GERIATRIC NURSING FINAL EXAM – PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
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CORE DOMAINS
Physiological Changes of Aging
Pharmacology and Polypharmacy in the Elderly
Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, and Delirium
Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Legal and Ethical Issues in Gerontology
Mobility, Falls, and Safety Management
Nutritional Requirements and Metabolic Health
Psychosocial Aspects and Chronic Disease Management
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive practice assessment is designed to evaluate the clinical
competency and theoretical knowledge of nursing students and professionals
specializing in geriatric care. The exam focuses on the unique physiological,
psychological, and social needs of the older adult population. It assesses critical skills
,including medication safety, ethical decision-making, and the management of
complex chronic conditions. Consisting of scenario-based and knowledge-retrieval
multiple-choice questions, the assessment emphasizes real-world application.
Learners are expected to demonstrate advanced clinical judgment and a holistic
approach to patient-centered care, ensuring they are prepared for the rigorous
demands of professional certification and geriatric practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. Which of the following is considered a normal age-related change in the
cardiovascular system?
A. Increase in maximum heart rate
B. Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors
C. Increased elasticity of the arterial walls
D. Decrease in systolic blood pressure
🟢 B. Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors
🔴 RATIONALE: As individuals age, baroreceptors become less sensitive to pressure
changes, which increases the risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls.
, 2. A 78-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of confusion and agitation.
What is the priority nursing assessment?
A. Assessing for signs of a urinary tract infection
B. Administering a prescribed sedative
C. Reviewing the patient's long-term memory
D. Evaluating the patient for a primary dementia diagnosis
🟢 A. Assessing for signs of a urinary tract infection
🔴 RATIONALE: Acute confusion (delirium) in older adults is often caused by an
underlying physiological trigger, such as an infection, with UTIs being a primary
cause.
3. Which pharmacokinetic change occurs most commonly in the geriatric
population?
A. Increased hepatic blood flow
B. Increased rate of gastric emptying
C. Decreased total body water and muscle mass
D. Decreased percentage of body fat
🟢 C. Decreased total body water and muscle mass
, 🔴 RATIONALE: Aging typically involves a reduction in lean muscle mass and total
body water, which alters the distribution of water-soluble drugs.
4. An elderly patient is reluctant to report pain, stating, "It’s just a part of getting
old." What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Agree that pain is a normal consequence of the aging process.
B. Explain that pain is not a normal part of aging and can be managed.
C. Document that the patient is currently pain-free.
D. Suggest the patient wait until the pain is severe before requesting medication.
🟢 B. Explain that pain is not a normal part of aging and can be managed.
🔴 RATIONALE: It is a common misconception among the elderly that pain is
inevitable; nurses must educate patients that pain indicates an underlying issue or
managed condition.
5. When performing a skin assessment on an 85-year-old, the nurse notes flat,
brown macules on the back of the hands. These are likely:
A. Actinic keratoses
B. Lentigines (liver spots)
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
Physiological Changes of Aging
Pharmacology and Polypharmacy in the Elderly
Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, and Delirium
Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Legal and Ethical Issues in Gerontology
Mobility, Falls, and Safety Management
Nutritional Requirements and Metabolic Health
Psychosocial Aspects and Chronic Disease Management
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive practice assessment is designed to evaluate the clinical
competency and theoretical knowledge of nursing students and professionals
specializing in geriatric care. The exam focuses on the unique physiological,
psychological, and social needs of the older adult population. It assesses critical skills
,including medication safety, ethical decision-making, and the management of
complex chronic conditions. Consisting of scenario-based and knowledge-retrieval
multiple-choice questions, the assessment emphasizes real-world application.
Learners are expected to demonstrate advanced clinical judgment and a holistic
approach to patient-centered care, ensuring they are prepared for the rigorous
demands of professional certification and geriatric practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. Which of the following is considered a normal age-related change in the
cardiovascular system?
A. Increase in maximum heart rate
B. Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors
C. Increased elasticity of the arterial walls
D. Decrease in systolic blood pressure
🟢 B. Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors
🔴 RATIONALE: As individuals age, baroreceptors become less sensitive to pressure
changes, which increases the risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls.
, 2. A 78-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of confusion and agitation.
What is the priority nursing assessment?
A. Assessing for signs of a urinary tract infection
B. Administering a prescribed sedative
C. Reviewing the patient's long-term memory
D. Evaluating the patient for a primary dementia diagnosis
🟢 A. Assessing for signs of a urinary tract infection
🔴 RATIONALE: Acute confusion (delirium) in older adults is often caused by an
underlying physiological trigger, such as an infection, with UTIs being a primary
cause.
3. Which pharmacokinetic change occurs most commonly in the geriatric
population?
A. Increased hepatic blood flow
B. Increased rate of gastric emptying
C. Decreased total body water and muscle mass
D. Decreased percentage of body fat
🟢 C. Decreased total body water and muscle mass
, 🔴 RATIONALE: Aging typically involves a reduction in lean muscle mass and total
body water, which alters the distribution of water-soluble drugs.
4. An elderly patient is reluctant to report pain, stating, "It’s just a part of getting
old." What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Agree that pain is a normal consequence of the aging process.
B. Explain that pain is not a normal part of aging and can be managed.
C. Document that the patient is currently pain-free.
D. Suggest the patient wait until the pain is severe before requesting medication.
🟢 B. Explain that pain is not a normal part of aging and can be managed.
🔴 RATIONALE: It is a common misconception among the elderly that pain is
inevitable; nurses must educate patients that pain indicates an underlying issue or
managed condition.
5. When performing a skin assessment on an 85-year-old, the nurse notes flat,
brown macules on the back of the hands. These are likely:
A. Actinic keratoses
B. Lentigines (liver spots)
