Geriatric exam

ATI Geriatric exam

Total Questions : 47

Showing 10 questions Sign up for more
Question 1: View

A nurse working in the emergency department is seeing an older patient who does not speak English well. The nurse calls for an interpreter. The student wants to know why the patient's minor child, who speaks English, cannot interpret. What response by the nurse is best? (Select all that apply.)

Explanation

A. This response is correct because patients have the right to receive clear and accurate information about their medical care. Professional interpreters ensure that patients fully understand their medical conditions, treatment options, and procedures. Using a qualified interpreter respects the patient's right to competent and equitable care.
B. Using a child as an interpreter can cause discomfort or embarrassment for both the child and the older adult. The situation might be emotionally charged, and the presence of a child in a professional medical setting could make the older adult feel uncomfortable or pressured.
C. Privacy laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S., emphasize the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality. While privacy laws primarily address the protection of patient information, they also suggest that sensitive discussions, such as those about health conditions and treatments, should be handled by trained professionals to ensure privacy and confidentiality are upheld. A child might not be able to maintain the same level of confidentiality as a professional interpreter.
D. Children, especially minors, may lack the maturity, language proficiency, and medical vocabulary needed to accurately and effectively translate complex medical information. Miscommunication can
lead to misunderstandings about the patient’s condition and treatment, potentially compromising care.
E. This response is not the most valid in this context. While it might be true that using an untrained interpreter could potentially take longer, the primary concerns are about accuracy, professionalism, and maintaining patient rights and confidentiality. The use of a professional interpreter ensures that communication is clear and precise, which is essential for effective medical care.


Question 2: View

A Hispanic patient explains that the Hispanic culture believes that dietary management would be just as effective in managing her problems as medication, so the patients prescription has not been filled. Which action by the nurse illustrates cultural accommodation?

Explanation

A. This action demonstrates a willingness to understand and respect the patient’s cultural beliefs. By asking for more details, the nurse shows interest in the patient's perspective and opens a dialogue to better understand the cultural context of their health beliefs.
B. This action involves the nurse taking the initiative to understand the cultural practices and dietary beliefs of the patient. By researching these beliefs, the nurse can gain insight into how the patient's culture views dietary management and how it might be integrated into their overall care. However, while researching is valuable, it does not directly engage with the patient’s beliefs or preferences in a clinical context.
C. By discussing how to incorporate the patient’s dietary preferences into their treatment plan, the nurse is showing respect for the patient's cultural beliefs while still working within the medical framework. This approach helps to integrate the patient’s cultural practices with conventional medical treatment, fostering a collaborative approach to care.
D. This action is also a good example of cultural accommodation. By involving a registered nutritionist, the nurse is providing the patient with professional guidance that aligns with their cultural beliefs about dietary management. This approach respects the patient’s preferences and provides expert advice on how to incorporate those preferences into a medically sound treatment plan.


Question 3: View

A nurse planning primary disease prevention interventions for a 64-year-old patient includes which of the following? Select all that apply.

Explanation

A. This option is relevant to primary disease prevention because it aims to prevent smoking-related diseases before they occur. By providing information about smoking cessation support groups, the nurse helps the patient reduce or eliminate a major risk factor for many serious diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. This aligns with the goals of primary prevention.

B.A This option is a form of primary disease prevention. The influenza vaccination helps prevent the flu before it starts, thus reducing the risk of illness and its complications. Vaccinations are a classic example of primary prevention, as they protect against diseases before they occur.
C. This option also aligns with primary disease prevention. Teaching the patient about dietary changes to manage hypertension can help prevent the development of hypertension-related complications such as heart disease or stroke. By addressing dietary habits before hypertension develops, this intervention supports primary prevention.
D. This option is not primarily a primary prevention measure. Occult stool screening kits are used for early detection of colorectal cancer, which is more about secondary prevention. Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and intervention to reduce the impact of a disease once it has already developed but before symptoms appear.
E. This option represents primary disease prevention. The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent pneumonia and other serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Vaccination, especially in older adults, is an effective method to prevent illness before it occurs, fitting the primary prevention category.


Question 4: View

A nurse is assessing a patient's understanding of their current health problems which in turn contributes to proper disease management. Which question by the nurse is most helpful?

Explanation

A. This question is specific to a potential complication of diabetes, but it does not directly assess the patient's understanding of their current health problems or the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose levels.
B. This question is about a specific laboratory result, but it does not assess the patient's understanding of the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose levels.
C. This question assesses the patient's understanding of the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose levels, which is crucial for managing diabetes. By understanding the reasons behind this intervention, the patient is more likely to comply with the treatment plan and make informed decisions about their health.
D. This question is about the logistics of medication management, but it does not assess the patient's understanding of their current health problems or the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose levels.


Question 5: View

Which questions should the nurse consider before delegating care to another team member? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

A. This question assesses whether the team member has the appropriate skills, training, and competency to perform the task safely and effectively. Ensuring that the right person is assigned is crucial for quality care and patient safety.
B. This question evaluates whether the task is appropriate to delegate, considering factors such as the complexity of the task, whether it is within the scope of practice for the team member, and if it aligns with the team's responsibilities. Delegating tasks that are outside the scope of the team member’s practice or too complex can lead to errors or suboptimal care.
C. This question examines whether the level of supervision required for the task is appropriate. The nurse must ensure that appropriate oversight is provided to monitor the team member's performance and address any issues that may arise during task execution.
D. This question considers whether the current circumstances or context (such as the patient's condition, the urgency of the task, or environmental factors) are suitable for delegating the task. Certain situations may require direct nursing involvement or special attention, which can affect the appropriateness of delegation.
E. This question evaluates whether the timing of the task is appropriate, considering factors like the urgency of the task, the team member’s current workload, and patient needs. Timing can impact the effectiveness and safety of task completion.


Question 6: View

The nurse is discussing an older adult’s past marital history during the admission assessment. The nurse can best determine that the patient has a healthy ability to cope with emotional stressors when the patient states:

Explanation

A. This statement indicates that the patient has been able to form a new, healthy relationship and find support after the loss of her husband. This suggests a positive coping mechanism and resilience in the face of emotional stress.

B. While this indicates the patient has found support from family, it doesn't directly address her ability to cope with emotional stressors.
C. This statement suggests that the patient has been able to cope with the loss, but it doesn't provide specific information about her coping mechanisms.
D. While this demonstrates the patient's resilience and ability to handle challenges, it doesn't necessarily indicate a healthy ability to cope with emotional stressors.


Question 7: View

A nurse is caring for an Arab American patient in the hospital. The patient has many visitors who seem to be tiring the patient. What action by the nurse is best?

Explanation

A. Limiting the number of visitors may be a necessary step if the patient is becoming overwhelmed or tired. However, this approach might not consider the cultural significance of extended family and community in Arab American culture, where family involvement is often highly valued.
B. Suggesting shorter visits is a more balanced approach. It acknowledges the patient's need for rest while still respecting the importance of family and community involvement. This action can help manage the patient's fatigue while allowing them to maintain cultural and familial connections. It’s a compromise that accommodates both the patient's health needs and cultural values.
C. Requiring visitors to check in at the front desk can help manage visitor flow and ensure that the patient is not overwhelmed. However, this action does not directly address the issue of visitor duration or frequency, which might still lead to patient fatigue. It also might not align with cultural expectations of openness and hospitality in Arab American culture, where family and visitors are often seen as central to the patient’s well-being.
D. Allowing only family members to visit might help reduce the number of visitors and ensure that the patient receives support from those closest to them. However, this approach may be too restrictive and could potentially isolate the patient from their broader support network, which might be an important aspect of their cultural practices. It also does not address the underlying issue of managing visitor fatigue.


Question 8: View

The nurse is caring for an older adult who reports severe chronic pain. To best assess age- related physiologic changes that could influence plans for initiating an appropriate drug regimen, the nurse prepares the patient for which laboratory evaluation?

Explanation

A. Serum complement levels are used to evaluate the complement system, which is part of the immune system and plays a role in inflammation and infection. While complement levels can be important in certain inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, they are not typically used to assess age-related changes that impact drug metabolism or the appropriate selection of pain medications.
B. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a key measure of kidney function. In older adults, kidney function often declines with age, affecting the metabolism and excretion of medications. Many drugs are primarily eliminated through the kidneys, and impaired kidney function can lead to drug accumulation, increased risk of toxicity, and altered therapeutic efficacy. Assessing GFR helps in adjusting medication doses to avoid adverse effects and ensure safe and effective treatment.
C. A White Blood Count (WBC) measures the number of white blood cells in the blood and is used to assess the body's response to infection, inflammation, and other conditions. While it provides valuable information about immune function and potential infections, it does not directly address age-related changes in drug metabolism or pharmacokinetics. Therefore, it is not the primary test for evaluating how aging might affect drug therapy.
D. An Electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity of the brain and is used to diagnose neurological conditions such as seizures, sleep disorders, and brain abnormalities. Although EEGs are valuable in certain neurological assessments, they do not provide information on how age-related physiological changes affect drug metabolism or how to tailor drug regimens for older adults.


Question 9: View

The nurse wishes to participate in a community secondary prevention activity. Which activity does the nurse choose?

Explanation

A. This activity involves assessing individuals for high blood pressure, which is a common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Blood pressure screening is a classic example of secondary prevention because it aims to detect hypertension early so that it can be managed before complications, such as heart disease or stroke, develop. This activity is appropriate for secondary prevention as it helps identify those with undiagnosed hypertension and provides an opportunity for early intervention.
B. Fitting glasses addresses a specific need related to vision but does not primarily focus on early detection or intervention for diseases. It falls more under the category of tertiary prevention, which aims to manage existing conditions and prevent further complications or disabilities. While improving vision is beneficial, this activity does not primarily fit the secondary prevention model of detecting disease early in asymptomatic individuals.
C. This activity is an example of primary prevention, not secondary prevention. Primary prevention aims to prevent diseases before they occur, such as through vaccination to prevent influenza. Although flu vaccines are important for public health, they do not fit the secondary prevention model, which is concerned with early detection and intervention for existing or developing health issues.
D. This activity is also an example of primary prevention. Teaching about sun exposure risks aims to prevent skin cancer by promoting behaviors that reduce the risk of developing the disease. It focuses on educating people to avoid sunburns and protect their skin to prevent skin cancer from developing in the first place. Thus, it does not fit the secondary prevention model.


Question 10: View

An older patient is admitted for bacterial pneumonia. The only abnormal assessment values include a heart rate of 102 beats per minute, slight cyanosis of the nail beds, and mild confusion. The patients daughter questions the possibility of pneumonia stating, He isn’t coughing or having any difficulty breathing. The nurse responds most appropriately by saying.

Explanation

A. Older adults often present with atypical symptoms when they have respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. They may not always exhibit classic signs like a cough or significant difficulty breathing. Instead, symptoms might include confusion, changes in mental status, or subtle signs of respiratory distress. This explanation addresses the patient's daughter's concern by acknowledging that older adults can show different manifestations of illness compared to younger people.
B.A This response is misleading. Respiratory problems can develop at any stage of an infection, not only after the infection is well established. Pneumonia can sometimes present without obvious respiratory distress or symptoms, especially in older adults. It’s crucial to recognize that pneumonia can manifest in various ways and early intervention is important.
C. While it's true that older adults may experience decreased muscular strength, this response might be too specific and not fully address the broader issue. It's also possible that the patient has enough strength but is not showing the typical signs of infection. This response might oversimplify the situation and could be seen as dismissive of the patient's actual symptoms.
D. This response, while optimistic, is not entirely appropriate in this context. It might come off as minimizing the daughter's concerns and does not directly address why the patient might not exhibit typical symptoms of pneumonia. It’s important to acknowledge the atypical presentation rather than simply focusing on the timing of the diagnosis.


You just viewed 10 questions out of the 47 questions on the ATI Geriatric exam Exam. Subscribe to our Premium Package to obtain access on all the questions and have unlimited access on all Exams.

Subscribe Now

learning

Join Naxlex Nursing for nursing questions & guides! Sign Up Now