Which of the following age-related changes most directly impacts nutrient absorption in older adults?
A. Increased production of hydrochloric acid
B. Delayed gastric emptying
C. Decreased enzyme secretion and gastric acid production
D. Increased intestinal motility
C. Decreased enzyme secretion and gastric acid production
Which of the following is a benefit of regular physical activity for older adults?
A. Decreased bone density
B. Increased risk of falls
C. Improved cardiovascular and respiratory function
D. Reduced metabolic rate
C. Improved cardiovascular and respiratory function
Which of the following best describes the focus of hospice care?
A. Curing the disease through aggressive medical interventions
B. Providing comfort, dignity, and support for those with a terminal illness
C. Isolating the patient to minimize distress
D. Administering high-dose curative chemotherapy
B. Providing comfort, dignity, and support for those with a terminal illness
Which of the following environmental factors most contributes to fall prevention in older adults?
A. Bright lighting and clear walkways
B. Thick carpets and cluttered rooms
C. Dim lighting and loose rugs
D. Narrow hallways and slippery floors
A. Bright lighting and clear walkways
Which of the following is a safe sleep practice to recommend to older adults?
A. Use of sleeping pills nightly
B. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
C. Drinking caffeine before bedtime
D. Sleeping in a brightly lit room
B. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
An older adult reports fatigue, numbness in the feet, and difficulty concentrating. Which nutrient deficiency is most likely responsible?
A. Vitamin D
B. Vitamin B12
C. Iron
D. Potassium
B. Vitamin B12
Which age-related change affects sleep patterns in older adults?
A. Increased deep sleep (Stage 3)
B. Decreased REM sleep and increased nighttime awakenings
C. Longer periods of uninterrupted sleep
D. Earlier release of melatonin
B. Decreased REM sleep and increased nighttime awakenings
Which of the following is an expected physical sign of impending death?
A. Increased appetite and thirst
B. Restlessness followed by calmness, mottled skin, and irregular breathing
C. Hypertension and increased urinary output
D. Elevated body temperature and flushed skin
B. Restlessness followed by calmness, mottled skin, and irregular breathing
Why is it important to assess an older adult’s home environment during discharge planning?
A. To ensure it is large enough for multiple visitors
B. To identify potential safety hazards and support needs
C. To verify the presence of high-tech medical equipment
D. To check if the home has internet access
B. To identify potential safety hazards and support needs
Why is adequate ventilation important in long-term care environments?
A. To reduce the spread of airborne infections
B. To keep the rooms warmer
C. To reduce noise levels
D. To increase humidity
A. To reduce the spread of airborne infections
Which dietary recommendation is appropriate to help prevent constipation in older adults?
A. Increase intake of dairy products
B. Decrease fluid intake to avoid incontinence
C. Increase intake of fiber and fluid
D. Eat fewer vegetables to reduce gas
C. Increase intake of fiber and fluid
What is the most common sleep-related complaint among older adults?
A. Narcolepsy
B. Insomnia
C. Night terrors
D. Sleepwalking
B. Insomnia
What is the primary goal of palliative care?
A. Relieve suffering and enhance quality of life at any stage of illness
B. Treat depression with stimulant medications
C. Prolong life through aggressive treatment
D. Prepare the family for funeral arrangements
A. Relieve suffering and enhance quality of life at any stage of illness
Which environmental modification is most helpful for an older adult with visual impairment?
A. Installing grab bars in the bathroom
B. Using contrasting colors on steps and edges
C. Increasing background noise to improve alertness
D. Using dim lighting to reduce glare
B. Using contrasting colors on steps and edges
Which statement best describes anticipatory grief?
A. Grief experienced only after death
B. Grief experienced in advance of an expected loss
C. Grief that lasts less than one day
D. Grief that is not common among caregivers
B. Grief experienced in advance of an expected loss
An older adult who is on a fixed income and has limited transportation is at risk for which nutrition-related issue?
A. Hypervitaminosis
B. Overhydration
C. Food insecurity and malnutrition
D. Iron overload
C. Food insecurity and malnutrition
An older adult reports fatigue during the day and waking up several times each night. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate?
A. Recommend a daytime nap lasting 2–3 hours
B. Encourage a glass of wine before bed to promote relaxation
C. Suggest they go to bed immediately after dinner
D. Review medications and recommend a consistent bedtime routine
D. Review medications and recommend a consistent bedtime routine
Which nursing action best supports a grieving family after the death of an older adult patient?
A. Remove the body immediately to minimize trauma
B. Avoid talking about the patient to prevent emotional distress
C. Encourage the family to leave the room as soon as possible
D. Offer the family time to be with the body and express feelings
D. Offer the family time to be with the body and express feelings
How does social environment impact the health of older adults?
A. Social isolation is linked to higher rates of depression and mortality
B. Frequent visitors increase risk of infection
C. Socializing reduces physical activity and increases fatigue
D. Older adults prefer to live completely independently without contact
A. Social isolation is linked to higher rates of depression and mortality
Which exercise type is most beneficial for improving balance in older adults?
A. Weight lifting only
B. Aerobic exercise exclusively
C. Tai Chi and yoga
D. High-impact running
C. Tai Chi and yoga
Why are older adults at greater risk for dehydration?
A. Decreased kidney concentration ability and blunted thirst sensation
B. Decreased fat stores
C. Increased thirst mechanism
D. Increased physical activity
A. Decreased kidney concentration ability and blunted thirst sensation
Why is regular physical activity especially important for maintaining function in older adults?
A. It prevents the need for medication.
B. It eliminates the risk of chronic illness.
C. It helps preserve muscle mass, joint flexibility, and balance.
D. It increases appetite regardless of health status.
C. It helps preserve muscle mass, joint flexibility, and balance.
An elderly patient with terminal cancer has a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. What does this document do?
A. Gives the physician the legal right to make all decisions
B. Ensures financial power of attorney takes over during hospice
C. Authorizes a chosen individual to make healthcare decisions when the patient is unable
D. Automatically initiates resuscitation efforts
C. Authorizes a chosen individual to make healthcare decisions when the patient is unable
Which of the following is a recommended feature of an ideal long-term care environment?
A. Institutional and sterile setting
B. Personalized rooms with access to outdoor spaces
C. Minimal opportunities for socialization
D. Locked doors with limited mobility
B. Personalized rooms with access to outdoor spaces
Which vitamin deficiency in older adults can lead to osteoporosis and fractures?
A. Vitamin D
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin A
D. Vitamin K
A. Vitamin D