NR601 Midterm Practice Exam questions verified with correct answers and rationales
2026/2027 version
1. A 72-year-old man presents for his annual wellness visit. Which assessment best predicts his
ability to live independently?
• A. BMI
• B. Functional status assessment (ADLs/IADLs)
• C. Complete blood count
• D. Lipid panel
Answer: B
Rationale: Functional assessment evaluates the patient's ability to perform daily tasks
independently.
2. Which medication is listed in the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate for older adults
because it increases fall risk?
• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Lorazepam
• C. Calcium carbonate
• D. Lisinopril
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines increase sedation, cognitive impairment, and falls.
3. Which vaccine should every adult receive annually unless contraindicated?
• A. Hepatitis A
• B. Influenza
• C. HPV
• D. Meningococcal
Answer: B
Rationale: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all adults.
4. Which statement best describes delirium?
, • A. Gradual onset
• B. Acute change in mental status
• C. Progressive memory loss
• D. Permanent cognitive decline
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium develops suddenly and often fluctuates.
5. Which symptom is most characteristic of heart failure?
• A. Orthopnea
• B. Dysuria
• C. Hematuria
• D. Photophobia
Answer: A
Rationale: Orthopnea is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure.
6. An older adult has diminished peripheral pulses and calf pain while walking. The NP suspects:
• A. Heart failure
• B. Peripheral arterial disease
• C. Deep vein thrombosis
• D. Cellulitis
Answer: B
Rationale: Intermittent claudication is typical of PAD.
7. Which laboratory value best reflects long-term diabetic control?
• A. Random glucose
• B. HbA1c
• C. Fasting insulin
• D. C-peptide
Answer: B
, Rationale: HbA1c measures average glucose over approximately 3 months.
8. Which patient has the greatest risk factor for osteoporosis?
• A. 28-year-old athlete
• B. 72-year-old postmenopausal woman
• C. 35-year-old male
• D. 40-year-old pregnant woman
Answer: B
Rationale: Age and menopause increase bone loss.
9. The first-line treatment for uncomplicated hypertension usually includes:
• A. Lifestyle modification
• B. Surgery
• C. Chemotherapy
• D. Radiation
Answer: A
Rationale: Diet, exercise, weight loss, and sodium reduction are first-line interventions.
10. Which assessment tool screens for depression in older adults?
• A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
• B. Glasgow Coma Scale
• C. Braden Scale
• D. Morse Fall Scale
Answer: A
Rationale: GDS is validated for screening depression in older adults.
11. Which physical finding is expected in COPD?
• A. Barrel chest
2026/2027 version
1. A 72-year-old man presents for his annual wellness visit. Which assessment best predicts his
ability to live independently?
• A. BMI
• B. Functional status assessment (ADLs/IADLs)
• C. Complete blood count
• D. Lipid panel
Answer: B
Rationale: Functional assessment evaluates the patient's ability to perform daily tasks
independently.
2. Which medication is listed in the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate for older adults
because it increases fall risk?
• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Lorazepam
• C. Calcium carbonate
• D. Lisinopril
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines increase sedation, cognitive impairment, and falls.
3. Which vaccine should every adult receive annually unless contraindicated?
• A. Hepatitis A
• B. Influenza
• C. HPV
• D. Meningococcal
Answer: B
Rationale: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all adults.
4. Which statement best describes delirium?
, • A. Gradual onset
• B. Acute change in mental status
• C. Progressive memory loss
• D. Permanent cognitive decline
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium develops suddenly and often fluctuates.
5. Which symptom is most characteristic of heart failure?
• A. Orthopnea
• B. Dysuria
• C. Hematuria
• D. Photophobia
Answer: A
Rationale: Orthopnea is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure.
6. An older adult has diminished peripheral pulses and calf pain while walking. The NP suspects:
• A. Heart failure
• B. Peripheral arterial disease
• C. Deep vein thrombosis
• D. Cellulitis
Answer: B
Rationale: Intermittent claudication is typical of PAD.
7. Which laboratory value best reflects long-term diabetic control?
• A. Random glucose
• B. HbA1c
• C. Fasting insulin
• D. C-peptide
Answer: B
, Rationale: HbA1c measures average glucose over approximately 3 months.
8. Which patient has the greatest risk factor for osteoporosis?
• A. 28-year-old athlete
• B. 72-year-old postmenopausal woman
• C. 35-year-old male
• D. 40-year-old pregnant woman
Answer: B
Rationale: Age and menopause increase bone loss.
9. The first-line treatment for uncomplicated hypertension usually includes:
• A. Lifestyle modification
• B. Surgery
• C. Chemotherapy
• D. Radiation
Answer: A
Rationale: Diet, exercise, weight loss, and sodium reduction are first-line interventions.
10. Which assessment tool screens for depression in older adults?
• A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
• B. Glasgow Coma Scale
• C. Braden Scale
• D. Morse Fall Scale
Answer: A
Rationale: GDS is validated for screening depression in older adults.
11. Which physical finding is expected in COPD?
• A. Barrel chest
