NSG 4067 GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING COMPLETED EXAM 2026 (40pages)

1. What are the common physiological changes that occur in older adults? How do they affect the nursing care of this population? - Some of the common physiological changes that occur in older adults are: decreased muscle mass and strength, reduced bone density and increased risk of fractures, decreased cardiac output and blood pressure, reduced lung capacity and respiratory function, decreased renal function and urinary output, reduced gastrointestinal motility and absorption, decreased sensory acuity and cognitive function, and altered immune response and wound healing. These changes affect the nursing care of older adults by requiring more attention to their nutritional, fluid, and electrolyte needs, their mobility and safety, their pain management and comfort, their medication administration and monitoring, their psychosocial and emotional well-being, and their infection prevention and control. 2. What are some of the common geriatric syndromes that affect older adults? How can nurses prevent or manage them? - Some of the common geriatric syndromes that affect older adults are: falls, delirium, dementia, depression, urinary incontinence, pressure ulcers, malnutrition, dehydration, polypharmacy, and elder abuse. Nurses can prevent or manage these syndromes by conducting comprehensive geriatric assessments, implementing evidence-based interventions, providing patient and family education, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and advocating for the rights and dignity of older adults. 3. What are some of the ethical issues that arise in gerontological nursing? How can nurses apply ethical principles and frameworks to address them? - Some of the ethical issues that arise in gerontological nursing are: informed consent, advance directives, end-of-life care, palliative care, euthanasia, assisted suicide, withholding or withdrawing treatment, quality of life, autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and respect. Nurses can apply ethical principles and frameworks to address these issues by respecting the values and preferences of older adults and their families, providing accurate and timely information, facilitating shared decision-making, supporting self-determination and dignity, promoting the best interests and well-being of older adults, preventing or minimizing harm or suffering, ensuring fair and equitable access to resources and services, and honoring the cultural and spiritual beliefs of older adults.