Quiz 1: NURS 5461 / NURS5461 (Latest
Update 2026/2027) | Adult Gerontology
Management Across the Continuum of Care |
200+ Questions with Verified Answers &
Rationales | Grade A+ | UTA
Description
Prepare confidently for NURS 5461 Quiz 1 with this comprehensive, updated study
guide featuring 200+ verified questions and detailed rationales for the 2026/2027
academic cycle .
This resource is designed for University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) AGPCNP students and
covers all high-yield topics tested on the quiz . Each question includes a clear explanation to
reinforce clinical reasoning and deepen understanding of adult gerontology management
across the continuum of care .
Key topics covered include:
Continuum of Care & Medicare – Parts A, B, C, D coverage, SNF/IRF/hospice criteria,
LACE index, Texas UAI assessment
Nutritional Assessment – Prealbumin, albumin, transferrin levels, weight loss indicators,
caloric and protein requirements
Anemias & Hematologic Disorders – Microcytic vs. macrocytic classification, iron studies
(ferritin, TIBC), B12/folate deficiency markers (MMA, homocysteine)
, Endocrine Disorders – Type 2 diabetes diagnostic criteria, thyroid function tests,
hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism management
Cardiovascular & Renal – Hypertension goals, hypertensive urgency vs. emergency, heart
failure management, renal function monitoring
Neurological Disorders – Parkinson's disease (levodopa, COMT/MAO-B inhibitors),
Alzheimer's staging (MMSE scores), essential tremor treatment
Geriatric Syndromes & Preventive Care – Frailty phenotype, polypharmacy risks, fall
prevention, USPSTF recommendations, immunizations
Section 1: Foundational Gerontological Principles (Questions 1-30)
1. An 80-year-old patient reports they no longer enjoy eating steak because it "takes
too much effort to chew." Which age-related physiological change is MOST likely
responsible?
A) Xerostomia from anticholinergic medications
B) Decreased muscle mass and strength of the masseter muscles, combined with potential
periodontal disease
C) Early Parkinson's disease
D) Esophageal stricture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Age-related sarcopenia affects all skeletal muscles, including the masticatory
muscles (masseter, temporalis). Combined with periodontal disease and potential tooth
loss, chewing tough foods becomes difficult. This is a normal age-related change, not
pathology. Xerostomia affects swallowing and taste but typically causes difficulty with dry
foods, not specifically chewing .
, 2. A 76-year-old patient has a resting heart rate of 58 bpm. They are asymptomatic,
exercise regularly, and have no history of cardiac disease. Which age-related
cardiovascular change BEST explains this finding?
A) Sick sinus syndrome requiring pacemaker evaluation
B) Decreased intrinsic heart rate due to sinoatrial node fibrosis and increased vagal tone
C) Beta-blocker toxicity
D) Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Normal aging causes sinoatrial node fibrosis and loss of pacemaker cells (up to
75% by age 75), resulting in a decreased intrinsic heart rate (typically 60-100 in younger
adults, may be 50-60 in healthy older adults). Athletic older adults may have even lower
resting rates due to increased vagal tone. This is asymptomatic bradycardia—no
intervention needed .
3. Which of the following is a component of the Fried Frailty Phenotype?
A) Body mass index >30 kg/m²
B) Slow gait speed <0.8 m/s over 4.6 meters
C) Polypharmacy >5 medications
D) Chronic kidney disease stage 3
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Fried Frailty Phenotype includes 5 criteria: (1) unintentional weight loss; (2)
exhaustion; (3) weakness (decreased grip strength); (4) slow gait speed (<0.8 m/s over
4.6m); and (5) low physical activity. 3+ criteria = frail; 1-2 = pre-frail; 0 = robust. BMI >30 is
obesity, not frailty .
4. A 72-year-old patient has decreased vital capacity and increased residual volume
on pulmonary function testing. These changes are primarily due to:
A) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
, B) Age-related chest wall stiffening, kyphosis, and decreased elastic recoil of the lungs
C) Congestive heart failure
D) Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Normal aging causes calcification of costal cartilage (stiff chest wall); kyphosis
(reduced thoracic expansion); decreased elastic recoil of the lungs; and decreased
respiratory muscle strength. These changes result in decreased vital capacity and increased
residual volume .
5. Under Texas HHSC guidelines, a patient is being transferred from an acute care
hospital to a long-term care facility. Which of the following is a mandatory regulatory
requirement for this transition?
A) The patient must be formally screened using the Texas Uniform Assessment Instrument
(UAI) to determine level of care
B) The attending physician must physically accompany the patient to the receiving facility
C) The hospital must guarantee a 30-day readmission-free period prior to transfer
D) The family must sign a waiver forfeiting the patient's right to return to the acute hospital
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Texas HHSC requires a standardized assessment, such as the UAI, to ensure
the patient meets the medical necessity criteria for long-term care services before
admission, preventing inappropriate placements. The other options are false regulatory
requirements .
6. Which of the following best defines the "Continuum of Care" in adult gerontology
management?
A) A rigid, step-down model where patients move strictly from hospital to home
B) An integrated, patient-centered system of care that spans from health promotion to end-
of-life, adjusting based on patient needs
C) A financial model used by Medicare to cap payments across all settings
Update 2026/2027) | Adult Gerontology
Management Across the Continuum of Care |
200+ Questions with Verified Answers &
Rationales | Grade A+ | UTA
Description
Prepare confidently for NURS 5461 Quiz 1 with this comprehensive, updated study
guide featuring 200+ verified questions and detailed rationales for the 2026/2027
academic cycle .
This resource is designed for University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) AGPCNP students and
covers all high-yield topics tested on the quiz . Each question includes a clear explanation to
reinforce clinical reasoning and deepen understanding of adult gerontology management
across the continuum of care .
Key topics covered include:
Continuum of Care & Medicare – Parts A, B, C, D coverage, SNF/IRF/hospice criteria,
LACE index, Texas UAI assessment
Nutritional Assessment – Prealbumin, albumin, transferrin levels, weight loss indicators,
caloric and protein requirements
Anemias & Hematologic Disorders – Microcytic vs. macrocytic classification, iron studies
(ferritin, TIBC), B12/folate deficiency markers (MMA, homocysteine)
, Endocrine Disorders – Type 2 diabetes diagnostic criteria, thyroid function tests,
hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism management
Cardiovascular & Renal – Hypertension goals, hypertensive urgency vs. emergency, heart
failure management, renal function monitoring
Neurological Disorders – Parkinson's disease (levodopa, COMT/MAO-B inhibitors),
Alzheimer's staging (MMSE scores), essential tremor treatment
Geriatric Syndromes & Preventive Care – Frailty phenotype, polypharmacy risks, fall
prevention, USPSTF recommendations, immunizations
Section 1: Foundational Gerontological Principles (Questions 1-30)
1. An 80-year-old patient reports they no longer enjoy eating steak because it "takes
too much effort to chew." Which age-related physiological change is MOST likely
responsible?
A) Xerostomia from anticholinergic medications
B) Decreased muscle mass and strength of the masseter muscles, combined with potential
periodontal disease
C) Early Parkinson's disease
D) Esophageal stricture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Age-related sarcopenia affects all skeletal muscles, including the masticatory
muscles (masseter, temporalis). Combined with periodontal disease and potential tooth
loss, chewing tough foods becomes difficult. This is a normal age-related change, not
pathology. Xerostomia affects swallowing and taste but typically causes difficulty with dry
foods, not specifically chewing .
, 2. A 76-year-old patient has a resting heart rate of 58 bpm. They are asymptomatic,
exercise regularly, and have no history of cardiac disease. Which age-related
cardiovascular change BEST explains this finding?
A) Sick sinus syndrome requiring pacemaker evaluation
B) Decreased intrinsic heart rate due to sinoatrial node fibrosis and increased vagal tone
C) Beta-blocker toxicity
D) Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Normal aging causes sinoatrial node fibrosis and loss of pacemaker cells (up to
75% by age 75), resulting in a decreased intrinsic heart rate (typically 60-100 in younger
adults, may be 50-60 in healthy older adults). Athletic older adults may have even lower
resting rates due to increased vagal tone. This is asymptomatic bradycardia—no
intervention needed .
3. Which of the following is a component of the Fried Frailty Phenotype?
A) Body mass index >30 kg/m²
B) Slow gait speed <0.8 m/s over 4.6 meters
C) Polypharmacy >5 medications
D) Chronic kidney disease stage 3
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Fried Frailty Phenotype includes 5 criteria: (1) unintentional weight loss; (2)
exhaustion; (3) weakness (decreased grip strength); (4) slow gait speed (<0.8 m/s over
4.6m); and (5) low physical activity. 3+ criteria = frail; 1-2 = pre-frail; 0 = robust. BMI >30 is
obesity, not frailty .
4. A 72-year-old patient has decreased vital capacity and increased residual volume
on pulmonary function testing. These changes are primarily due to:
A) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
, B) Age-related chest wall stiffening, kyphosis, and decreased elastic recoil of the lungs
C) Congestive heart failure
D) Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Normal aging causes calcification of costal cartilage (stiff chest wall); kyphosis
(reduced thoracic expansion); decreased elastic recoil of the lungs; and decreased
respiratory muscle strength. These changes result in decreased vital capacity and increased
residual volume .
5. Under Texas HHSC guidelines, a patient is being transferred from an acute care
hospital to a long-term care facility. Which of the following is a mandatory regulatory
requirement for this transition?
A) The patient must be formally screened using the Texas Uniform Assessment Instrument
(UAI) to determine level of care
B) The attending physician must physically accompany the patient to the receiving facility
C) The hospital must guarantee a 30-day readmission-free period prior to transfer
D) The family must sign a waiver forfeiting the patient's right to return to the acute hospital
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Texas HHSC requires a standardized assessment, such as the UAI, to ensure
the patient meets the medical necessity criteria for long-term care services before
admission, preventing inappropriate placements. The other options are false regulatory
requirements .
6. Which of the following best defines the "Continuum of Care" in adult gerontology
management?
A) A rigid, step-down model where patients move strictly from hospital to home
B) An integrated, patient-centered system of care that spans from health promotion to end-
of-life, adjusting based on patient needs
C) A financial model used by Medicare to cap payments across all settings
