Chamberlain NR 601 Final Exam - Primary Care Aging 2026
Chamberlain College
1. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), what is the suggested
HbA1c target for a frail older adult with multiple chronic illnesses and limited
life expectancy?
A. 8.0% to 8.5%
B. Less than 7.5%
C. Less than 7.0%
D. Less than 6.5%
Answer: A
Rationale: For frail older adults with complex health issues and limited life expectancy, a
less stringent HbA1c goal of 8.0-8.5% is recommended to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of delirium that
distinguishes it from dementia?
A. Acute onset and fluctuating course
B. Slow, progressive decline
C. Permanent memory loss
D. Normal level of consciousness
Answer: A
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and a fluctuating course of
symptoms, whereas dementia is typically gradual and progressive.
,3. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication should be avoided in older
adults due to its high risk of anticholinergic side effects and falls?
A. Lisinopril
B. Diphenhydramine
C. Metformin
D. Atorvastatin
Answer: B
Rationale: Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with strong
anticholinergic properties that increase the risk of confusion, blurred vision, and falls in the
elderly.
4. What is the goal blood pressure for patients aged 65 and older according to
the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines?
A. <150/90 mmHg
B. <140/90 mmHg
C. <135/85 mmHg
D. <130/80 mmHg
Answer: D
Rationale: The 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines recommend a blood pressure goal of less than
130/80 mmHg for community-dwelling ambulatory older adults.
5. The ‘gold standard’ diagnostic test for confirming Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is:
A. Spirometry
B. Pulse Oximetry
C. Chest X-ray
D. Arterial Blood Gas
Answer: A
, Rationale: Spirometry is required to confirm the diagnosis of COPD by showing a post-
bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 0.70.
6. Which screening tool is most appropriate for initial assessment of depression
in the geriatric population?
A. Katz Index
B. CAGE questionnaire
C. MMSE
D. PHQ-9 or GDS
Answer: D
Rationale: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Geriatric Depression Scale
(GDS) are validated tools specifically used for depression screening.
7. A 75-year-old female has a T-score of -2.6 on her DEXA scan. This result
indicates:
A. Normal bone density
B. Osteopenia
C. Osteoporosis
D. Osteoarthritis
Answer: C
Rationale: Osteoporosis is defined by the WHO as a T-score of -2.5 or lower. A T-score
between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia.
8. What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Donepezil
B. Memantine
C. Risperidone
D. Sertraline
Answer: A
Chamberlain College
1. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), what is the suggested
HbA1c target for a frail older adult with multiple chronic illnesses and limited
life expectancy?
A. 8.0% to 8.5%
B. Less than 7.5%
C. Less than 7.0%
D. Less than 6.5%
Answer: A
Rationale: For frail older adults with complex health issues and limited life expectancy, a
less stringent HbA1c goal of 8.0-8.5% is recommended to prevent hypoglycemia.
2. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of delirium that
distinguishes it from dementia?
A. Acute onset and fluctuating course
B. Slow, progressive decline
C. Permanent memory loss
D. Normal level of consciousness
Answer: A
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and a fluctuating course of
symptoms, whereas dementia is typically gradual and progressive.
,3. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication should be avoided in older
adults due to its high risk of anticholinergic side effects and falls?
A. Lisinopril
B. Diphenhydramine
C. Metformin
D. Atorvastatin
Answer: B
Rationale: Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with strong
anticholinergic properties that increase the risk of confusion, blurred vision, and falls in the
elderly.
4. What is the goal blood pressure for patients aged 65 and older according to
the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines?
A. <150/90 mmHg
B. <140/90 mmHg
C. <135/85 mmHg
D. <130/80 mmHg
Answer: D
Rationale: The 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines recommend a blood pressure goal of less than
130/80 mmHg for community-dwelling ambulatory older adults.
5. The ‘gold standard’ diagnostic test for confirming Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is:
A. Spirometry
B. Pulse Oximetry
C. Chest X-ray
D. Arterial Blood Gas
Answer: A
, Rationale: Spirometry is required to confirm the diagnosis of COPD by showing a post-
bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 0.70.
6. Which screening tool is most appropriate for initial assessment of depression
in the geriatric population?
A. Katz Index
B. CAGE questionnaire
C. MMSE
D. PHQ-9 or GDS
Answer: D
Rationale: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Geriatric Depression Scale
(GDS) are validated tools specifically used for depression screening.
7. A 75-year-old female has a T-score of -2.6 on her DEXA scan. This result
indicates:
A. Normal bone density
B. Osteopenia
C. Osteoporosis
D. Osteoarthritis
Answer: C
Rationale: Osteoporosis is defined by the WHO as a T-score of -2.5 or lower. A T-score
between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia.
8. What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Donepezil
B. Memantine
C. Risperidone
D. Sertraline
Answer: A
