[Gerontology] Gerontology Certification
Review Guide
**Question 1.** Which component of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) primarily
evaluates a senior’s ability to manage finances, medication, and transportation?
A) Physical examination
B) ADL assessment
C) IADL assessment
D) Cognitive screening
Answer: C
Explanation: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) assess complex tasks such as handling
finances, medications, and transportation, which are essential for independent living.
**Question 2.** A 78‑year‑old woman presents with sudden confusion, urinary incontinence,
and a fever of 38.3°C. Which atypical presentation is most likely?
A) Acute myocardial infarction
B) Urinary tract infection
C) Stroke
D) Pulmonary embolism
Answer: B
Explanation: Older adults often present with urinary tract infections as confusion or delirium
rather than classic dysuria or frequency.
**Question 3.** In the Mini‑Cog test, what is the primary component assessed?
A) Immediate recall of three words
B) Clock drawing ability
C) Trail‑making test
D) Verbal fluency
Answer: B
, [Gerontology] Gerontology Certification
Review Guide
Explanation: The Mini‑Cog combines a three‑word recall with a clock‑drawing task to screen for
cognitive impairment.
**Question 4.** Which of the following is a normal age‑related change in the integumentary
system?
A) Decreased skin elasticity
B) Increased number of melanocytes
C) Thickening of the epidermis
D) Hyperkeratosis of the palms only
Answer: A
Explanation: Aging skin loses collagen and elastin, leading to reduced elasticity and wrinkling.
**Question 5.** The “3 Ds” of geriatric syndromes include delirium, dementia, and which third
condition?
A) Diabetes
B) Depression
C) Dysphagia
D) Dysuria
Answer: B
Explanation: Delirium, dementia, and depression are commonly grouped because they often
coexist and affect cognition and mood.
**Question 6.** Which laboratory value is expected to decline physiologically with age, even in
healthy elders?
A) Serum calcium
B) Serum albumin
, [Gerontology] Gerontology Certification
Review Guide
C) Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
D) Hemoglobin A1c
Answer: C
Explanation: GFR decreases about 1 mL/min/1.73 m² per year after age 40, reflecting reduced
renal clearance.
**Question 7.** According to the Beers Criteria, which medication class should be avoided in
most older adults due to anticholinergic burden?
A. Beta‑blockers
B. First‑generation antihistamines
C. ACE inhibitors
D. Calcium channel blockers
Answer: B
Explanation: First‑generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) have strong anticholinergic
effects, increasing delirium risk.
**Question 8.** Which intervention is most effective for primary fall prevention in
community‑dwelling seniors?
A. Routine vitamin D supplementation
B. Strength and balance training
C. Installing bed rails
D. Use of gait belts during ambulation
Answer: B
Explanation: Exercise programs that improve strength and balance directly reduce fall incidence.
, [Gerontology] Gerontology Certification
Review Guide
**Question 9.** A frail older adult exhibits unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, and slowed
walking speed. Which diagnostic term best describes this presentation?
A. Sarcopenia
B. Cachexia
C. Frailty syndrome
D. Failure to thrive
Answer: C
Explanation: The frailty phenotype includes weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, slowness, and
low activity.
**Question 10.** Which of the following best describes the distinction between palliative care
and hospice care?
A. Palliative care is only for end‑of‑life patients; hospice is for any serious illness.
B. Hospice provides curative treatment; palliative care does not.
C. Palliative care can be provided at any disease stage; hospice is for patients with ≤6 months
life expectancy.
D. Hospice requires admission to a specialized facility; palliative care does not.
Answer: C
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on symptom relief at any stage, whereas hospice is a type of
palliative care for patients near death.
**Question 11.** Which assessment tool specifically measures depression in older adults,
accounting for somatic symptoms?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B. Beck Depression Inventory
C. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression
D. PHQ‑9
Review Guide
**Question 1.** Which component of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) primarily
evaluates a senior’s ability to manage finances, medication, and transportation?
A) Physical examination
B) ADL assessment
C) IADL assessment
D) Cognitive screening
Answer: C
Explanation: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) assess complex tasks such as handling
finances, medications, and transportation, which are essential for independent living.
**Question 2.** A 78‑year‑old woman presents with sudden confusion, urinary incontinence,
and a fever of 38.3°C. Which atypical presentation is most likely?
A) Acute myocardial infarction
B) Urinary tract infection
C) Stroke
D) Pulmonary embolism
Answer: B
Explanation: Older adults often present with urinary tract infections as confusion or delirium
rather than classic dysuria or frequency.
**Question 3.** In the Mini‑Cog test, what is the primary component assessed?
A) Immediate recall of three words
B) Clock drawing ability
C) Trail‑making test
D) Verbal fluency
Answer: B
, [Gerontology] Gerontology Certification
Review Guide
Explanation: The Mini‑Cog combines a three‑word recall with a clock‑drawing task to screen for
cognitive impairment.
**Question 4.** Which of the following is a normal age‑related change in the integumentary
system?
A) Decreased skin elasticity
B) Increased number of melanocytes
C) Thickening of the epidermis
D) Hyperkeratosis of the palms only
Answer: A
Explanation: Aging skin loses collagen and elastin, leading to reduced elasticity and wrinkling.
**Question 5.** The “3 Ds” of geriatric syndromes include delirium, dementia, and which third
condition?
A) Diabetes
B) Depression
C) Dysphagia
D) Dysuria
Answer: B
Explanation: Delirium, dementia, and depression are commonly grouped because they often
coexist and affect cognition and mood.
**Question 6.** Which laboratory value is expected to decline physiologically with age, even in
healthy elders?
A) Serum calcium
B) Serum albumin
, [Gerontology] Gerontology Certification
Review Guide
C) Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
D) Hemoglobin A1c
Answer: C
Explanation: GFR decreases about 1 mL/min/1.73 m² per year after age 40, reflecting reduced
renal clearance.
**Question 7.** According to the Beers Criteria, which medication class should be avoided in
most older adults due to anticholinergic burden?
A. Beta‑blockers
B. First‑generation antihistamines
C. ACE inhibitors
D. Calcium channel blockers
Answer: B
Explanation: First‑generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) have strong anticholinergic
effects, increasing delirium risk.
**Question 8.** Which intervention is most effective for primary fall prevention in
community‑dwelling seniors?
A. Routine vitamin D supplementation
B. Strength and balance training
C. Installing bed rails
D. Use of gait belts during ambulation
Answer: B
Explanation: Exercise programs that improve strength and balance directly reduce fall incidence.
, [Gerontology] Gerontology Certification
Review Guide
**Question 9.** A frail older adult exhibits unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, and slowed
walking speed. Which diagnostic term best describes this presentation?
A. Sarcopenia
B. Cachexia
C. Frailty syndrome
D. Failure to thrive
Answer: C
Explanation: The frailty phenotype includes weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, slowness, and
low activity.
**Question 10.** Which of the following best describes the distinction between palliative care
and hospice care?
A. Palliative care is only for end‑of‑life patients; hospice is for any serious illness.
B. Hospice provides curative treatment; palliative care does not.
C. Palliative care can be provided at any disease stage; hospice is for patients with ≤6 months
life expectancy.
D. Hospice requires admission to a specialized facility; palliative care does not.
Answer: C
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on symptom relief at any stage, whereas hospice is a type of
palliative care for patients near death.
**Question 11.** Which assessment tool specifically measures depression in older adults,
accounting for somatic symptoms?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B. Beck Depression Inventory
C. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression
D. PHQ‑9
