[GEROBC] Gerontological Nursing
Certification GERO BC Certification Exam
Guide
**Question 1.** Which of the following findings is most likely a normal age‑related change in
the visual system?
A) Sudden loss of peripheral vision
B) Decreased ability to accommodate near objects
C) Persistent red‑green color blindness
D) Complete loss of night vision
Answer: B
Explanation: With aging, the lens becomes less flexible, reducing near accommodation
(presbyopia). Sudden peripheral loss suggests glaucoma, and color blindness or total
night‑vision loss are pathological.
**Question 2.** An 82‑year‑old man presents with a gait that becomes unsteady when turning.
Which geriatric syndrome is most closely associated with this presentation?
A) Urinary incontinence
B) Falls risk
C) Sleep apnea
D) Polypharmacy
Answer: B
Explanation: Turning increases proprioceptive demands; instability during turning is a classic
indicator of elevated falls risk.
**Question 3.** The Mini‑Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 24 out of 30 in an older
adult most likely indicates:
, [GEROBC] Gerontological Nursing
Certification GERO BC Certification Exam
Guide
A) Normal cognition for age
B) Mild cognitive impairment or early dementia
C) Severe dementia
D) Delirium
Answer: B
Explanation: Scores 24‑27 suggest mild cognitive impairment; <24 indicates moderate to severe
dementia, while delirium is assessed differently.
**Question 4.** Which laboratory value is expected to decline physiologically with age,
potentially leading to an overestimation of renal function if not corrected?
A) Serum potassium
B) Creatinine clearance
C) Serum calcium
D) Hemoglobin
Answer: B
Explanation: Age‑related loss of muscle mass reduces serum creatinine, falsely elevating
estimated GFR; true creatinine clearance declines.
**Question 5.** A frailty assessment shows unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low physical
activity, slow gait, and weak grip strength. According to Fried’s criteria, the patient is classified
as:
A) Robust
B) Pre‑frail
, [GEROBC] Gerontological Nursing
Certification GERO BC Certification Exam
Guide
C) Frail
D) Disabled
Answer: C
Explanation: Presence of three or more criteria defines frailty; the listed signs meet that
threshold.
**Question 6.** In the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, which activity
is NOT assessed?
A) Using the telephone
B) Managing finances
C) Feeding oneself
D) Shopping
Answer: C
Explanation: Feeding is part of the Katz ADL, not the Lawton IADL, which focuses on more
complex tasks.
**Question 7.** Which of the following medications is listed in the Beers Criteria as potentially
inappropriate for older adults due to anticholinergic side effects?
A Metformin
B Diphenhydramine
C Lisinopril
D Warfarin
, [GEROBC] Gerontological Nursing
Certification GERO BC Certification Exam
Guide
Answer: B
Explanation: First‑generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine have strong anticholinergic
effects, increasing confusion and falls risk.
**Question 8.** An elderly resident with Alzheimer’s disease exhibits agitation every evening.
Which non‑pharmacologic strategy is most appropriate?
A) Increase nighttime lighting
B) Offer a high‑caffeine beverage
C) Implement a structured evening routine
D) Restrain the patient
Answer: C
Explanation: A predictable routine reduces sundowning agitation; bright light and caffeine can
worsen symptoms, while restraints are contraindicated.
**Question 9.** The “Three D’s” of geriatric mental health include all EXCEPT:
A) Dementia
B) Delirium
C) Depression
D) Dysphagia
Answer: D
Explanation: Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder, not a mental health condition; the Three D’s
refer to dementia, delirium, and depression.
Certification GERO BC Certification Exam
Guide
**Question 1.** Which of the following findings is most likely a normal age‑related change in
the visual system?
A) Sudden loss of peripheral vision
B) Decreased ability to accommodate near objects
C) Persistent red‑green color blindness
D) Complete loss of night vision
Answer: B
Explanation: With aging, the lens becomes less flexible, reducing near accommodation
(presbyopia). Sudden peripheral loss suggests glaucoma, and color blindness or total
night‑vision loss are pathological.
**Question 2.** An 82‑year‑old man presents with a gait that becomes unsteady when turning.
Which geriatric syndrome is most closely associated with this presentation?
A) Urinary incontinence
B) Falls risk
C) Sleep apnea
D) Polypharmacy
Answer: B
Explanation: Turning increases proprioceptive demands; instability during turning is a classic
indicator of elevated falls risk.
**Question 3.** The Mini‑Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 24 out of 30 in an older
adult most likely indicates:
, [GEROBC] Gerontological Nursing
Certification GERO BC Certification Exam
Guide
A) Normal cognition for age
B) Mild cognitive impairment or early dementia
C) Severe dementia
D) Delirium
Answer: B
Explanation: Scores 24‑27 suggest mild cognitive impairment; <24 indicates moderate to severe
dementia, while delirium is assessed differently.
**Question 4.** Which laboratory value is expected to decline physiologically with age,
potentially leading to an overestimation of renal function if not corrected?
A) Serum potassium
B) Creatinine clearance
C) Serum calcium
D) Hemoglobin
Answer: B
Explanation: Age‑related loss of muscle mass reduces serum creatinine, falsely elevating
estimated GFR; true creatinine clearance declines.
**Question 5.** A frailty assessment shows unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low physical
activity, slow gait, and weak grip strength. According to Fried’s criteria, the patient is classified
as:
A) Robust
B) Pre‑frail
, [GEROBC] Gerontological Nursing
Certification GERO BC Certification Exam
Guide
C) Frail
D) Disabled
Answer: C
Explanation: Presence of three or more criteria defines frailty; the listed signs meet that
threshold.
**Question 6.** In the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, which activity
is NOT assessed?
A) Using the telephone
B) Managing finances
C) Feeding oneself
D) Shopping
Answer: C
Explanation: Feeding is part of the Katz ADL, not the Lawton IADL, which focuses on more
complex tasks.
**Question 7.** Which of the following medications is listed in the Beers Criteria as potentially
inappropriate for older adults due to anticholinergic side effects?
A Metformin
B Diphenhydramine
C Lisinopril
D Warfarin
, [GEROBC] Gerontological Nursing
Certification GERO BC Certification Exam
Guide
Answer: B
Explanation: First‑generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine have strong anticholinergic
effects, increasing confusion and falls risk.
**Question 8.** An elderly resident with Alzheimer’s disease exhibits agitation every evening.
Which non‑pharmacologic strategy is most appropriate?
A) Increase nighttime lighting
B) Offer a high‑caffeine beverage
C) Implement a structured evening routine
D) Restrain the patient
Answer: C
Explanation: A predictable routine reduces sundowning agitation; bright light and caffeine can
worsen symptoms, while restraints are contraindicated.
**Question 9.** The “Three D’s” of geriatric mental health include all EXCEPT:
A) Dementia
B) Delirium
C) Depression
D) Dysphagia
Answer: D
Explanation: Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder, not a mental health condition; the Three D’s
refer to dementia, delirium, and depression.
