NURS 6540 ADVANCED PRACTICE
CARE OF FRAIL ELDERS
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. According to the Fried Frailty Phenotype, which of the following is NOT a criterion for
identifying frailty?
A. Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds or more in a year
B. Cognitive impairment with a MoCA score below 20
C. Self-reported exhaustion
D. Slow walking speed
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Fried Frailty Phenotype includes five criteria: weight loss,
exhaustion, low physical activity, slowness, and weakness. Cognitive impairment is not one
of the specific physical criteria in this model.
,2. When applying the Beers Criteria, which medication class is specifically flagged for high risk
of falls and fractures in the elderly?
A. Proton pump inhibitors
B. Thyroid hormones
C. ACE inhibitors
D. Benzodiazepines
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of falls, syncope, and fractures
in older adults due to their sedative and psychomotor effects.
3. A 82-year-old patient presents with acute onset of confusion and fluctuating
consciousness. The symptoms started 24 hours ago. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Delirium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Acute onset and fluctuating course are hallmarks of delirium,
whereas dementia involves a gradual decline.
, 4. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to screen for depression in the geriatric
population, focusing on somatic symptoms less than standard scales?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B. PHQ-9
C. Beck Depression Inventory
D. Zung Self-Rating Scale
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The GDS is designed for older adults and omits many somatic
symptoms (like sleep or appetite changes) that can be confounded by aging or illness.
5. In the management of a frail elder with Type 2 Diabetes, what is the generally
recommended HbA1c goal to prevent hypoglycemia and treatment burden?
A. 7.5% to 8.5%
B. Less than 7.0%
C. Less than 6.5%
D. Above 9.0%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: For frail older adults with multiple chronic conditions and
limited life expectancy, a higher HbA1c target (7.5-8.5%) is recommended to avoid risks of
hypoglycemia.
CARE OF FRAIL ELDERS
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. According to the Fried Frailty Phenotype, which of the following is NOT a criterion for
identifying frailty?
A. Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds or more in a year
B. Cognitive impairment with a MoCA score below 20
C. Self-reported exhaustion
D. Slow walking speed
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Fried Frailty Phenotype includes five criteria: weight loss,
exhaustion, low physical activity, slowness, and weakness. Cognitive impairment is not one
of the specific physical criteria in this model.
,2. When applying the Beers Criteria, which medication class is specifically flagged for high risk
of falls and fractures in the elderly?
A. Proton pump inhibitors
B. Thyroid hormones
C. ACE inhibitors
D. Benzodiazepines
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of falls, syncope, and fractures
in older adults due to their sedative and psychomotor effects.
3. A 82-year-old patient presents with acute onset of confusion and fluctuating
consciousness. The symptoms started 24 hours ago. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Delirium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Acute onset and fluctuating course are hallmarks of delirium,
whereas dementia involves a gradual decline.
, 4. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to screen for depression in the geriatric
population, focusing on somatic symptoms less than standard scales?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B. PHQ-9
C. Beck Depression Inventory
D. Zung Self-Rating Scale
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The GDS is designed for older adults and omits many somatic
symptoms (like sleep or appetite changes) that can be confounded by aging or illness.
5. In the management of a frail elder with Type 2 Diabetes, what is the generally
recommended HbA1c goal to prevent hypoglycemia and treatment burden?
A. 7.5% to 8.5%
B. Less than 7.0%
C. Less than 6.5%
D. Above 9.0%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: For frail older adults with multiple chronic conditions and
limited life expectancy, a higher HbA1c target (7.5-8.5%) is recommended to avoid risks of
hypoglycemia.
