NURS 5120 Adult Gerontology Midterm
Assessment Practice Questions and Answers
Question 1
During a comprehensive geriatric assessment, which component is most critical to
evaluate first?
A. Nutritional status
B. Functional ability
C. Medication reconciliation
D. Cognitive screening
Rationale: Functional ability determines independence and safety in daily living. It
guides care planning and often predicts outcomes better than isolated clinical findings.
Question 2
Which finding in an older adult requires immediate follow-up?
A. Mild hearing loss
B. Occasional forgetfulness
C. New onset confusion
D. Decreased appetite
Rationale: Acute confusion (delirium) may signal infection, metabolic imbalance, or
medication toxicity. It is a medical emergency requiring prompt evaluation.
Question 3
Polypharmacy is common in geriatric patients. What is the best nursing intervention?
A. Encourage herbal supplements
B. Review all medications with the provider
C. Advise stopping all non-prescription drugs
D. Increase fluid intake
Rationale: Medication reconciliation prevents adverse drug interactions and ensures
appropriateness of therapy. Stopping medications without guidance may be unsafe.
Question 4
Which tool is most appropriate for assessing depression in older adults?
A. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
B. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
C. Katz Index of Independence
D. Braden Scale
Rationale: The GDS is validated for older adults, focusing on mood-related symptoms
rather than somatic complaints that may overlap with aging.
Question 5
When conducting a head-to-toe assessment in an older adult, which adaptation is most
important?
A. Perform exam quickly to reduce fatigue
B. Allow rest periods during the exam
, C. Use medical jargon for clarity
D. Begin with invasive procedures
Rationale: Older adults may tire easily. Rest breaks improve cooperation and accuracy
of findings, while rushing risks incomplete assessment.
Question 6
Which finding is considered normal aging rather than pathology?
A. Presbyopia
B. Sudden vision loss
C. Severe joint swelling
D. Rapid weight loss
Rationale: Age-related farsightedness is expected. Sudden vision loss, swelling, or
weight loss are abnormal and require investigation.
Question 7
Which intervention best reduces fall risk in older adults?
A. Encourage bed rest
B. Remove environmental hazards
C. Increase sedative use
D. Limit mobility
Rationale: Falls are most often linked to environmental risks (loose rugs, poor lighting).
Promoting safe mobility is more effective than restricting activity.
Question 8
An older adult presents with urinary incontinence. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Start catheterization
B. Assess type and cause of incontinence
C. Restrict fluids
D. Provide adult diapers
Rationale: Identifying whether incontinence is stress, urge, or overflow guides
appropriate interventions. Catheterization and fluid restriction are not first-line.
Question 9
Which nutritional change is common in aging?
A. Increased caloric needs
B. Decreased sense of taste and smell
C. Increased protein absorption
D. Enhanced appetite
Rationale: Sensory decline reduces appetite and food enjoyment, increasing risk of
malnutrition.
Question 10
Which condition is most associated with polypharmacy in older adults?
A. Hypertension
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Multiple chronic illnesses
Assessment Practice Questions and Answers
Question 1
During a comprehensive geriatric assessment, which component is most critical to
evaluate first?
A. Nutritional status
B. Functional ability
C. Medication reconciliation
D. Cognitive screening
Rationale: Functional ability determines independence and safety in daily living. It
guides care planning and often predicts outcomes better than isolated clinical findings.
Question 2
Which finding in an older adult requires immediate follow-up?
A. Mild hearing loss
B. Occasional forgetfulness
C. New onset confusion
D. Decreased appetite
Rationale: Acute confusion (delirium) may signal infection, metabolic imbalance, or
medication toxicity. It is a medical emergency requiring prompt evaluation.
Question 3
Polypharmacy is common in geriatric patients. What is the best nursing intervention?
A. Encourage herbal supplements
B. Review all medications with the provider
C. Advise stopping all non-prescription drugs
D. Increase fluid intake
Rationale: Medication reconciliation prevents adverse drug interactions and ensures
appropriateness of therapy. Stopping medications without guidance may be unsafe.
Question 4
Which tool is most appropriate for assessing depression in older adults?
A. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
B. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
C. Katz Index of Independence
D. Braden Scale
Rationale: The GDS is validated for older adults, focusing on mood-related symptoms
rather than somatic complaints that may overlap with aging.
Question 5
When conducting a head-to-toe assessment in an older adult, which adaptation is most
important?
A. Perform exam quickly to reduce fatigue
B. Allow rest periods during the exam
, C. Use medical jargon for clarity
D. Begin with invasive procedures
Rationale: Older adults may tire easily. Rest breaks improve cooperation and accuracy
of findings, while rushing risks incomplete assessment.
Question 6
Which finding is considered normal aging rather than pathology?
A. Presbyopia
B. Sudden vision loss
C. Severe joint swelling
D. Rapid weight loss
Rationale: Age-related farsightedness is expected. Sudden vision loss, swelling, or
weight loss are abnormal and require investigation.
Question 7
Which intervention best reduces fall risk in older adults?
A. Encourage bed rest
B. Remove environmental hazards
C. Increase sedative use
D. Limit mobility
Rationale: Falls are most often linked to environmental risks (loose rugs, poor lighting).
Promoting safe mobility is more effective than restricting activity.
Question 8
An older adult presents with urinary incontinence. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Start catheterization
B. Assess type and cause of incontinence
C. Restrict fluids
D. Provide adult diapers
Rationale: Identifying whether incontinence is stress, urge, or overflow guides
appropriate interventions. Catheterization and fluid restriction are not first-line.
Question 9
Which nutritional change is common in aging?
A. Increased caloric needs
B. Decreased sense of taste and smell
C. Increased protein absorption
D. Enhanced appetite
Rationale: Sensory decline reduces appetite and food enjoyment, increasing risk of
malnutrition.
Question 10
Which condition is most associated with polypharmacy in older adults?
A. Hypertension
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Multiple chronic illnesses
