Page 1 of 179
Chronic Disease Management
2026/2027 Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale | Newest
Update | Galen College of Nursing
Q1. The nurse is assessing functional ability in an 80-year-old
patient. Which finding is most indicative of frailty?
A) Ability to climb one flight of stairs without stopping
B) Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds in the past year
C) Normal gait speed
D) Regular participation in senior center activities
Answer: B
Rationale: The frailty phenotype includes unintentional weight loss
(≥10 lbs/year), exhaustion, low physical activity, slow gait
,Page 2 of 179
speed, and weakness. Weight loss is a key indicator of
physiologic decline in older adults .
Q2. Which of the following are considered geriatric
syndromes? (Select all that apply)
A) Pressure ulcers
B) Delirium
C) Pneumonia
D) Frailty
E) Urinary incontinence
Answer: A, B, D, E
Rationale: Geriatric syndromes are multifactorial conditions
common in older adults that don't fit one discrete disease
category. Frailty, delirium, pressure ulcers, and urinary
incontinence are classic examples. Pneumonia is an acute
infectious process, not a geriatric syndrome .
,Page 3 of 179
Q3. An older adult with a history of falls is started on a new
medication. Which class of drugs most significantly increases
fall risk in this population?
A) Statins
B) Benzodiazepines
C) Proton pump inhibitors
D) Acetaminophen
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are on the Beers Criteria list as
potentially inappropriate in older adults due to increased risk of
cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, fractures, and motor vehicle
accidents. They should be avoided when possible .
, Page 4 of 179
Q4. A 78-year-old patient reports feeling unsteady on stairs.
What is the best action to reduce fall risk?
A) Advise the patient to use stairs with a caregiver at all times
B) Recommend installing handrails, ensuring good lighting, and
using a sturdy step stool as needed
C) Encourage rushing up and down the stairs to build confidence
D) Suggest removing stairs to eliminate risk
Answer: B
Rationale: Environmental modifications and assistive devices
reduce fall risk. Handrails provide support, good lighting
improves visibility, and step stools prevent dangerous reaching.
Rushing increases fall risk; removing stairs is often impractical .
Q5. Marked gait disorders in older adults are not normally a
consequence of aging alone but more likely indicative of:
Chronic Disease Management
2026/2027 Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale | Newest
Update | Galen College of Nursing
Q1. The nurse is assessing functional ability in an 80-year-old
patient. Which finding is most indicative of frailty?
A) Ability to climb one flight of stairs without stopping
B) Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds in the past year
C) Normal gait speed
D) Regular participation in senior center activities
Answer: B
Rationale: The frailty phenotype includes unintentional weight loss
(≥10 lbs/year), exhaustion, low physical activity, slow gait
,Page 2 of 179
speed, and weakness. Weight loss is a key indicator of
physiologic decline in older adults .
Q2. Which of the following are considered geriatric
syndromes? (Select all that apply)
A) Pressure ulcers
B) Delirium
C) Pneumonia
D) Frailty
E) Urinary incontinence
Answer: A, B, D, E
Rationale: Geriatric syndromes are multifactorial conditions
common in older adults that don't fit one discrete disease
category. Frailty, delirium, pressure ulcers, and urinary
incontinence are classic examples. Pneumonia is an acute
infectious process, not a geriatric syndrome .
,Page 3 of 179
Q3. An older adult with a history of falls is started on a new
medication. Which class of drugs most significantly increases
fall risk in this population?
A) Statins
B) Benzodiazepines
C) Proton pump inhibitors
D) Acetaminophen
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are on the Beers Criteria list as
potentially inappropriate in older adults due to increased risk of
cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, fractures, and motor vehicle
accidents. They should be avoided when possible .
, Page 4 of 179
Q4. A 78-year-old patient reports feeling unsteady on stairs.
What is the best action to reduce fall risk?
A) Advise the patient to use stairs with a caregiver at all times
B) Recommend installing handrails, ensuring good lighting, and
using a sturdy step stool as needed
C) Encourage rushing up and down the stairs to build confidence
D) Suggest removing stairs to eliminate risk
Answer: B
Rationale: Environmental modifications and assistive devices
reduce fall risk. Handrails provide support, good lighting
improves visibility, and step stools prevent dangerous reaching.
Rushing increases fall risk; removing stairs is often impractical .
Q5. Marked gait disorders in older adults are not normally a
consequence of aging alone but more likely indicative of:
