NR 601 Midterm Exam Practice Questions with
Answers and Rationales in an NP/graduate
nursing style Top Rated Latest Version
Question 1
A 72-year-old patient presents for an annual wellness visit. The nurse
practitioner wants to assess the patient's ability to live independently.
Which assessment tool is most appropriate?
A. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
B. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
C. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
D. Morse Fall Scale
Correct Answer: B. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of
Daily Living
Rationale:
The Katz ADL Index evaluates basic activities required for independent
living, including bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence,
and feeding.
• A. MMSE evaluates cognitive function.
• C. GDS screens for depression.
• D. Morse Fall Scale assesses fall risk.
Key Point: Functional assessment is a core component of geriatric
evaluation.
Question 2
,An 80-year-old patient reports decreased appetite and gradual weight
loss over the past year. Which finding is most concerning and requires
further evaluation?
A. Loss of 2 lb over 12 months
B. Mild decrease in taste sensation
C. Unintentional loss of 10 lb in 6 months
D. Eating smaller meals more frequently
Correct Answer: C. Unintentional loss of 10 lb in 6 months
Rationale:
Unintentional weight loss of >5% of body weight in 6–12 months is
considered clinically significant in older adults and may indicate:
• Malignancy
• Depression
• Dementia
• Endocrine disorders
• Malnutrition
• Chronic disease
Normal aging may involve reduced appetite, but significant unintended
weight loss requires investigation.
Question 3
A nurse practitioner reviews medications for a 78-year-old patient taking
12 prescription medications. Which principle is most important when
managing medications in older adults?
A. Add medications to treat every symptom reported
B. Avoid discontinuing medications once started
C. Regularly evaluate medication necessity and adverse effects
,D. Use higher medication doses because older adults metabolize drugs
faster
Correct Answer: C. Regularly evaluate medication necessity and
adverse effects
Rationale:
Older adults are at increased risk for adverse drug reactions due to:
• Reduced renal clearance
• Altered hepatic metabolism
• Increased sensitivity to medications
• Polypharmacy
Medication reconciliation and deprescribing unnecessary medications
are essential.
Key Point: "Start low and go slow" is a common geriatric prescribing
principle.
Question 4
A 76-year-old patient becomes confused after surgery. The patient was
alert and oriented yesterday but now has fluctuating attention and
agitation. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer's dementia
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Delirium
D. Normal aging
Correct Answer: C. Delirium
Rationale:
, Delirium is characterized by:
• Acute onset
• Fluctuating course
• Inattention
• Altered level of consciousness
Common triggers include:
• Infection
• Surgery
• Medications
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte abnormalities
Dementia usually has a gradual progressive decline.
Question 5
Which screening recommendation is most appropriate for a 68-year-old
woman with no previous history of osteoporosis?
A. Bone density scan only after a fracture occurs
B. Begin osteoporosis screening with DEXA scan
C. Avoid calcium supplementation
D. Screen only men for osteoporosis
Correct Answer: B. Begin osteoporosis screening with DEXA scan
Rationale:
Women aged 65 years and older should receive osteoporosis screening
using a DEXA scan.
Risk factors include:
Answers and Rationales in an NP/graduate
nursing style Top Rated Latest Version
Question 1
A 72-year-old patient presents for an annual wellness visit. The nurse
practitioner wants to assess the patient's ability to live independently.
Which assessment tool is most appropriate?
A. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
B. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
C. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
D. Morse Fall Scale
Correct Answer: B. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of
Daily Living
Rationale:
The Katz ADL Index evaluates basic activities required for independent
living, including bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence,
and feeding.
• A. MMSE evaluates cognitive function.
• C. GDS screens for depression.
• D. Morse Fall Scale assesses fall risk.
Key Point: Functional assessment is a core component of geriatric
evaluation.
Question 2
,An 80-year-old patient reports decreased appetite and gradual weight
loss over the past year. Which finding is most concerning and requires
further evaluation?
A. Loss of 2 lb over 12 months
B. Mild decrease in taste sensation
C. Unintentional loss of 10 lb in 6 months
D. Eating smaller meals more frequently
Correct Answer: C. Unintentional loss of 10 lb in 6 months
Rationale:
Unintentional weight loss of >5% of body weight in 6–12 months is
considered clinically significant in older adults and may indicate:
• Malignancy
• Depression
• Dementia
• Endocrine disorders
• Malnutrition
• Chronic disease
Normal aging may involve reduced appetite, but significant unintended
weight loss requires investigation.
Question 3
A nurse practitioner reviews medications for a 78-year-old patient taking
12 prescription medications. Which principle is most important when
managing medications in older adults?
A. Add medications to treat every symptom reported
B. Avoid discontinuing medications once started
C. Regularly evaluate medication necessity and adverse effects
,D. Use higher medication doses because older adults metabolize drugs
faster
Correct Answer: C. Regularly evaluate medication necessity and
adverse effects
Rationale:
Older adults are at increased risk for adverse drug reactions due to:
• Reduced renal clearance
• Altered hepatic metabolism
• Increased sensitivity to medications
• Polypharmacy
Medication reconciliation and deprescribing unnecessary medications
are essential.
Key Point: "Start low and go slow" is a common geriatric prescribing
principle.
Question 4
A 76-year-old patient becomes confused after surgery. The patient was
alert and oriented yesterday but now has fluctuating attention and
agitation. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer's dementia
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Delirium
D. Normal aging
Correct Answer: C. Delirium
Rationale:
, Delirium is characterized by:
• Acute onset
• Fluctuating course
• Inattention
• Altered level of consciousness
Common triggers include:
• Infection
• Surgery
• Medications
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte abnormalities
Dementia usually has a gradual progressive decline.
Question 5
Which screening recommendation is most appropriate for a 68-year-old
woman with no previous history of osteoporosis?
A. Bone density scan only after a fracture occurs
B. Begin osteoporosis screening with DEXA scan
C. Avoid calcium supplementation
D. Screen only men for osteoporosis
Correct Answer: B. Begin osteoporosis screening with DEXA scan
Rationale:
Women aged 65 years and older should receive osteoporosis screening
using a DEXA scan.
Risk factors include:
