NR 601 FINAL EXAM PREP – CHAMBERLAIN PRIMARY
CARE PRACTICUM 2026/2027 COMPLETE (150) CURRENT
TESTING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES.
NR 601
Prepare effectively for the NR 601 Final Exam in Chamberlain Primary Care Practicum
with this focused study resource. It supports review of primary care assessment,
differential diagnosis, health promotion, disease prevention, treatment planning,
patient education, and evidence-based clinical practice. Use the material to reinforce
your clinical knowledge, review high-yield topics, and identify areas that may require
additional study. This resource is suited for Chamberlain nurse practitioner students,
primary care practicum learners, and candidates preparing for the NR 601 final
examination.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
SECTION 1: GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT & AGING PHYSIOLOGY (Questions 1–
20)
Question 1:
A 72-year-old patient presents with complaints of fatigue, weight loss, and a
new onset of lower back pain. The NP should consider which of the following
as a priority diagnosis?
A) Osteoarthritis
B) Multiple myeloma
C) Vitamin D deficiency
D) Depression
Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple myeloma should be suspected in older adults presenting
with the classic triad of fatigue, weight loss, and bone pain (especially back
pain). It is a malignancy of plasma cells that is more common in older adults.
Osteoarthritis typically presents with joint pain without systemic symptoms.
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Vitamin D deficiency and depression are possible but do not explain the triad
as completely as multiple myeloma.
Question 2:
According to the Beers Criteria, which medication should be avoided in older
adults due to a high risk of falls and fractures?
A) Lisinopril
B) Zolpidem
C) Metformin
D) Atorvastatin
Answer: B
Rationale: Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that is listed in the
Beers Criteria as a potentially inappropriate medication for older adults due to
increased risk of falls, fractures, and cognitive impairment. Lisinopril,
Metformin, and Atorvastatin are generally considered appropriate for use in
older adults when clinically indicated.
Question 3:
When assessing an older adult for frailty, which of the following is a key
component of the Fried Frailty Phenotype?
A) Hypertension
B) Unintentional weight loss
C) Elevated cholesterol
D) Diabetes mellitus
Answer: B
Rationale: The Fried Frailty Phenotype includes five criteria: unintentional
weight loss (10+ lbs in past year), self-reported exhaustion, weakness (low
grip strength), slow walking speed, and low physical activity. Hypertension,
elevated cholesterol, and diabetes are not components of the frailty
phenotype.
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Question 4:
A 78-year-old patient reports a gradual decline in hearing over several years,
particularly difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments. This is
most consistent with:
A) Otosclerosis
B) Presbycusis
C) Ménière's disease
D) Cerumen impaction
Answer: B
Rationale: Presbycusis is age-related sensorineural hearing loss
characterized by bilateral, high-frequency hearing loss and difficulty
understanding speech in background noise. Otosclerosis typically presents
with conductive hearing loss starting in young adulthood. Ménière's disease
involves episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.
Question 5:
Which of the following screening tools is most appropriate for assessing
cognitive impairment in a primary care setting?
A) Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
C) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
D) Both B and C
Answer: D
Rationale: Both the MoCA and MMSE are valid screening tools for cognitive
impairment in primary care. The MoCA is more sensitive for mild cognitive
impairment, while the MMSE is widely used. The GDS is used for depression
screening, not cognitive impairment.
Question 6:
A 65-year-old patient with no prior history of falls reports a single fall in the
past year. The NP should:
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A) Reassure the patient that one fall is not significant
B) Perform a multifactorial fall risk assessment
C) Prescribe a vitamin D supplement only
D) Refer to physical therapy without further assessment
Answer: B
Rationale: According to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and
geriatric guidelines, any fall in an older adult should prompt a multifactorial
fall risk assessment, including history, physical exam (gait, balance, strength),
and environmental assessment. A single fall is a significant predictor of future
falls.
Question 7:
The physiological change in the aging cardiovascular system that most
contributes to orthostatic hypotension is:
A) Decreased cardiac output
B) Increased arterial stiffness
C) Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity
D) Increased left ventricular hypertrophy
Answer: C
Rationale: Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity is a key age-related change
that impairs the body's ability to compensate for positional changes, leading
to orthostatic hypotension. While decreased cardiac output and increased
arterial stiffness occur with aging, baroreceptor dysfunction is the primary
mechanism for orthostatic hypotension.
Question 8:
A 74-year-old patient reports chronic constipation. Which of the following is
the most appropriate initial intervention?
A) Stimulant laxatives
B) Increased dietary fiber and fluid intake