HESI Gerontology Sample Exam Version 1 (2023/ 2024 Update) Questions and Verified Answers with Rationales| 100% Correct| Grade A
HESI Gerontology Sample Exam Version 1
(2023/ 2024 Update) Questions and Verified
Answers with Rationales| 100% Correct|
Grade A
Q: 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
Answer:
(C) Reduced vital capacity
Rationale: With aging, a frail elder is likely to have a reduced vital capacity (C) due to the loss of
elasticity of the lung tissue. With reduced elasticity, residual volume increases (A). Arterial pH
should not change with normal aging (B). A decrease, rather than an increase, in alveoli function
(D) can occur due to a thinning of the alveolar walls with age.
Q: 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
Answer:
(A) Decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Rationale: GFR often decreases (A) with normal aging due to a decrease in blood flow through
the kidneys, causing renal function test results to vary the clearance of metabolic waste. (B, C
and D) are not normal outcomes of aging.
Q: A frail elderly couple asks 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 w
Answer:
D. Taste buds are often dull due to atrophy so older clients should use other seasonings instead of
salt.
Rationale: Taste buds atrophy with normal aging, which influences an older client’s sensitivity to
taste and is often compensated for the use of stronger tasting seasonings. (A), (B), and (C) are
not normal aging processes related to taste.
Q: 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
Answer:
A. Effectiveness of medication
Rationale: The highest priority in the care of an older client with chronic hypertension is
evaluation of the effectiveness of blood pressure medication (A) and the client’s compliance in
order to prevent complications related to chronic disease. (B, C and D) are issues common in the
older population, but the effectiveness of the blood pressure management is most important.
Q: 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
Answer:
(A), (B), (C)
Rationale: (A, B, and C) are correct. The Glasgow Coma Scale evaluates verbal response (A),
motor response (B), and eye opening (C). The GSC does not evaluate pupil reaction (D) or
hearing (E).
Q: 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
Answer:
(A) Elevate the legs on pillows
Rationale: Venous insufficiency is causing intravenous fluids to move into the interstitial spaces,
causing edema. To promote gravity drainage, the extremities should be elevated (A). (B) may not
decrease the edema, which is due to the inability to mobilize stagnated venous blood. Dietary
changes, such as (C and D) may be recommended if prescribed dietary changes are in place, but
the underlying etiology is venous insufficiency.
Q: 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
Answer:
(C) Attach a larger drainage bag while sleeping
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