Frail Elders
Midterm Exam Review
(Questions & Solutions)
2025
©2025
, 1. Multiple Choice
Case: An 81-year-old female presents with increasing fatigue,
unintentional weight loss, and difficulty performing routine activities.
Question: Which factor is most predictive of frailty in this patient?
a) Chronological age
b) Increased physical inactivity and decreased functional performance
c) Gender
d) Presence of a single chronic disease
Correct ANS: b) Increased physical inactivity and decreased functional
performance
Rationale: Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome where decreased
functional performance—reflected in physical inactivity—is a key
predictor, more informative than age or a single chronic disease.
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2. Fill-in-the-Blank
Case: During a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), a holistic
evaluation is essential.
Question: A CGA for frail elders should include assessments of cognitive
status, __________, nutritional status, and social support.
Correct ANS: physical function
Rationale: Assessments of physical function are crucial because they
inform interventions to maintain independence and address vulnerability
in frail elders.
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3. True/False
Statement: Polypharmacy is not a major concern in advanced practice
care of frail elders since each medication is prescribed specifically for
individual conditions.
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, Correct ANS: False
Rationale: Polypharmacy significantly increases the risk of adverse drug
events, interactions, and hospitalizations in frail elders. It calls for careful
medication review and reconciliation.
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4. Multiple Choice
Case: A frail elder hospitalized after a fall presents with multiple minor
injuries.
Question: Which intervention should be prioritized to prevent future
falls?
a) Initiating bed rest
b) Increasing sedative medications
c) Focusing solely on wound care
d) Implementing an exercise regimen for balance training
Correct ANS: d) Implementing an exercise regimen for balance
training
Rationale: Fall prevention is best achieved by improving balance and
strength through tailored exercise programs, which directly address the
underlying risk factors of falls.
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5. Multiple Response
Case: Advanced practice nurses play a pivotal role in the care of frail
elders through various interventions.
Question: Which of the following components are typically part of an
advanced practice nurse’s role? (Select all that apply)
a) Medication reconciliation
b) Detailed physical and cognitive assessments
c) Patient education and self-management support
d) Surgical intervention planning
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