Adult-Gerontology CNS Test Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2

Question 1

Which antihypertensive class is recommended as first-line therapy for older adults with both diabetes and hypertension?

Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors or ARBs

Answer

ACE inhibitors and ARBs provide renal protection in diabetic patients and are recommended first-line for hypertension with diabetes.

Question 2

A CNS is caring for an 82-year-old on long-term corticosteroids. Which prophylactic medication is most important to add?

Accepted Answer

Bisphosphonate

Answer

Long-term corticosteroids cause bone loss; bisphosphonates are recommended to prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Question 3

Which benzodiazepine property makes it particularly risky in older adults compared to short-acting alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Long half-life with active metabolites

Answer

Long-acting benzodiazepines have active metabolites that accumulate in older adults, increasing fall and cognitive impairment risk.

Question 4

A CNS selects an antibiotic for a UTI in an 85-year-old woman with a penicillin allergy. Which is the best oral choice for an uncomplicated UTI?

Accepted Answer

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

Answer

TMP-SMX is appropriate for uncomplicated UTI when local resistance patterns support its use and penicillins are contraindicated.

Question 5

Which medication is the preferred first-line treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection in older adults per current guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Oral vancomycin

Answer

Oral vancomycin is now the preferred first-line treatment for C. difficile infection, achieving higher cure rates than metronidazole.

Adult-Gerontology CNS Test Practice Test