Here’s a comprehensive practice exam structure for the Gerontology
HESI Practice Exam (2026/2027 Update) with a table of contents,
verified answers, and rationales. This is designed as a professional
study guide — clear, exam-focused, and marketplace-ready.
Gerontology HESI Practice Exam – Questions &
Correct Answers (2026/2027 Update)
100% Verified | Rated A+ | Instant Download Q&A
Table of Contents
1. Physiological Changes of Aging
2. Pharmacology in Older Adults
3. Chronic Illness & Disease Management
4. Nutrition & Elimination
5. Cognitive Disorders & Mental Health
6. Safety, Falls & Injury Prevention
7. End-of-Life Care & Ethical Issues
8. Case Scenarios & Critical Thinking
Section 1: Physiological Changes of Aging
Q1. Normal cardiovascular change in aging is: Correct Answer: Decreased
cardiac output during stress Rationale: Aging reduces cardiac reserve, making older
adults less tolerant to exertion.
Q2. Skin changes in older adults include: Correct Answer: Loss of elasticity and
thinning of dermis Rationale: Increases risk of skin tears and pressure injuries.
Q3. Renal function declines due to: Correct Answer: Decreased glomerular
filtration rate (GFR) Rationale: Alters drug clearance and fluid balance.
Section 2: Pharmacology in Older Adults
, Q4. Polypharmacy increases risk of: Correct Answer: Drug interactions and
adverse effects Rationale: Older adults often take multiple medications.
Q5. Beers Criteria identifies: Correct Answer: Potentially inappropriate
medications for older adults Rationale: Guides safe prescribing practices.
Q6. Digoxin toxicity is more common because: Correct Answer: Reduced renal
clearance in aging Rationale: Narrow therapeutic index requires monitoring.
Section 3: Chronic Illness & Disease Management
Q7. Diabetes management in older adults focuses on: Correct Answer: Preventing
hypoglycemia and complications Rationale: Tight control may increase risk of
adverse events.
Q8. Hypertension treatment goal is: Correct Answer: Reduce risk of stroke and
heart disease Rationale: Lifestyle changes plus medications improve outcomes.
Q9. COPD management includes: Correct Answer: Bronchodilators, oxygen
therapy, pulmonary rehab Rationale: Improves quality of life and reduces
exacerbations.
Section 4: Nutrition & Elimination
Q10. Constipation in older adults is often due to: Correct Answer: Decreased GI
motility and low fiber intake Rationale: Common age-related change.
Q11. Protein intake is important for: Correct Answer: Maintaining muscle mass
and healing Rationale: Prevents sarcopenia and frailty.
Q12. Dehydration risk increases because: Correct Answer: Diminished thirst
sensation Rationale: Older adults may not recognize fluid needs.
Section 5: Cognitive Disorders & Mental Health
Q13. Alzheimer’s disease hallmark is: Correct Answer: Progressive memory loss
and cognitive decline Rationale: Most common dementia type.
Q14. Delirium differs from dementia because: Correct Answer: Acute onset and
reversible causes Rationale: Often triggered by infection or medications.
Q15. Depression in older adults may present as: Correct Answer: Somatic
complaints rather than sadness Rationale: Atypical presentation delays diagnosis.
HESI Practice Exam (2026/2027 Update) with a table of contents,
verified answers, and rationales. This is designed as a professional
study guide — clear, exam-focused, and marketplace-ready.
Gerontology HESI Practice Exam – Questions &
Correct Answers (2026/2027 Update)
100% Verified | Rated A+ | Instant Download Q&A
Table of Contents
1. Physiological Changes of Aging
2. Pharmacology in Older Adults
3. Chronic Illness & Disease Management
4. Nutrition & Elimination
5. Cognitive Disorders & Mental Health
6. Safety, Falls & Injury Prevention
7. End-of-Life Care & Ethical Issues
8. Case Scenarios & Critical Thinking
Section 1: Physiological Changes of Aging
Q1. Normal cardiovascular change in aging is: Correct Answer: Decreased
cardiac output during stress Rationale: Aging reduces cardiac reserve, making older
adults less tolerant to exertion.
Q2. Skin changes in older adults include: Correct Answer: Loss of elasticity and
thinning of dermis Rationale: Increases risk of skin tears and pressure injuries.
Q3. Renal function declines due to: Correct Answer: Decreased glomerular
filtration rate (GFR) Rationale: Alters drug clearance and fluid balance.
Section 2: Pharmacology in Older Adults
, Q4. Polypharmacy increases risk of: Correct Answer: Drug interactions and
adverse effects Rationale: Older adults often take multiple medications.
Q5. Beers Criteria identifies: Correct Answer: Potentially inappropriate
medications for older adults Rationale: Guides safe prescribing practices.
Q6. Digoxin toxicity is more common because: Correct Answer: Reduced renal
clearance in aging Rationale: Narrow therapeutic index requires monitoring.
Section 3: Chronic Illness & Disease Management
Q7. Diabetes management in older adults focuses on: Correct Answer: Preventing
hypoglycemia and complications Rationale: Tight control may increase risk of
adverse events.
Q8. Hypertension treatment goal is: Correct Answer: Reduce risk of stroke and
heart disease Rationale: Lifestyle changes plus medications improve outcomes.
Q9. COPD management includes: Correct Answer: Bronchodilators, oxygen
therapy, pulmonary rehab Rationale: Improves quality of life and reduces
exacerbations.
Section 4: Nutrition & Elimination
Q10. Constipation in older adults is often due to: Correct Answer: Decreased GI
motility and low fiber intake Rationale: Common age-related change.
Q11. Protein intake is important for: Correct Answer: Maintaining muscle mass
and healing Rationale: Prevents sarcopenia and frailty.
Q12. Dehydration risk increases because: Correct Answer: Diminished thirst
sensation Rationale: Older adults may not recognize fluid needs.
Section 5: Cognitive Disorders & Mental Health
Q13. Alzheimer’s disease hallmark is: Correct Answer: Progressive memory loss
and cognitive decline Rationale: Most common dementia type.
Q14. Delirium differs from dementia because: Correct Answer: Acute onset and
reversible causes Rationale: Often triggered by infection or medications.
Q15. Depression in older adults may present as: Correct Answer: Somatic
complaints rather than sadness Rationale: Atypical presentation delays diagnosis.
