GERONTOLOGY HESI EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-202… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Gerontology HESI Exam
Questions & Answers
2026-2027 | Updated
Nursing Review
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
50 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 50 updated Gerontology HESI exam questions with their correct
answers and rationales, covering key concepts in elder care. It is suitable for students
preparing for certification exams, reviewing course material, or reinforcing their
understanding of gerontological nursing principles.
CONTENTS
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Health Q1–Q12
Medication Management & General Geriatrics Q13–Q26
Neurological & Cognitive Function Q27–Q35
Musculoskeletal & Integumentary Health Q36–Q43
Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary Systems Q44–Q50
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 50
A frail, elderly client is admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia. Which finding is
most important for the registered nurse (RN) to report to the healthcare provider?
A. Fever and chills
B. Confusion and dehydration
C. Crackles in the lung fields
D. Nausea and vomiting
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Confusion and dehydration
Rationale: Confusion and dehydration (B) are findings of inadequate oxygenation and perfusion
in this frail elderly client. (A), (C) and (D) are all common with pneumonia, but the most
important finding is confusion and evidence of dehydration, which require treatment for this
frail elderly client.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 50
After taking a 10-day course of an antibiotic that was ineffective, a frail, elderly client with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted for pneumonia. The client has a
long history of smoking and still smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. Which finding should the
registered nurse (RN) report to the healthcare provider?
A. Barrel chest with increased chest diameter
B. Crackles and pulse oximetry level of 88%
C. Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
D. Arterial blood gases indicating respiratory acidosis
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Crackles and pulse oximetry level of 88%
Rationale: With pneumonia, crackles in the lungs and low O2 saturation (B) can impact
adequate oxygenation, which should be reported to the HCP. (A) occurs due to chronic
hyperinflation of the lungs and is common in clients with COPD. Anemia (C) is frequently
identified in clients with COPD, and respiratory acidosis (D) due to CO2 retention contributes
to a lower blood pH.
Page 2
, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 50
An older client is transferred to a telemetry unit after placement of a pacemaker. What
action should the registered nurse (RN) take first?
A. View incision site
B. Obtain a blood pressure
C. Establish telemetry monitoring
D. Evaluate client for pain
CORRECT ANSWER
C. Establish telemetry monitoring.
Rationale: The first action is to establish continuous telemetry monitoring (C) to ensure the
pacemaker is functioning properly. (A, B and D) should be implemented after the client's heart
rate and rhythm are successfully being monitored.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 50
The home health registered nurse (RN) is visiting an older client with chronic hypertension.
What evaluation is most important for the RN to complete with each visit?
A. Effectiveness of medication
B. Ability to ambulate
C. Signs of dehydration
D. Familial support
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Effectiveness of medication
Rationale: The highest priority in the care of an older client with chronic hypertension is
evaluation of the effectiveness of blood pressure medication (A) and the client's compliance in
order to prevent complications related to chronic disease. (B, C and D) are issues common in
the older population, but the effectiveness of the blood pressure management is most
important.
Page 3
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Gerontology HESI Exam
Questions & Answers
2026-2027 | Updated
Nursing Review
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
50 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 50 updated Gerontology HESI exam questions with their correct
answers and rationales, covering key concepts in elder care. It is suitable for students
preparing for certification exams, reviewing course material, or reinforcing their
understanding of gerontological nursing principles.
CONTENTS
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Health Q1–Q12
Medication Management & General Geriatrics Q13–Q26
Neurological & Cognitive Function Q27–Q35
Musculoskeletal & Integumentary Health Q36–Q43
Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary Systems Q44–Q50
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 50
A frail, elderly client is admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia. Which finding is
most important for the registered nurse (RN) to report to the healthcare provider?
A. Fever and chills
B. Confusion and dehydration
C. Crackles in the lung fields
D. Nausea and vomiting
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Confusion and dehydration
Rationale: Confusion and dehydration (B) are findings of inadequate oxygenation and perfusion
in this frail elderly client. (A), (C) and (D) are all common with pneumonia, but the most
important finding is confusion and evidence of dehydration, which require treatment for this
frail elderly client.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 50
After taking a 10-day course of an antibiotic that was ineffective, a frail, elderly client with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted for pneumonia. The client has a
long history of smoking and still smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. Which finding should the
registered nurse (RN) report to the healthcare provider?
A. Barrel chest with increased chest diameter
B. Crackles and pulse oximetry level of 88%
C. Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
D. Arterial blood gases indicating respiratory acidosis
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Crackles and pulse oximetry level of 88%
Rationale: With pneumonia, crackles in the lungs and low O2 saturation (B) can impact
adequate oxygenation, which should be reported to the HCP. (A) occurs due to chronic
hyperinflation of the lungs and is common in clients with COPD. Anemia (C) is frequently
identified in clients with COPD, and respiratory acidosis (D) due to CO2 retention contributes
to a lower blood pH.
Page 2
, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 50
An older client is transferred to a telemetry unit after placement of a pacemaker. What
action should the registered nurse (RN) take first?
A. View incision site
B. Obtain a blood pressure
C. Establish telemetry monitoring
D. Evaluate client for pain
CORRECT ANSWER
C. Establish telemetry monitoring.
Rationale: The first action is to establish continuous telemetry monitoring (C) to ensure the
pacemaker is functioning properly. (A, B and D) should be implemented after the client's heart
rate and rhythm are successfully being monitored.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 50
The home health registered nurse (RN) is visiting an older client with chronic hypertension.
What evaluation is most important for the RN to complete with each visit?
A. Effectiveness of medication
B. Ability to ambulate
C. Signs of dehydration
D. Familial support
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Effectiveness of medication
Rationale: The highest priority in the care of an older client with chronic hypertension is
evaluation of the effectiveness of blood pressure medication (A) and the client's compliance in
order to prevent complications related to chronic disease. (B, C and D) are issues common in
the older population, but the effectiveness of the blood pressure management is most
important.
Page 3
