failure (HF) complains of chronic constipation and wants to retrain his bowel. Which information should the registered nurse (RN) offer the client for establishing regular bowel habits?
a. add whole grain foods and fibrous vegetables to diet
b. drink water and fluids up to 3,000 mL daily
c. use a stool softener or glycerin suppository PRN
d. plan daily exercise based on fatigue level - CORRECT ANSWER a. add whole grain foods and fibrous vegetables to diet
Increasing daily fiber with increasing fluid intake are the best tools to use when retraining bowel habits.
The home health registered nurse (RN) is visiting an older client with chronic hypertension. What evaluation is most important for the RN to complete with each visit?
a. effectiveness of medication
b. ability to ambulate
c. signs of dehydration
d. familial support - CORRECT ANSWER a. effectiveness of medication
An older male client is admitted for emergency treatment of acute closed-angle glaucoma. The registered nurse (RN) begins administering the prescribed biotic medications and glycerin (Glycol) therapy. Which intervention is most important for the RN to maintain during the client's therapy?
a. maintain lighting control in the room during therapy
b. monitor intake and output Q2 hours for 24 hours
c. place an eye patch over the affected eye during sleep
d. administer the eye drops at the scheduled intervals - CORRECT ANSWER b. monitor intake and output Q2 hours for 24 hours
Monitoring I&O is most important during the administration of glycerin (Glycol) due to the rapid acting osmotic diuretic effect of glycerin therapy.
The registered nurse (RN) is assigned the care of an older client who returns to the unit after surgery for closed angle glaucoma. Which intervention in the plan of care should the RN bring to the attention of the healthcare team?
a. assist with ambulating to the commode
b. monitor intake and output Q8 hours
c. administer morphine 4 mg IM Q2 hour PRN pain
d. place an eye patch on operative eye during sleep - CORRECT ANSWER c. administer morphine 4 mg IM Q2 hour PRN pain
Morphine side effects include nausea, vomiting, and constipation, causing straining on stool, all of which can increase intraocular pressure and cause intraocular bleeding during the postoperative period.
The home health registered nurse (RN) is reinforcing instructions to the family about how to prevent pressure ulcers for their older family member who is bedridden. Which measure should the RN discuss?
a. lift the client when turning instead of sliding
b. massage directly over reddened sites
c. change client's position ever 4 hours
d. place pillows under both the knees - CORRECT ANSWER a. lift the client when turning instead of sliding
Decreasing the chances of friction and shearing while moving the client.
The home health registered nurse (RN) is changing an older client's wet to dry dressing. Which observation should the RN evaluate as a therapeutic response with the removal of the dry dressing?
a. debridement and removal of slough and eschar
b. drainage of purulent exudate from the wound
c. moist skin edges around the wound field
d. presence of capillary growth in the wound - CORRECT ANSWER a. debridement and removal of slough and eschar
Wet to dry dressings begin with a wet packing inside of the wound, and then a dry gauze is used to cover the wet packing to wick drainage and bacteria away from the wound to promote healing.
The home health registered nurse (RN) is assessing an older client for a pressure ulcer. Which finding should the RN observe the area for a Stage I pressure ulcer?
a. superficial skin breakdown and flaking
b. deep pink, red, or mottled skin
c. subcutaneous damage or necrosis
d. skin that blanches pink when pressed - CORRECT ANSWER b. deep pink, red, or mottled skin
Temporary blanching of the area can last for over a minute due to poor circulation. Deep pink, red, or mottled skin is a finding consistent with a Stage 1 pressure ulcer.
A frail elderly woman visits the healthcare provider because she has been getting out of breath easily when walking long distances. Which pulmonary function change should the registered nurse (RN) expect to commonly occur with aging?
a. decreased residual volume
b. mild respiratory acidosis
c. reduced vital capacity
d. increased alveoli function - CORRECT ANSWER c. reduced vital capacity
An older female client arrives for an annual visit by the urologist due to a history of changes in serum values related to renal function. What changes should the registered nurse (RN) expect for an older client due to normal aging?
a. decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
b. hematuria during urinalysis
c. chronic bladder infections
d. urinary incontinence - CORRECT ANSWER a. decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
A frail elderly couple ask the registered nurse (RN) if they have to watch their salt intake because food does not taste as good as it used to so they have to season most foods. What information should the RN offer the couple?
a. boredom may influence how the taste of food is perceived, and different seasonings can stimulate taste
b. with age, an increase in sodium intake is needed to compensate for a decrease in renal function
c. short-term memory loss and confusion may be the reason they want to over-season their food
d. taste buds often are dull due to atrophy so older clients should use other seasonings instead of salt - CORRECT ANSWER d. taste buds often are dull due to atrophy so older clients should use other seasonings instead of salt
An older client who is unconscious is admitted after experiencing a head injury from a fall. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is prescribed to evaluate the client. Which focused assessments should the registered nurse (RN) use to determine the client's GCS score? [select all that apply]
a. verbal response
b. motor response
c. eye opening
d. pupillary reaction
e. hearing - CORRECT ANSWER a. verbal response
b. motor response
c. eye opening
The registered nurse (RN) is assigned to the care of an older client with venous stasis ulcers. A primary goal in the client's plan of care is to decrease swelling in the extremities. What action should the RN take to meet this goal?
a. elevate the legs on pillows
b. decrease fluid intake
c. decrease salt intake in diet
d. increase protein intake in diet - CORRECT ANSWER a. elevate the legs on pillows
After taking a 10-day course of an antibiotic that was ineffective, a frail, elderly client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with pneumonia. The client has a long history of smoking and still smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. Which finding should the registered nurse (RN) report to the healthcare provider?
a. barrel chest with increased chest diameter
b. crackles and pulse oximetry level of 88%
c. low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
d. arterial blood gases indicating respiratory acidosis - CORRECT ANSWER b. crackles and pulse oximetry level of 88%
The home health registered nurse (RN) visits an older female client with an ideal conduit who has been experiencing chronic urinary tract infections (UTI). Which intervention should the RN recommend to the client to manage the frequency of UTIs?
a. force fluid intake to 1,000 mL daily
b. change appliance every 4 hours
c. attach a larger drainage bag while sleeping
d. allow bag to fill completely before emptying - CORRECT ANSWER c. attach a larger drainage bag while sleeping
An older male client returns to the hospital after discharge 4 days ago for a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The registered nurse (RN) evaluates the function of the 3-way indwelling urinary catheter and the continuous bladder irrigation system. Which finding should the RN report to the healthcare provider?
a. irrigation bag of normal saline is hanging at the level of the client's head
b. the urinary output is greater than the amount of irrigation fluid instilled
c. the irrigation turbine is attached to the irrigation port on the 3-way catheter
d. the tubing that drains the urinary bladder has bright red urine with clots - CORRECT ANSWER d. the tubing that drains the urinary bladder has bright red urine with clots
An older client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has an arteriovenous fistula (AV) in the left forearm for hemodialysis. After palpating the AV fistula, which finding is an indication that the AV fistula is functioning properly?
a. enlarged veins
b. redness around the site
c. decreased pulses below fistula
d. marked ecchymotic areas - CORRECT ANSWER a. enlarged veins
After a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), an older man returns to the medical surgical floor with a 3-way indwelling urinary catheter. The registered nurse (RN) observes the catheter's tubing for drainage when the client states that he needs to void. What should the RN implement based on this finding?
a. irrigate the bladder through the catheter port
b. remove the indwelling catheter
c. explain that urgency is expected
d. notify the healthcare provider of the symptom - CORRECT ANSWER a. irrigate the bladder through the catheter port
The feeling of urgency can be caused by blood clots that can occlude drainage of the catheter, which is a common occurrence in the first 72 hours after a TURP. The urgency indication that the client's bladder is not emptying, and the RN should irrigate catheter to relieve the symptoms caused by a clot.
The registered nurse (RN) is caring for an older female with a 20 year history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who is admitted for carpel tunnel release. Which finding associated with RA should the RN document?
a. asymmetrical joint deformity
b. small joint involvement in fingers
c. crepitation or grating sensation in joints
d. weight bearing joint involvement - CORRECT ANSWER b. small joint involvement in fingers
Small joint involvement is common in rheumatoid arthritis.
A 64-year-old client is admitted to the hospital with a fractured right hip. One of the concerns following surgical repair is to promote dorsiflexion. Which intervention would a nurse implement?
a. begin early ambulation
b. monitor pain level
c. provide PCA instructions
d. provide a foot board - CORRECT ANSWER d. provide a foot board
A footboard supports the feet in dorsiflexion and helps prevent foot drop throughout the recovery.
After a recent total hip replacement, an older female client, who transferred to a rehabilitation facility placement, asks the registered nurse (RN) if she broke her hip because she is old. How should the RN best respond?
a. hip fractures can occur in any age group and require strength conditioning
b. with aging, everything tends to break down more easily the older one gets
c. older people tend to look down instead of ahead, increasing the risk of falls
d. older women commonly lose bone calcium which increases the risk of fracture - CORRECT ANSWER d. older women commonly lose bone calcium which increases the risk of fracture
An older client is admitted with a preliminary diagnosis of Addison's disease. Which skin finding should the registered nurse (RN) document that is typical with Addison's disease?
a. moon face
b. hyperpigmentation
c. excessive acne
d. multiple skin tags - CORRECT ANSWER b. hyperpigmentation
An older female client recently moved to an assisted living facility. The family explains to the registered nurse (RN) that the client is unmanageable and always confused, disoriented, and depressed. The client asks the RN repeatedly, "Where am I?" How should the RN respond?
a. explain that she is in a new home called an assisted living community
b. question the client about her perception of where she might be now
c. distract the client with a scenario that she is on an outing with her family
d. reassure the client not to worry because she will meet new friends - CORRECT ANSWER a. explain that she is in a new home called an assisted living community
An older female client who is a new resident at an assisted living facility cannot remember how to get to her room. What action should the registered nurse (RN) implement?
a. schedule therapy and social activities in her room
b. ask another resident to help the client
c. show client how to follow hallway signs to her room
d. move the client to a room close to the nurses station - CORRECT ANSWER c. show client how to follow hallway signs to her room
A new resident in an assisted living facility is an older client who is experiencing short-term memory loss and confusion. Which activity should the registered nurse (RN) schedule the client to do during the day?
a. arts and crafts
b. current events discussion group
c. group sing-along
d. daily exercise group - CORRECT ANSWER d. daily exercise group
A daily exercise group allows the client to mirror the leader and minimizes the client's stress to remember.
Since his arrival in an assisted living community, an older male client is having difficulty going to sleep. Which intervention should the registered nurse (RN) implement first?
a. encourage client to take a warm bath at night
b. ask the client what has helped him in the past
c. recommend that the client not take daytime naps
d. offer the client a glass of warm milk before bedtime - CORRECT ANSWER b. ask the client what has helped him in the past
An older male client arrives at the clinic for an annual physical examination. While the nurse assesses the client, the client states that he is having intimacy problems with his wife. Which information should the nurse provide to elicit more information from the client?
a. query client to clarify the client's idea of an intimacy problem
b. discuss benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and ejaculation
c. explore frequency that he experiences erectile dysfunction (ED)
d. determine if the client's wife is young enough to get pregnant - CORRECT ANSWER a. query client to clarify the client's idea of an intimacy problem
An older client who is a resident in a long-term care facility is receiving medications through a gastric tube (GT). After interrupting the continuous GT feeding in which sequence should the nurse implement these actions for administration of crushed medications? (arrange in the order from first step to last step)
- Flush the feeding tube of feeding solution
- Crush the medication into a powder or fine granules
- Administer each medication separately
- Dissolve each crushed medication in a medicine cup
- Flush GT to clear the medication from the tubing
- Reconnect the gastric feeding tube - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Crush the medication into a powder or fine granules
2. Dissolve each crushed medication in a medicine cup
3. Flush the feeding tube of feeding solution
4. Administer each medication separately
5. Flush GT to clear the medication from the tubing
6. Reconnect the gastric feeding tube
The hospice nurse is completing a focused assessment of an older female client with end stage Alzheimer's disease, who recently fractured her hip. What technique should the registered nurse (RN) use to determine the client's pain?
a. use the FACES pain scale
b. ask client to rate pain on a scale of 1 to 10
c. observe for facial grimacing
d. review documentation of recent eating habits - CORRECT ANSWER c. observe for facial grimacing
Older clients are at highest risk for abuse and neglect due to which factors? [select all that apply]
a. needs are greater than the caretaker's abilities
b. client's declining strength
c. fixed income
d. longer life expectancy
e. lack of exposure to technology and trends - CORRECT ANSWER a. needs are greater than the caretaker's abilities
b. client's declining strength
A frail, elderly client is admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia. Which finding is most important for the registered nurse (RN) to report to the healthcare provider?
a. fever and chills
b. confusion and dehydration
c. crackles in lung fields
d. nausea and vomiting - CORRECT ANSWER b. confusion and dehydration
Confusion and dehydration are findings of inadequate oxygenation and perfusion in this frail elderly client.
The registered nurse (RN) is observing the skin of an older client. Which finding should the RN document as consistent with the normal aging process?
a. decreased elasticity
b. tough and leathery texture
c. shiny and edematous
d. excessive hair growth on the head - CORRECT ANSWER a. decreased elasticity
An older client is transferred to a telemetry unit after placement of a pacemaker. What action should the registered nurse (RN) take first?
a. view the incision site
b. obtain a blood pressure
c. establish telemetry monitoring
d. evaluate client for pain - CORRECT ANSWER c. establish telemetry monitoring
The first action is to establish telemetry monitoring to ensure the pacemaker is functioning properly.
The nursing assessment of an older female elicits information that the client is diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon. Which exposure should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
a. alcohol consumption
b. warm climates
c. cold climates
d. active exercise - CORRECT ANSWER c. cold climates
A family member brings their aging father to the clinic because he has been alert and oriented during the day but agitated and disoriented in the evening. The registered nurse (RN) reviews the client's list of current medications with the client and family. Which action taken by the RN is most important?
a. medication review with the family caregivers is the RN's responsibility
b. multiple medications can contribute to sundowner like symptoms
c. medication recall is the best way to evaluate the client's memory
d. reviewing medication actions is a component of effective client care - CORRECT ANSWER c. medication recall is the best way to evaluate the client's memory
Older clients may see a variety of healthcare providers which can increase the chance of poly pharmacy that compounds the workload of metabolic pathways that may be less efficient due to the aging process. Multiple medication interactions may contribute to sundowner like symptoms.
Osteoporosis increase the risk for a hip fracture in older adults, and women are more likely to have osteoporosis than men. Women of which ethnic group have the highest risk for a hip fracture? (arrange with the highest risk first and lowest risk last)
- African American
- Caucasian
- Asian
- Hispanic - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Caucasian
2. Asian
3. Hispanic
4. African American
Which ethical principle underlies nursing actions respecting each patient's values and beliefs?
a. autonomy
b. beneficence
c. justice
d. responsibility - CORRECT ANSWER a. autonomy [Show Less]