Gerontological Nursing - 2026 Fall Prevention & Frailty: Exam 1
- Questions with Correct Answers
100 questions
1. Skin changes with aging include:
A. Thicker skin
B. Increased elasticity
C. Faster wound healing
D. Thinner epidermis, decreased subcutaneous fat and slower healing
Correct Answer: D. Thinner epidermis, decreased subcutaneous fat and slower healing
Rationale: Skin tears and pressure injuries are common. Gentle handling is needed.
2. Respiratory changes with aging include:
A. Increased vital capacity
B. Stronger cough
C. Reduced cough reflex, decreased elastic recoil and weaker respiratory muscles
D. Improved gas exchange
Correct Answer: C. Reduced cough reflex, decreased elastic recoil and weaker respiratory
muscles
Rationale: These changes raise aspiration and pneumonia risk. Incentive spirometry and
mobility help after surgery or illness.
3. Postural changes with aging include:
A. Increased lumbar lordosis
B. Improved posture
C. Kyphosis and a forward-shifted center of gravity
D. Increased height
Correct Answer: C. Kyphosis and a forward-shifted center of gravity
Rationale: Kyphosis affects balance. Osteoporotic fractures may worsen it.
,4. Gerontological nursing is best described as:
A. Care limited to nursing home residents
B. Care focused only on end of life
C. Care provided only by physicians
D. Specialized nursing care that promotes health, function and quality of life for older adults
Correct Answer: D. Specialized nursing care that promotes health, function and quality of life
for older adults
Rationale: Gerontological nurses work in every setting where older adults receive care. It is not
restricted to long-term care or dying patients.
5. A nurse says, "Falls are just part of getting old." This statement reflects:
A. Accurate teaching
B. Ageism, because falls have identifiable and often modifiable causes
C. Evidence-based practice
D. Patient-centered care
Correct Answer: B. Ageism, because falls have identifiable and often modifiable causes
Rationale: Falls are not a normal part of aging. Assessment can identify risk factors to address.
6. A common myth about older adults is that they:
A. Have chronic conditions
B. Use more medications
C. Cannot benefit from exercise or learn new skills
D. Have slower reaction times
Correct Answer: C. Cannot benefit from exercise or learn new skills
Rationale: Older adults gain strength with training at any age. Learning continues throughout
life.
,7. Dignity of risk means that older adults:
A. Must be protected from all risk
B. Cannot make decisions
C. Have the right to make choices involving some risk, such as walking independently
D. Must use restraints
Correct Answer: C. Have the right to make choices involving some risk, such as walking
independently
Rationale: Overprotection can reduce function and quality of life. Nurses balance safety and
autonomy.
8. Nursing care of older adults should recognize cultural differences in:
A. Physiologic aging only
B. Blood types
C. Family roles, views on aging and use of assistive devices
D. Bone structure only
Correct Answer: C. Family roles, views on aging and use of assistive devices
Rationale: Cultural beliefs may affect acceptance of walkers or home help. Asking avoids
assumptions.
9. Caregiver assessment is important because:
A. Caregivers never need help
B. It replaces patient assessment
C. It is not relevant
D. Caregiver strain affects the older adult's safety and care
Correct Answer: D. Caregiver strain affects the older adult's safety and care
Rationale: Burnout can lead to neglect. Respite and support help.
, 10. A geriatric assessment in the emergency department may include:
A. Only triage vital signs
B. Brief screening for delirium, cognitive impairment, falls and functional status
C. Nothing
D. Only imaging
Correct Answer: B. Brief screening for delirium, cognitive impairment, falls and functional
status
Rationale: Geriatric emergency departments improve outcomes. ACEP offers accreditation.
11. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is:
A. A multidimensional, interprofessional evaluation of medical, functional, cognitive,
psychological and social status
B. A single blood test
C. A physical examination only
D. A financial review
Correct Answer: A. A multidimensional, interprofessional evaluation of medical, functional,
cognitive, psychological and social status
Rationale: CGA leads to a coordinated care plan. In hospitalized older adults it improves the
chance of living at home.
12. Screening for hearing loss in older adults can be done with:
A. A whispered voice test or validated questionnaire, with audiology referral if abnormal
B. Ear irrigation
C. A tuning fork only
D. Asking family only
Correct Answer: A. A whispered voice test or validated questionnaire, with audiology referral
if abnormal
Rationale: Simple tests identify those who need audiology. Cerumen should be checked.
- Questions with Correct Answers
100 questions
1. Skin changes with aging include:
A. Thicker skin
B. Increased elasticity
C. Faster wound healing
D. Thinner epidermis, decreased subcutaneous fat and slower healing
Correct Answer: D. Thinner epidermis, decreased subcutaneous fat and slower healing
Rationale: Skin tears and pressure injuries are common. Gentle handling is needed.
2. Respiratory changes with aging include:
A. Increased vital capacity
B. Stronger cough
C. Reduced cough reflex, decreased elastic recoil and weaker respiratory muscles
D. Improved gas exchange
Correct Answer: C. Reduced cough reflex, decreased elastic recoil and weaker respiratory
muscles
Rationale: These changes raise aspiration and pneumonia risk. Incentive spirometry and
mobility help after surgery or illness.
3. Postural changes with aging include:
A. Increased lumbar lordosis
B. Improved posture
C. Kyphosis and a forward-shifted center of gravity
D. Increased height
Correct Answer: C. Kyphosis and a forward-shifted center of gravity
Rationale: Kyphosis affects balance. Osteoporotic fractures may worsen it.
,4. Gerontological nursing is best described as:
A. Care limited to nursing home residents
B. Care focused only on end of life
C. Care provided only by physicians
D. Specialized nursing care that promotes health, function and quality of life for older adults
Correct Answer: D. Specialized nursing care that promotes health, function and quality of life
for older adults
Rationale: Gerontological nurses work in every setting where older adults receive care. It is not
restricted to long-term care or dying patients.
5. A nurse says, "Falls are just part of getting old." This statement reflects:
A. Accurate teaching
B. Ageism, because falls have identifiable and often modifiable causes
C. Evidence-based practice
D. Patient-centered care
Correct Answer: B. Ageism, because falls have identifiable and often modifiable causes
Rationale: Falls are not a normal part of aging. Assessment can identify risk factors to address.
6. A common myth about older adults is that they:
A. Have chronic conditions
B. Use more medications
C. Cannot benefit from exercise or learn new skills
D. Have slower reaction times
Correct Answer: C. Cannot benefit from exercise or learn new skills
Rationale: Older adults gain strength with training at any age. Learning continues throughout
life.
,7. Dignity of risk means that older adults:
A. Must be protected from all risk
B. Cannot make decisions
C. Have the right to make choices involving some risk, such as walking independently
D. Must use restraints
Correct Answer: C. Have the right to make choices involving some risk, such as walking
independently
Rationale: Overprotection can reduce function and quality of life. Nurses balance safety and
autonomy.
8. Nursing care of older adults should recognize cultural differences in:
A. Physiologic aging only
B. Blood types
C. Family roles, views on aging and use of assistive devices
D. Bone structure only
Correct Answer: C. Family roles, views on aging and use of assistive devices
Rationale: Cultural beliefs may affect acceptance of walkers or home help. Asking avoids
assumptions.
9. Caregiver assessment is important because:
A. Caregivers never need help
B. It replaces patient assessment
C. It is not relevant
D. Caregiver strain affects the older adult's safety and care
Correct Answer: D. Caregiver strain affects the older adult's safety and care
Rationale: Burnout can lead to neglect. Respite and support help.
, 10. A geriatric assessment in the emergency department may include:
A. Only triage vital signs
B. Brief screening for delirium, cognitive impairment, falls and functional status
C. Nothing
D. Only imaging
Correct Answer: B. Brief screening for delirium, cognitive impairment, falls and functional
status
Rationale: Geriatric emergency departments improve outcomes. ACEP offers accreditation.
11. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is:
A. A multidimensional, interprofessional evaluation of medical, functional, cognitive,
psychological and social status
B. A single blood test
C. A physical examination only
D. A financial review
Correct Answer: A. A multidimensional, interprofessional evaluation of medical, functional,
cognitive, psychological and social status
Rationale: CGA leads to a coordinated care plan. In hospitalized older adults it improves the
chance of living at home.
12. Screening for hearing loss in older adults can be done with:
A. A whispered voice test or validated questionnaire, with audiology referral if abnormal
B. Ear irrigation
C. A tuning fork only
D. Asking family only
Correct Answer: A. A whispered voice test or validated questionnaire, with audiology referral
if abnormal
Rationale: Simple tests identify those who need audiology. Cerumen should be checked.
