HESI Gerontology

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Sample questions from HESI Gerontology

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.At change of shift on a medical unit, report includes four older adults. Which client should the nurse assess first?

   • A.A 78-year-old with chronic knee pain rated 6/10 who requests acetaminophen
   • B.A 74-year-old who has not had a bowel movement for 2 days and has a soft abdomen
   • C.An 82-year-old who is newly confused, has a temperature of 38.3 C, and is breathing at 28/min
   • D.An 89-year-old awaiting discharge teaching whose blood pressure is 148/82 mm Hg

   Rationale: New confusion, fever, and tachypnea may indicate infection with acute deterioration, so this client needs prompt assessment. Chronic pain, uncomplicated constipation, and a mildly elevated blood pressure are important but are not as immediately concerning. In older adults, an acute mental-status change can be an early sign of serious illness.

2. 2.During a home visit, a 79-year-old who takes several medications says, "I sometimes take an extra pill if I forget whether I took one." Which actions should the nurse take to reduce medication errors? Select all that apply.

   • A.Ask the client to show how medications are organized and taken
   • B.Compare prescription, over-the-counter, and supplement use with the medication list
   • C.Tell the client to double the next dose whenever a dose may have been missed
   • D.Encourage the client to keep an updated medication list for appointments
   • E.Recommend using a weekly organizer after reconciling the medication list
   • F.Ask the client to stop all medications until the next clinic visit

   Rationale: A demonstration reveals how the client actually manages medications, and reconciliation can identify duplication or interactions before an organizer is used. Reviewing supplements and maintaining an updated list support accurate communication across providers. Doubling an uncertain dose can cause toxicity, while stopping all medications without guidance can destabilize chronic conditions.

3. 3.In a long-term-care facility, an RN is assigning care for four residents. Which task is appropriate to delegate to an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

   • A.Assess a resident who reports new dizziness after taking an antihypertensive
   • B.Teach a resident how to use a newly prescribed inhaler
   • C.Evaluate whether a resident's pain improved after an analgesic
   • D.Obtain routine morning weights for stable residents and report the results

   Rationale: Obtaining routine weights for stable residents is a predictable task that can be delegated, with results reported to the RN. Assessment, teaching, and evaluation require nursing judgment and remain the RN's responsibility. Delegation does not transfer accountability for interpreting the findings.

4. 4.On a rehabilitation unit, a 76-year-old with heart failure is scheduled for discharge today. The client has gained 2 kg (4.4 lb) in 3 days and reports needing two more pillows to sleep. Which action should the nurse take?

   • A.Notify the provider and report the weight gain and increased orthopnea
   • B.Ask the UAP to obtain another weight after lunch
   • C.Proceed with discharge and reinforce the usual low-sodium diet
   • D.Teach the client to restrict fluids without contacting the provider

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A 68-year-old with limited English proficiency is being asked to consent to a procedure in the outpatient clinic. Which action is appropriate?

   • A.Ask a bilingual staff member from another department to summarize the risks
   • B.Use a qualified medical interpreter and confirm the client's understanding
   • C.Have the client sign the form and explain the procedure afterward
   • D.Ask the client's adult child to translate the consent discussion

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.