NR601 MIDTERM EXAM: PRIMARY
CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. Which pharmacokinetic change is most common in older adults and significantly impacts
drug clearance?
A. Increased hepatic blood flow
B. Increased gastric acidity
C. Reduced body fat percentage
D. Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Aging is associated with a physiological decline in renal function,
specifically a decrease in GFR, which is the most predictable pharmacokinetic change
impacting the clearance of water-soluble drugs.
2. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication class should be avoided in older adults
with a history of falls or fractures?
A. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
B. Beta-blockers
,C. ACE Inhibitors
D. Calcium supplements
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs, along with TCAs, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotics,
increase the risk of falls and fractures in the elderly due to side effects like ataxia and
syncope.
3. A 78-year-old patient presents with acute onset of confusion, fluctuating consciousness,
and inattention. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Delirium
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, a fluctuating course,
and disturbances in attention and awareness, often triggered by an underlying medical
condition.
4. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to screen for depression in the geriatric
population?
A. PHQ-9
, B. GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale)
C. MMSE
D. MoCA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a validated tool
specifically for older adults, focusing on mood rather than somatic symptoms which can
overlap with normal aging.
5. When managing hypertension in a 70-year-old patient with no other comorbidities, what is
the ACC/AHA target blood pressure?
A. <130/80 mmHg
B. <150/90 mmHg
C. <120/70 mmHg
D. <140/90 mmHg
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines recommend a target BP of
<130/80 mmHg for adults aged 65 and older, provided they are community-dwelling and
ambulatory.
6. Which of the following is a component of the Fried Phenotype for identifying frailty?
A. Slow walking speed
CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. Which pharmacokinetic change is most common in older adults and significantly impacts
drug clearance?
A. Increased hepatic blood flow
B. Increased gastric acidity
C. Reduced body fat percentage
D. Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Aging is associated with a physiological decline in renal function,
specifically a decrease in GFR, which is the most predictable pharmacokinetic change
impacting the clearance of water-soluble drugs.
2. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication class should be avoided in older adults
with a history of falls or fractures?
A. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
B. Beta-blockers
,C. ACE Inhibitors
D. Calcium supplements
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs, along with TCAs, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotics,
increase the risk of falls and fractures in the elderly due to side effects like ataxia and
syncope.
3. A 78-year-old patient presents with acute onset of confusion, fluctuating consciousness,
and inattention. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Delirium
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, a fluctuating course,
and disturbances in attention and awareness, often triggered by an underlying medical
condition.
4. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to screen for depression in the geriatric
population?
A. PHQ-9
, B. GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale)
C. MMSE
D. MoCA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a validated tool
specifically for older adults, focusing on mood rather than somatic symptoms which can
overlap with normal aging.
5. When managing hypertension in a 70-year-old patient with no other comorbidities, what is
the ACC/AHA target blood pressure?
A. <130/80 mmHg
B. <150/90 mmHg
C. <120/70 mmHg
D. <140/90 mmHg
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines recommend a target BP of
<130/80 mmHg for adults aged 65 and older, provided they are community-dwelling and
ambulatory.
6. Which of the following is a component of the Fried Phenotype for identifying frailty?
A. Slow walking speed
