Gerontological Nursing
Midterm Exam Review
2026
(With Solutions)
Multiple Choice (MCQ)
A 78-year-old patient with advanced osteoarthritis reports increased joint
pain and difficulty in ambulation. Which nursing intervention best
addresses the patient’s pain management?
A) Encourage complete bed rest
B) Administer NSAIDs as prescribed and promote gentle range-of-motion
exercises
C) Advise patient to avoid all physical activity
D) Recommend opioid analgesics without monitoring
Answer: B
Rationale: Combining NSAIDs with gentle exercises helps reduce pain
and maintain joint mobility. Complete rest can worsen stiffness; opioids
require caution and monitoring.
Which physiological change in aging increases the risk of adverse drug
reactions in older adults?
A) Increased liver metabolism
B) Reduced renal clearance
C) Enhanced gastric emptying
D) Increased muscle mass
Answer: B
Rationale: Reduced renal function decreases drug elimination, increasing
the risk of toxicity.
A key feature of delirium distinguishing it from dementia is:
A) Gradual onset
B) Persistent cognitive decline
C) Fluctuating course with acute onset
D) Memory impairment only
Answer: C
,Rationale: Delirium is characterized by sudden onset and fluctuating
consciousness, unlike the steady decline seen in dementia.
For an elderly patient with pressure ulcers, which of the following is the
most important nursing priority?
A) Maintaining dry skin and frequent repositioning
B) Applying antibiotic ointment only
C) Avoiding use of pressure-relieving devices
D) Allowing patient to sit in one position
Answer: A
Rationale: Prevention and management of ulcers focus on pressure relief
and skin care.
Which cognitive screening tool is most appropriate for quick dementia
assessment in older adults?
A) Glasgow Coma Scale
B) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
C) Beck Depression Inventory
D) Morse Fall Scale
Answer: B
Rationale: MMSE is widely used for cognitive screening in geriatric
patients.
Which vitamin deficiency is commonly associated with impaired wound
healing in older adults?
A) Vitamin C
B) Vitamin D
C) Vitamin B12
D) Vitamin K
Answer: A
Rationale: Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis and wound repair.
When assessing an older adult’s risk of falls, the most relevant nursing
action is:
A) Assess home environment hazards and gait stability
B) Recommend high-heeled shoes to improve posture
C) Suggest unlimited physical activity
D) Avoid discussing fear of falling
Answer: A
Rationale: Environmental modifications and gait assessment reduce falls
, risk.
Polypharmacy increases risk primarily because:
A) It improves medication adherence
B) It causes drug interactions and side effects
C) Older adults metabolize drugs faster
D) Older adults seldom experience side effects
Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple medications can interact and cause adverse events.
In the care of a patient with Parkinson’s disease, the nurse should
prioritize:
A) Promoting immobility to prevent falls
B) Monitoring swallowing and mobility aids to reduce aspiration risk
C) Encouraging high sodium diet
D) Avoiding physical therapy
Answer: B
Rationale: Swallowing difficulties and mobility issues require careful
management to prevent complications.
Which hormone decline is associated with decreased bone density in
postmenopausal women?
A) Testosterone
B) Estrogen
C) Insulin
D) Cortisol
Answer: B
Rationale: Estrogen loss leads to osteoporosis risk.
True/False (T/F)
T/F: Older adults require less caloric intake but more protein to maintain
muscle mass.
Answer: True
Rationale: Aging decreases metabolism but protein needs increase for
muscle preservation.
T/F: All elderly patients experience cognitive decline as part of normal
aging.
Answer: False