NR 601 Final Exam: Primary Care of the Maturing and Aging Family
2026 Chamberlain College
1. Which of the following is the most appropriate HbA1c goal for a frail older
adult with multiple chronic conditions and limited life expectancy?
A. Between 7.5% and 8.0%
B. Less than 7.0%
C. Less than 6.5%
D. Less than 6.0%
Answer: A
Rationale: For frail older adults with multiple comorbidities, a less stringent HbA1c goal
(7.5-8.0%) is recommended to avoid hypoglycemia.
2. Which clinical feature is most characteristic of delirium rather than dementia?
A. Gradual onset over years
B. Acute change in mental status with fluctuating course
C. Normal level of consciousness
D. Irreversible cognitive decline
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in consciousness, whereas dementia is gradual and progressive.
,3. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication should be avoided in older
adults due to high risk of anticholinergic effects?
A. Lisinopril
B. Metformin
C. Diphenhydramine
D. Atorvastatin
Answer: C
Rationale: Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with strong
anticholinergic properties, increasing the risk of confusion, falls, and urinary retention in
the elderly.
4. A 75-year-old male presents with urinary frequency and a weak stream. What
is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for symptomatic Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia (BPH)?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Loop diuretics
C. Alpha-1 blockers
D. Antibiotics
Answer: C
Rationale: Alpha-1 blockers like tamsulosin provide rapid relief of BPH symptoms by
relaxing smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate.
5. What is the primary difference between Palliative Care and Hospice Care?
A. Hospice is only for cancer patients.
B. Palliative care does not address pain management.
C. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, while Hospice is for end-of-life.
D. Hospice care allows for curative treatments.
Answer: C
, Rationale: Palliative care is appropriate at any point in a serious illness and can occur
alongside curative treatment, while hospice is specifically for those with a prognosis of 6
months or less.
6. The ‘Get Up and Go’ test is used primarily to assess which of the following?
A. Fall risk and mobility
B. Vision acuity
C. Cognitive function
D. Fine motor skills
Answer: A
Rationale: The Timed Get Up and Go (TUG) test measures the time it takes for a patient to
rise from a chair, walk 10 feet, and return, assessing balance and fall risk.
7. Which of the following is considered an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living
(IADL)?
A. Bathing
B. Dressing
C. Managing finances
D. Toileting
Answer: C
Rationale: IADLs involve complex skills needed to live independently, such as managing
money, shopping, and preparing meals; ADLs are basic self-care tasks like bathing and
dressing.
8. A T-score of -2.6 on a DXA scan indicates which of the following?
A. Normal bone density
B. Osteopenia
C. Osteoporosis
D. Osteoarthritis
Answer: C
2026 Chamberlain College
1. Which of the following is the most appropriate HbA1c goal for a frail older
adult with multiple chronic conditions and limited life expectancy?
A. Between 7.5% and 8.0%
B. Less than 7.0%
C. Less than 6.5%
D. Less than 6.0%
Answer: A
Rationale: For frail older adults with multiple comorbidities, a less stringent HbA1c goal
(7.5-8.0%) is recommended to avoid hypoglycemia.
2. Which clinical feature is most characteristic of delirium rather than dementia?
A. Gradual onset over years
B. Acute change in mental status with fluctuating course
C. Normal level of consciousness
D. Irreversible cognitive decline
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in consciousness, whereas dementia is gradual and progressive.
,3. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication should be avoided in older
adults due to high risk of anticholinergic effects?
A. Lisinopril
B. Metformin
C. Diphenhydramine
D. Atorvastatin
Answer: C
Rationale: Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with strong
anticholinergic properties, increasing the risk of confusion, falls, and urinary retention in
the elderly.
4. A 75-year-old male presents with urinary frequency and a weak stream. What
is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for symptomatic Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia (BPH)?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Loop diuretics
C. Alpha-1 blockers
D. Antibiotics
Answer: C
Rationale: Alpha-1 blockers like tamsulosin provide rapid relief of BPH symptoms by
relaxing smooth muscles in the bladder neck and prostate.
5. What is the primary difference between Palliative Care and Hospice Care?
A. Hospice is only for cancer patients.
B. Palliative care does not address pain management.
C. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, while Hospice is for end-of-life.
D. Hospice care allows for curative treatments.
Answer: C
, Rationale: Palliative care is appropriate at any point in a serious illness and can occur
alongside curative treatment, while hospice is specifically for those with a prognosis of 6
months or less.
6. The ‘Get Up and Go’ test is used primarily to assess which of the following?
A. Fall risk and mobility
B. Vision acuity
C. Cognitive function
D. Fine motor skills
Answer: A
Rationale: The Timed Get Up and Go (TUG) test measures the time it takes for a patient to
rise from a chair, walk 10 feet, and return, assessing balance and fall risk.
7. Which of the following is considered an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living
(IADL)?
A. Bathing
B. Dressing
C. Managing finances
D. Toileting
Answer: C
Rationale: IADLs involve complex skills needed to live independently, such as managing
money, shopping, and preparing meals; ADLs are basic self-care tasks like bathing and
dressing.
8. A T-score of -2.6 on a DXA scan indicates which of the following?
A. Normal bone density
B. Osteopenia
C. Osteoporosis
D. Osteoarthritis
Answer: C
