1
GERIATRIC NURSING EXAM – AGE-RELATED
CHANGES & CHRONIC ILLNESS MANAGEMENT
(2026-27 LATEST VERSION)
1. A 78-year-old patient reports decreased sense of taste and
smell. Which nursing consideration is appropriate?
A. Encourage high-sugar foods
B. Assess for nutritional deficiencies and monitor appetite
C. Document only
D. Ignore as normal aging
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Age-related decline in taste and smell can lead to malnutrition;
monitoring diet and appetite is essential.
2. Which cardiovascular change is expected in older adults?
A. Increased cardiac output at rest
B. Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity leading to orthostatic
hypotension
C. Increased heart rate variability
D. Hyperactive reflexes
Correct Answer: B
,2
Rationale:
Aging decreases baroreceptor sensitivity, predisposing older
adults to orthostatic hypotension and falls.
3. A 70-year-old patient with osteoarthritis reports joint
stiffness in the morning. Nursing recommendation?
A. Encourage prolonged bed rest
B. Promote gentle range-of-motion exercises
C. Ignore discomfort
D. Recommend high-impact exercise
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Gentle exercises reduce stiffness, maintain mobility, and
improve joint function without causing injury.
4. Which neurological change is common in older adults?
A. Increased reflexes
B. Slowed reaction time and decreased short-term memory
C. Improved balance
D. Increased peripheral sensation
Correct Answer: B
,3
Rationale:
Cognitive and motor slowing is typical in aging, affecting
reaction time, memory, and coordination.
5. An older adult patient has reduced kidney function. Nursing
consideration?
A. No changes needed
B. Monitor drug dosages and kidney function tests
C. Encourage high-protein diet without limits
D. Delay medication review
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Age-related decline in renal function affects drug clearance,
increasing risk of toxicity.
6. Which gastrointestinal change is expected with aging?
A. Increased peristalsis
B. Delayed gastric emptying and decreased motility
C. Increased hydrochloric acid production
D. Increased nutrient absorption
Correct Answer: B
, 4
Rationale:
Slowed GI motility can lead to constipation, malabsorption,
and decreased appetite.
7. A 75-year-old patient has difficulty swallowing. Which
intervention is appropriate?
A. Offer thin liquids only
B. Encourage small, soft-textured meals and upright feeding
C. Ignore swallowing issues
D. Force large bites of solid food
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Dysphagia is common in older adults; interventions reduce risk
of aspiration and choking.
8. Which skin change is typical in aging?
A. Increased elasticity
B. Thinning skin with decreased subcutaneous fat
C. Increased moisture
D. Hyperpigmentation of mucous membranes
Correct Answer: B
GERIATRIC NURSING EXAM – AGE-RELATED
CHANGES & CHRONIC ILLNESS MANAGEMENT
(2026-27 LATEST VERSION)
1. A 78-year-old patient reports decreased sense of taste and
smell. Which nursing consideration is appropriate?
A. Encourage high-sugar foods
B. Assess for nutritional deficiencies and monitor appetite
C. Document only
D. Ignore as normal aging
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Age-related decline in taste and smell can lead to malnutrition;
monitoring diet and appetite is essential.
2. Which cardiovascular change is expected in older adults?
A. Increased cardiac output at rest
B. Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity leading to orthostatic
hypotension
C. Increased heart rate variability
D. Hyperactive reflexes
Correct Answer: B
,2
Rationale:
Aging decreases baroreceptor sensitivity, predisposing older
adults to orthostatic hypotension and falls.
3. A 70-year-old patient with osteoarthritis reports joint
stiffness in the morning. Nursing recommendation?
A. Encourage prolonged bed rest
B. Promote gentle range-of-motion exercises
C. Ignore discomfort
D. Recommend high-impact exercise
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Gentle exercises reduce stiffness, maintain mobility, and
improve joint function without causing injury.
4. Which neurological change is common in older adults?
A. Increased reflexes
B. Slowed reaction time and decreased short-term memory
C. Improved balance
D. Increased peripheral sensation
Correct Answer: B
,3
Rationale:
Cognitive and motor slowing is typical in aging, affecting
reaction time, memory, and coordination.
5. An older adult patient has reduced kidney function. Nursing
consideration?
A. No changes needed
B. Monitor drug dosages and kidney function tests
C. Encourage high-protein diet without limits
D. Delay medication review
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Age-related decline in renal function affects drug clearance,
increasing risk of toxicity.
6. Which gastrointestinal change is expected with aging?
A. Increased peristalsis
B. Delayed gastric emptying and decreased motility
C. Increased hydrochloric acid production
D. Increased nutrient absorption
Correct Answer: B
, 4
Rationale:
Slowed GI motility can lead to constipation, malabsorption,
and decreased appetite.
7. A 75-year-old patient has difficulty swallowing. Which
intervention is appropriate?
A. Offer thin liquids only
B. Encourage small, soft-textured meals and upright feeding
C. Ignore swallowing issues
D. Force large bites of solid food
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Dysphagia is common in older adults; interventions reduce risk
of aspiration and choking.
8. Which skin change is typical in aging?
A. Increased elasticity
B. Thinning skin with decreased subcutaneous fat
C. Increased moisture
D. Hyperpigmentation of mucous membranes
Correct Answer: B
