NURS 5461 FINAL EXAM (LATEST 2025/2026 UPDATE) ADULT GERONTOLOGY |– UTA
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
|STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Geriatric Assessment and Screening Tools
Pharmacology and Medication Management in Older Adults
Geriatric Syndromes (Dementia, Delirium, Depression)
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions in Aging
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Musculoskeletal Conditions and Fall Prevention
Ethics, Legal Issues, and End-of-Life Care
Communication and Care Planning for Older Adults
,Introduction
This practice study guide is designed to prepare nursing students and healthcare professionals for
comprehensive assessment of adult gerontology knowledge. The exam evaluates critical skills including
geriatric assessment, medication management, recognition of geriatric syndromes, management of chronic
conditions, fall prevention, and ethical decision-making in older adult care. The multiple-choice and scenario-
based structure emphasizes real-world application, requiring learners to demonstrate clinical reasoning and
decision-making abilities relevant to practicing with older adult populations. Questions range from
foundational theory to applied professional knowledge, regulatory compliance, ethics, and critical thinking.
This study guide serves as an educational tool to reinforce learning and identify areas requiring additional
study before formal certification or course examination.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
An older adult patient presents with sudden confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating attention span over 24
hours. The patient has a history of urinary tract infection. Which condition is most likely?
A. Alzheimer's disease
B. Delirium
C. Major depressive disorder
D. Parkinson's disease
🟢 Correct answer: B
,🔴 RATIONALE: Delirium is characterized by acute onset (hours to days), fluctuating course, inattention, and
disorientation, often triggered by infection like UTI in older adults. Alzheimer's has gradual onset, depression
presents with persistent mood symptoms, and Parkinson's involves motor symptoms.
Question 2
Which medication class requires the most careful monitoring in older adults due to increased risk of
anticholinergic effects?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Tricyclic antidepressants
C. Proton pump inhibitors
D. Calcium channel blockers
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Tricyclic antidepressants have strong anticholinergic properties causing confusion, dry
mouth, urinary retention, and constipation in older adults. Beta-blockers, PPIs, and calcium channel blockers
have different primary side effect profiles.
Question 3
The Beers Criteria is used to:
, A. Assess fall risk in older adults
B. Identify medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults
C. Screen for dementia
D. Evaluate nutritional status
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: The Beers Criteria, published by the American Geriatrics Society, lists medications that are
potentially inappropriate for older adults due to increased risk of adverse effects. It does not assess fall risk,
screen for dementia, or evaluate nutrition.
Question 4
An 82-year-old patient with advanced dementia is experiencing difficulty eating and frequent aspiration. The
family asks about feeding tubes. What is the most appropriate nursing recommendation?
A. Immediately recommend feeding tube placement
B. Explain that feeding tubes do not improve outcomes in advanced dementia and suggest hand feeding
C. Recommend total parenteral nutrition
D. Suggest restricting all oral intake
🟢 Correct answer: B
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
|STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Geriatric Assessment and Screening Tools
Pharmacology and Medication Management in Older Adults
Geriatric Syndromes (Dementia, Delirium, Depression)
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions in Aging
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Musculoskeletal Conditions and Fall Prevention
Ethics, Legal Issues, and End-of-Life Care
Communication and Care Planning for Older Adults
,Introduction
This practice study guide is designed to prepare nursing students and healthcare professionals for
comprehensive assessment of adult gerontology knowledge. The exam evaluates critical skills including
geriatric assessment, medication management, recognition of geriatric syndromes, management of chronic
conditions, fall prevention, and ethical decision-making in older adult care. The multiple-choice and scenario-
based structure emphasizes real-world application, requiring learners to demonstrate clinical reasoning and
decision-making abilities relevant to practicing with older adult populations. Questions range from
foundational theory to applied professional knowledge, regulatory compliance, ethics, and critical thinking.
This study guide serves as an educational tool to reinforce learning and identify areas requiring additional
study before formal certification or course examination.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
An older adult patient presents with sudden confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating attention span over 24
hours. The patient has a history of urinary tract infection. Which condition is most likely?
A. Alzheimer's disease
B. Delirium
C. Major depressive disorder
D. Parkinson's disease
🟢 Correct answer: B
,🔴 RATIONALE: Delirium is characterized by acute onset (hours to days), fluctuating course, inattention, and
disorientation, often triggered by infection like UTI in older adults. Alzheimer's has gradual onset, depression
presents with persistent mood symptoms, and Parkinson's involves motor symptoms.
Question 2
Which medication class requires the most careful monitoring in older adults due to increased risk of
anticholinergic effects?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Tricyclic antidepressants
C. Proton pump inhibitors
D. Calcium channel blockers
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Tricyclic antidepressants have strong anticholinergic properties causing confusion, dry
mouth, urinary retention, and constipation in older adults. Beta-blockers, PPIs, and calcium channel blockers
have different primary side effect profiles.
Question 3
The Beers Criteria is used to:
, A. Assess fall risk in older adults
B. Identify medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults
C. Screen for dementia
D. Evaluate nutritional status
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: The Beers Criteria, published by the American Geriatrics Society, lists medications that are
potentially inappropriate for older adults due to increased risk of adverse effects. It does not assess fall risk,
screen for dementia, or evaluate nutrition.
Question 4
An 82-year-old patient with advanced dementia is experiencing difficulty eating and frequent aspiration. The
family asks about feeding tubes. What is the most appropriate nursing recommendation?
A. Immediately recommend feeding tube placement
B. Explain that feeding tubes do not improve outcomes in advanced dementia and suggest hand feeding
C. Recommend total parenteral nutrition
D. Suggest restricting all oral intake
🟢 Correct answer: B
