NR 601 PRIMARY CARE FOR OLDER
ADULTS FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, what is the
recommended A1C goal for an older adult with multiple chronic illnesses, cognitive
impairment, or functional dependency?
A. Less than 7.0%
B. Less than 8.0%
C. Less than 7.5%
D. Less than 8.5%
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For older adults with complex or intermediate health status
(multiple chronic illnesses or mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment), an A1C goal of
<8.0% is recommended to avoid hypoglycemia while managing symptoms.
2. When differentiating between Delirium and Dementia, which characteristic is
pathognomonic for Delirium?
A. Acute change in level of consciousness and attention
,B. Gradual onset over years
C. Irreversible decline in cognitive function
D. Normal speech patterns initially
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset (hours to days), a
fluctuating course, and a significant disturbance in attention and awareness, unlike the
slow, progressive decline of dementia.
3. The Beers Criteria identifies which class of medications as potentially inappropriate for
older adults due to a high risk of falls and fractures?
A. ACE Inhibitors
B. Statins
C. Benzodiazepines
D. Proton Pump Inhibitors
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of cognitive impairment,
delirium, falls, fractures, and motor vehicle accidents in older adults according to the Beers
Criteria.
, 4. A 78-year-old patient presents with a T-score of -2.6 on a DEXA scan. Which diagnosis is
most appropriate?
A. Osteopenia
B. Osteoporosis
C. Normal bone density
D. Severe Osteoarthritis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization as a T-
score of -2.5 or lower on a DEXA scan.
5. Which assessment tool is specifically used to evaluate Instrumental Activities of Daily
Living (IADLs), such as shopping and managing finances?
A. Katz Index
B. Lawton Scale
C. Mini-Mental State Exam
D. PHQ-9
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Lawton IADL scale evaluates more complex tasks necessary
for independent living, whereas the Katz Index focuses on basic ADLs like bathing and
dressing.
ADULTS FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, what is the
recommended A1C goal for an older adult with multiple chronic illnesses, cognitive
impairment, or functional dependency?
A. Less than 7.0%
B. Less than 8.0%
C. Less than 7.5%
D. Less than 8.5%
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For older adults with complex or intermediate health status
(multiple chronic illnesses or mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment), an A1C goal of
<8.0% is recommended to avoid hypoglycemia while managing symptoms.
2. When differentiating between Delirium and Dementia, which characteristic is
pathognomonic for Delirium?
A. Acute change in level of consciousness and attention
,B. Gradual onset over years
C. Irreversible decline in cognitive function
D. Normal speech patterns initially
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset (hours to days), a
fluctuating course, and a significant disturbance in attention and awareness, unlike the
slow, progressive decline of dementia.
3. The Beers Criteria identifies which class of medications as potentially inappropriate for
older adults due to a high risk of falls and fractures?
A. ACE Inhibitors
B. Statins
C. Benzodiazepines
D. Proton Pump Inhibitors
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of cognitive impairment,
delirium, falls, fractures, and motor vehicle accidents in older adults according to the Beers
Criteria.
, 4. A 78-year-old patient presents with a T-score of -2.6 on a DEXA scan. Which diagnosis is
most appropriate?
A. Osteopenia
B. Osteoporosis
C. Normal bone density
D. Severe Osteoarthritis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization as a T-
score of -2.5 or lower on a DEXA scan.
5. Which assessment tool is specifically used to evaluate Instrumental Activities of Daily
Living (IADLs), such as shopping and managing finances?
A. Katz Index
B. Lawton Scale
C. Mini-Mental State Exam
D. PHQ-9
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Lawton IADL scale evaluates more complex tasks necessary
for independent living, whereas the Katz Index focuses on basic ADLs like bathing and
dressing.
