Adult-Gerontology CNS Test Gerontological Care & Age-Related Changes

Question 1

The principle of "start low and go slow" in prescribing for older adults reflects which age-related pharmacokinetic change?

Accepted Answer

Decreased hepatic and renal drug clearance causing drug accumulation at standard doses

Answer

Increased receptor sensitivity requiring higher doses

Answer

Faster GI absorption increasing peak drug levels

Answer

Increased plasma protein binding reducing free drug

Question 2

Age-related changes in the cardiovascular system that affect older adults include:

Accepted Answer

Decreased maximal heart rate, increased arterial stiffness, and diastolic dysfunction

Answer

Increased heart rate reserve and decreased afterload

Answer

Reduced resting blood pressure from vasodilation

Answer

Hyperresponsive baroreceptors preventing orthostatic hypotension

Question 3

Falls in older adults are best understood as:

Accepted Answer

Multifactorial events involving intrinsic risk factors, environmental hazards, and medication effects

Answer

Inevitable consequences of aging that cannot be prevented

Answer

Primarily caused by neurological disease alone

Answer

Largely caused by patient non-compliance with safety advice

Question 4

The AGS/BGS clinical practice guideline recommends comprehensive fall risk assessment for older adults who:

Accepted Answer

Report any fall in the past year, have gait or balance problems, or present after a fall

Answer

Are over age 80 regardless of history

Answer

Only have a history of two or more falls in the past 6 months

Answer

Are on more than 3 medications

Question 5

Urinary incontinence in older adults is most commonly:

Accepted Answer

A treatable condition with identifiable underlying causes warranting comprehensive evaluation

Answer

A normal and unavoidable part of aging requiring no assessment

Answer

Exclusively caused by prostate enlargement in men and pelvic floor weakness in women

Answer

Only amenable to surgical repair

Question 6

Elder mistreatment screening should be incorporated into routine assessments because:

Accepted Answer

It is underreported and affects approximately 10% of older adults, with perpetrators often being family members

Answer

It occurs only in nursing homes and is reported by staff

Answer

Victims reliably self-disclose abuse during routine visits

Answer

Only financial abuse is clinically significant