Questions with Answers & Rationales – Primary Care of
the Maturing & Aged Family
,1. Which change is a normal age-related cardiovascular finding?
A. Increased resting heart rate
B. Decreased arterial compliance
C. Increased cardiac output
D. Decreased systolic blood pressure
Rationale: Arterial stiffness increases with age, reducing compliance.
2. Which finding is the strongest predictor of falls in older adults?
A. Age over 65
B. History of falling
C. Female sex
D. Mild arthritis
Rationale: A prior fall is the strongest predictor of future falls.
3. What is first-line treatment for mild persistent asthma in older adults?
A. Oral corticosteroids
B. Inhaled corticosteroid
C. Long-acting beta agonist alone
D. Montelukast
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids are first-line for persistent asthma.
4. Which tool assesses functional status in hospitalized older adults?
A. PHQ-9
B. Fulmer SPICES
C. MMSE
D. CAGE
Rationale: SPICES screens for common geriatric syndromes.
, 5. Delirium is best described as:
A. Progressive cognitive decline
B. Acute fluctuating attention and awareness
C. Stable memory loss
D. Chronic executive dysfunction
Rationale: Delirium has acute onset and fluctuating course.
6. Which medication is potentially inappropriate in older adults per Beers
Criteria?
A. Metformin
B. Diphenhydramine
C. Lisinopril
D. Atorvastatin
Rationale: First-generation antihistamines are potentially inappropriate due
to anticholinergic effects.
7. Which is a normal age-related respiratory change?
A. Increased vital capacity
B. Decreased chest wall compliance
C. Increased FEV1
D. Decreased residual volume
Rationale: Chest wall stiffness increases with age.
8. What is the target A1c for a healthy older adult with diabetes?
A. Less than 6.0%
B. Less than 7.5%
C. Less than 9.0%