Geriatric Considerations in Medical-Surgical Nursing # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which of the following is the most common age-related change in the cardiovascular system?

Increased cardiac output
Decreased arterial elasticity
Increased resting heart rate
Decreased blood pressure
Explanation - Aging leads to stiffening of arteries and decreased elasticity, contributing to hypertension and cardiovascular risks.
Correct answer is: Decreased arterial elasticity

Q.2 Polypharmacy in older adults increases the risk of:

Malnutrition
Drug interactions
Dehydration
Immune suppression
Explanation - Older adults taking multiple medications are at higher risk for adverse drug reactions and interactions.
Correct answer is: Drug interactions

Q.3 Which cognitive change is considered a normal part of aging?

Severe memory loss
Slower processing speed
Delirium
Dementia
Explanation - Mild slowing of cognitive processing is normal, whereas dementia or delirium are pathological changes.
Correct answer is: Slower processing speed

Q.4 The primary focus of nursing care for an older adult with mobility limitations is to:

Encourage complete bed rest
Prevent falls and promote independence
Limit physical activity to conserve energy
Avoid all transfers to reduce risk
Explanation - Nursing care emphasizes safety, fall prevention, and maintaining functional independence.
Correct answer is: Prevent falls and promote independence

Q.5 Which sensory change is most common in the elderly?

Hearing loss
Increased taste sensitivity
Improved night vision
Enhanced smell
Explanation - Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is common among older adults, especially high-frequency sounds.
Correct answer is: Hearing loss

Q.6 A geriatric patient with chronic constipation should be encouraged to:

Increase fluid and fiber intake
Reduce physical activity
Limit fruit and vegetable consumption
Use laxatives daily without monitoring
Explanation - Adequate hydration and dietary fiber help prevent constipation, which is common in older adults.
Correct answer is: Increase fluid and fiber intake

Q.7 What is the most effective intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in immobile older adults?

Regular repositioning
Applying lotion frequently
Avoiding moisture entirely
Restricting protein intake
Explanation - Frequent turning and repositioning reduce pressure and improve circulation, preventing skin breakdown.
Correct answer is: Regular repositioning

Q.8 Older adults are more susceptible to infections because of:

Enhanced immune response
Age-related immune decline
Excessive antibody production
Increased vaccination frequency
Explanation - Immunosenescence reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, making infections more common and severe.
Correct answer is: Age-related immune decline

Q.9 Which of the following is a common gastrointestinal change in the elderly?

Increased gastric acid secretion
Slower gastric emptying
Faster intestinal motility
Enhanced nutrient absorption
Explanation - Aging slows gastric emptying and intestinal motility, increasing the risk of constipation and dyspepsia.
Correct answer is: Slower gastric emptying

Q.10 For older adults, which approach is best when administering multiple medications?

Use one pharmacy to fill all prescriptions
Encourage self-adjusting doses
Avoid discussing side effects
Administer all at the same time regardless of instructions
Explanation - Using a single pharmacy helps monitor drug interactions and ensures accurate medication management.
Correct answer is: Use one pharmacy to fill all prescriptions

Q.11 A major risk factor for falls in older adults is:

Hypotension
Low BMI
High calcium intake
Increased flexibility
Explanation - Orthostatic hypotension and decreased postural stability increase fall risk in elderly patients.
Correct answer is: Hypotension

Q.12 Which type of exercise is most beneficial for older adults to maintain bone health?

Weight-bearing exercises
Only stretching
Swimming exclusively
Complete bed rest
Explanation - Activities like walking, jogging, and resistance training strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
Correct answer is: Weight-bearing exercises

Q.13 Which of the following is a normal renal change with aging?

Increased glomerular filtration rate
Reduced renal blood flow
Enhanced drug clearance
Hyperactive bladder
Explanation - Aging reduces renal perfusion and function, affecting drug excretion and fluid balance.
Correct answer is: Reduced renal blood flow

Q.14 In geriatric patients, nutritional deficiencies are most often due to:

Increased appetite
Decreased nutrient intake
Enhanced absorption
Excessive protein intake
Explanation - Factors such as poor appetite, dental problems, and limited access to food contribute to deficiencies.
Correct answer is: Decreased nutrient intake

Q.15 Depression in older adults is often underdiagnosed because:

Symptoms are easily recognized
It presents with somatic complaints rather than mood changes
They rarely experience depression
They do not communicate with healthcare providers
Explanation - Older adults often report fatigue, pain, or sleep disturbances instead of expressing sadness, leading to underdiagnosis.
Correct answer is: It presents with somatic complaints rather than mood changes

Q.16 Which of the following interventions is most effective for preventing delirium in hospitalized elderly patients?

Frequent cognitive stimulation
Restricting visitors
Limiting mobility
Avoiding hydration
Explanation - Engaging older adults in orientation and cognitive activities reduces delirium risk.
Correct answer is: Frequent cognitive stimulation

Q.17 A geriatric patient with reduced vision may benefit from:

Dim lighting to reduce glare
Using large print and high-contrast materials
Placing hazards in walking paths
Minimizing visual cues
Explanation - Visual aids and high-contrast materials improve safety and independence in visually impaired older adults.
Correct answer is: Using large print and high-contrast materials

Q.18 Which vaccination is especially recommended for older adults to prevent respiratory illness?

Influenza vaccine
MMR vaccine
Varicella vaccine
BCG vaccine
Explanation - Annual influenza vaccination helps prevent complications from respiratory infections in elderly patients.
Correct answer is: Influenza vaccine

Q.19 Urinary incontinence in older adults is primarily due to:

Muscle weakness and age-related changes in bladder function
High fluid intake
Excessive physical activity
Dehydration
Explanation - Detrusor muscle weakness, pelvic floor deterioration, and neurological changes contribute to incontinence.
Correct answer is: Muscle weakness and age-related changes in bladder function

Q.20 A common pulmonary change in aging is:

Decreased lung compliance
Increased alveolar surface area
Reduced vital capacity
Enhanced cough reflex
Explanation - Aging reduces lung elasticity and vital capacity, leading to decreased respiratory efficiency.
Correct answer is: Reduced vital capacity

Q.21 The most important nursing intervention for an elderly patient with dehydration is:

Encouraging oral fluid intake and monitoring hydration status
Restricting fluids
Administering diuretics
Ignoring mild symptoms
Explanation - Older adults are at higher risk of dehydration due to decreased thirst and renal changes; proactive fluid management is essential.
Correct answer is: Encouraging oral fluid intake and monitoring hydration status

Q.22 Skin changes in older adults include:

Increased elasticity and thickness
Thinning of epidermis and reduced collagen
Enhanced moisture retention
Rapid wound healing
Explanation - Aging skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and slower to heal, increasing risk of injury and infection.
Correct answer is: Thinning of epidermis and reduced collagen

Q.23 Which of the following is a priority nursing assessment for an elderly patient on multiple antihypertensive medications?

Blood pressure and orthostatic hypotension monitoring
Daily caloric intake
Lung sounds only
Cognitive testing exclusively
Explanation - Monitoring blood pressure helps prevent falls and complications from hypotension due to medication.
Correct answer is: Blood pressure and orthostatic hypotension monitoring

Q.24 Geriatric patients are at higher risk for hypothermia due to:

Decreased subcutaneous fat and impaired thermoregulation
Increased muscle mass
Hyperactive metabolism
Frequent exercise
Explanation - Older adults have less insulation and slower responses to cold, increasing hypothermia risk.
Correct answer is: Decreased subcutaneous fat and impaired thermoregulation