2026 Gerontology HESI Practice Questions with Correct Answers

2026 Gerontology HESI Practice Questions
with Correct Answers

Section 1: Physiological Changes of Aging
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1. A 78-year-
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old client reports experiencing frequent constipation. Which physiological change of a
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ging most contributes to this issue?
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• A) Decreased gastric acid secretion
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• B) Reduced peristalsis and slowed intestinal transit time
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• C) Increased bile production
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• D) Enhanced pancreatic enzyme secretion
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Correct Answer: B mn mn




2. An older adult client asks why they feel colder than usual. The nurse explains that a
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ge-related changes include: mn mn




• A) Increased metabolic rate
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• B) Thinning of the subcutaneous fat layer
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• C) Enhanced peripheral circulation
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• D) Increased thyroid hormone production
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Correct Answer: B mn mn




3. Which cardiovascular change is considered a normal part of aging?
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• A) Decreased systolic blood pressure
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• B) Increased elasticity of blood vessels
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• C) Left ventricular hypertrophy
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• D) Decreased peripheral vascular resistance
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Correct Answer: C mn mn

,4. The nurse understands that age-related changes in the renal system include:
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• A) Increased glomerular filtration rate
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• B) Decreased number of functioning nephrons
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• C) Enhanced ability to concentrate urine
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• D) Increased renal blood flow
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Correct Answer: B mn mn




5. An older adult client has difficulty hearing high-
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frequency sounds. This condition is known as:
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• A) Otosclerosis
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• B) Presbycusis
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• C) Tinnitus
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• D) Meniere's disease
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Correct Answer: B mn mn




Section 2: Assessment and Health Promotion
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6. When assessing an older adult's skin, the nurse identifies a non-
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blanchable reddened area over the sacrum. This is most consistent with:
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• A) Stage 1 pressure injury
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• B) Stage 2 pressure injury
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• C) Stage 3 pressure injury
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• D) Deep tissue injury
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Correct Answer: A mn mn




7. The nurse is performing a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) on an 82-year-
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old client. Which finding would be considered abnormal?
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• A) Client scores 28 out of 30
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, • B) Client is oriented to person, place, and time
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• C) Client can recall 3 objects after 5 minutes
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• D) Client cannot draw a clock showing 10:30
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Correct Answer: D mn mn




8. A 75-year-
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old client reports having received the pneumococcal vaccine 6 years ago. The nurse sh
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ould:

• A) Recommend repeating the vaccine now
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• B) Advise waiting until age 80
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• C) Suggest the vaccine is no longer needed
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• D) Recommend annual vaccination
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Correct Answer: A mn mn




(Rationale: CDC recommends a one- mn mn mn mn




time revaccination for those aged 65+ who received their first dose before age 65 and 5+ year
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s have passed)
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9. Which screening test should the nurse recommend for colorectal cancer screening in
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a 70-year-old client with no family history?
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• A) Colonoscopy every 10 years
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• B) Annual digital rectal examination
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• C) Fecal occult blood testing every 2 years
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• D) CT colonography every 5 years
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Correct Answer: A mn mn




10. A geriatric client's total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL. The nurse identifies this as:
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• A) Desirable
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• B) Borderline high
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• C) High
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, • D) Normal mn




Correct Answer: C mn mn




(Rationale: Total cholesterol > 240 mg/dL is considered high)
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Section 3: Medication Management
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11. The nurse is reviewing medications for an 80-year-
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old client. Which medication is considered potentially inappropriate for use in older ad
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ults according to the Beers Criteria?
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• A) Lisinopril
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• B) Diphenhydramine
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• C) Levothyroxine
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• D) Metformin
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Correct Answer: B mn mn




(Rationale: Diphenhydramine is on the Beers Criteria list due to anticholinergic effects and risk
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of confusion in older adults)
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12. An older adult client is prescribed digoxin. The nurse should monitor for signs of t
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oxicity, including:
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• A) Hyperglycemia
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• B) Visual disturbances (halos around lights)
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• C) Hypertension
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• D) Tachycardia
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Correct Answer: B mn mn




13. A 76-year-old client on warfarin has an INR of 4.5. The nurse should:
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• A) Administer the prescribed dose as ordered
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• B) Hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider
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• C) Increase the dose to achieve therapeutic range
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• D) Administer vitamin K immediately
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