Adult-Gerontology CNS Test Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis

Question 1

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is preferred over the MMSE for detecting mild cognitive impairment because:

Accepted Answer

It has greater sensitivity for MCI due to inclusion of executive function, visuospatial, and memory domains

Answer

The MoCA detects subtle cognitive changes in MCI by assessing executive function, attention, and memory with greater sensitivity than the MMSE, which is more sensitive for moderate-severe dementia.

Question 2

In assessing a patient with dyspnea, the finding of orthopnea (2-pillow preference) most suggests:

Accepted Answer

Heart failure with increased pulmonary venous congestion in the supine position

Answer

Orthopnea occurs in heart failure because lying flat redistributes fluid from dependent areas to the lungs, worsening dyspnea, which is relieved by elevating the head.

Question 3

A positive Romberg test indicates impairment of:

Accepted Answer

Proprioception and posterior column sensory function

Answer

Romberg test isolates proprioceptive input; if a patient sways with eyes closed but not open, it indicates posterior column (proprioceptive) dysfunction rather than cerebellar ataxia.

Question 4

The "Get Up and Go" test primarily assesses:

Accepted Answer

Mobility, balance, and fall risk in older adults

Answer

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test measures the time to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit — a practical composite measure of mobility and fall risk.

Question 5

A new S3 heart sound (ventricular gallop) in an adult most commonly indicates:

Accepted Answer

Ventricular volume overload or decreased compliance as seen in heart failure

Answer

An S3 results from rapid ventricular filling against a stiff, dilated, or volume-overloaded ventricle and is a classic physical finding in heart failure.

Adult-Gerontology CNS Test Practice Test

Adult-Gerontology CNS Test Practice Test

Adult-Gerontology CNS Test Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis