HESI RN Gerontology Nursing
Exam | Older Adult Care Review |
2025/2026 Edition
Section 1: Introduction
This geriatric-focused guide reviews topics such as cognitive decline, chronic illness
management, functional assessment, fall prevention, and polypharmacy. Built for students
aiming to specialize in elder care, this A+ graded resource matches HESI’s latest content
outline, incorporating evidence-based practices from sources like the National Institute on
Aging and CDC guidelines as of June 2025.
Section 2: Exam Questions and Full Answers
1. What is the primary risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults?
A. Sedentary lifestyle
B. Aging process
C. Poor nutrition
D. Social isolation
Full Answer: Answer B. Aging process. According to the National Institute on Aging
(2025), the natural aging of the brain increases susceptibility to cognitive decline,
though modifiable factors like exercise and diet can mitigate progression.
2. Which chronic condition is most prevalent among older adults?
A. Asthma
B. Hypertension
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Type 1 diabetes
Full Answer: Answer B. Hypertension. The CDC (2025) reports that hypertension
affects over 60% of adults aged 65+, driven by vascular changes and lifestyle factors.
3. What is the best initial assessment tool for functional status in older adults?
A. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
B. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
C. Beck Depression Inventory
D. Glasgow Coma Scale
Full Answer: Answer B. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
(ADL). Research from the Journal of Gerontological Nursing (2025) highlights its
effectiveness in evaluating basic self-care abilities.
4. What is the most common cause of falls in older adults?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Visual impairment
C. Environmental hazards
D. Orthostatic hypotension
Full Answer: Answer C. Environmental hazards. The CDC (2025) identifies hazards
like poor lighting and clutter as leading causes, contributing to over 30% of falls.
, 5. What is a key nursing intervention to manage polypharmacy in older adults?
A. Increase medication doses for better efficacy
B. Conduct regular medication reconciliation
C. Prescribe additional supplements
D. Avoid discussing medications with family
Full Answer: Answer B. Conduct regular medication reconciliation. The American
Geriatrics Society (2025) recommends this to reduce drug interactions and
duplications.
6. Which sign indicates early cognitive decline in older adults?
A. Difficulty finding words
B. Sudden paralysis
C. Rapid weight gain
D. Increased appetite
Full Answer: Answer A. Difficulty finding words. The NIA (2025) notes this as an
early, subtle sign of cognitive impairment, often preceding formal diagnosis.
7. What is the primary goal of chronic illness management in gerontology?
A. Cure the disease
B. Improve quality of life
C. Eliminate all medications
D. Focus on acute care
Full Answer: Answer B. Improve quality of life. Per the World Health Organization
(2025), management focuses on symptom control and functional maintenance rather
than cure.
8. Which assessment finding suggests a high fall risk?
A. Steady gait
B. Use of a walker
C. Normal vision
D. Strong grip strength
Full Answer: Answer B. Use of a walker. Studies from the Journal of the American
Geriatrics Society (2025) link assistive device use to increased fall risk due to
mobility issues.
9. What is a common side effect of polypharmacy in older adults?
A. Improved memory
B. Drowsiness
C. Increased energy
D. Weight loss
Full Answer: Answer B. Drowsiness. The AGS Beers Criteria (2025) identifies
sedative effects as a frequent adverse outcome of multiple medications.
10. Which intervention is most effective for fall prevention?
A. Restricting mobility
B. Installing grab bars
C. Reducing fluid intake
D. Avoiding exercise
Full Answer: Answer B. Installing grab bars. CDC guidelines (2025) recommend
grab bars in bathrooms to enhance safety and reduce fall incidence.
11. What is a key component of functional assessment in older adults?
A. Blood pressure monitoring
B. Evaluation of instrumental ADLs
C. Routine lab tests
D. Dietary preferences
Exam | Older Adult Care Review |
2025/2026 Edition
Section 1: Introduction
This geriatric-focused guide reviews topics such as cognitive decline, chronic illness
management, functional assessment, fall prevention, and polypharmacy. Built for students
aiming to specialize in elder care, this A+ graded resource matches HESI’s latest content
outline, incorporating evidence-based practices from sources like the National Institute on
Aging and CDC guidelines as of June 2025.
Section 2: Exam Questions and Full Answers
1. What is the primary risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults?
A. Sedentary lifestyle
B. Aging process
C. Poor nutrition
D. Social isolation
Full Answer: Answer B. Aging process. According to the National Institute on Aging
(2025), the natural aging of the brain increases susceptibility to cognitive decline,
though modifiable factors like exercise and diet can mitigate progression.
2. Which chronic condition is most prevalent among older adults?
A. Asthma
B. Hypertension
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Type 1 diabetes
Full Answer: Answer B. Hypertension. The CDC (2025) reports that hypertension
affects over 60% of adults aged 65+, driven by vascular changes and lifestyle factors.
3. What is the best initial assessment tool for functional status in older adults?
A. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
B. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
C. Beck Depression Inventory
D. Glasgow Coma Scale
Full Answer: Answer B. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
(ADL). Research from the Journal of Gerontological Nursing (2025) highlights its
effectiveness in evaluating basic self-care abilities.
4. What is the most common cause of falls in older adults?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Visual impairment
C. Environmental hazards
D. Orthostatic hypotension
Full Answer: Answer C. Environmental hazards. The CDC (2025) identifies hazards
like poor lighting and clutter as leading causes, contributing to over 30% of falls.
, 5. What is a key nursing intervention to manage polypharmacy in older adults?
A. Increase medication doses for better efficacy
B. Conduct regular medication reconciliation
C. Prescribe additional supplements
D. Avoid discussing medications with family
Full Answer: Answer B. Conduct regular medication reconciliation. The American
Geriatrics Society (2025) recommends this to reduce drug interactions and
duplications.
6. Which sign indicates early cognitive decline in older adults?
A. Difficulty finding words
B. Sudden paralysis
C. Rapid weight gain
D. Increased appetite
Full Answer: Answer A. Difficulty finding words. The NIA (2025) notes this as an
early, subtle sign of cognitive impairment, often preceding formal diagnosis.
7. What is the primary goal of chronic illness management in gerontology?
A. Cure the disease
B. Improve quality of life
C. Eliminate all medications
D. Focus on acute care
Full Answer: Answer B. Improve quality of life. Per the World Health Organization
(2025), management focuses on symptom control and functional maintenance rather
than cure.
8. Which assessment finding suggests a high fall risk?
A. Steady gait
B. Use of a walker
C. Normal vision
D. Strong grip strength
Full Answer: Answer B. Use of a walker. Studies from the Journal of the American
Geriatrics Society (2025) link assistive device use to increased fall risk due to
mobility issues.
9. What is a common side effect of polypharmacy in older adults?
A. Improved memory
B. Drowsiness
C. Increased energy
D. Weight loss
Full Answer: Answer B. Drowsiness. The AGS Beers Criteria (2025) identifies
sedative effects as a frequent adverse outcome of multiple medications.
10. Which intervention is most effective for fall prevention?
A. Restricting mobility
B. Installing grab bars
C. Reducing fluid intake
D. Avoiding exercise
Full Answer: Answer B. Installing grab bars. CDC guidelines (2025) recommend
grab bars in bathrooms to enhance safety and reduce fall incidence.
11. What is a key component of functional assessment in older adults?
A. Blood pressure monitoring
B. Evaluation of instrumental ADLs
C. Routine lab tests
D. Dietary preferences
