Adult-Gerontology CNS Test Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Adult-Gerontology CNS Test facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Pulmonary embolism causes hypoxemia primarily through: → Ventilation-perfusion mismatch and increased dead space
2. Which dietary recommendation is most important for patients with chronic kidney disease to slow disease progression? → Moderate protein restriction to 0.6 to 0.8 g/kg/day
3. Which research design is most appropriate for studying the prevalence of delirium in ICU patients at a single point in time? → Cross-sectional study
4. COPD is primarily characterized by which pathophysiological change? → Irreversible airflow limitation due to small airway disease and parenchymal destruction
5. Which complication of diabetes most commonly leads to hospitalization in older adults? → Hypoglycemic episodes
6. What is the primary purpose of a systematic review in evidence-based practice? → To synthesize evidence from multiple studies on a specific clinical question
7. Which neuropsychological test is most sensitive for assessing executive function in a patient with suspected frontotemporal dementia? → Trail Making Test Part B
8. What is the hallmark pathological finding of Alzheimer's disease on post-mortem examination? → Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
9. Which pneumococcal vaccine schedule does ACIP recommend for adults aged 65 and older? → PCV20 alone, or PCV15 followed by PPSV23 one year later
10. When assessing an older adult for dementia, which cognitive screening tool is most commonly used in clinical practice? → Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
11. In assessing a patient with dyspnea, the finding of orthopnea (2-pillow preference) most suggests: → Heart failure with increased pulmonary venous congestion in the supine position
12. 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? → Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
13. Which cognitive domain is typically first affected in Alzheimer's disease? → Episodic memory
14. A CNS identifies that nurses are not following hand hygiene protocols. What is the most effective intervention? → Direct observation with real-time feedback and peer accountability structures
15. Which database is the primary resource for CNS practitioners searching for peer-reviewed clinical evidence? → PubMed/MEDLINE
16. Kussmaul breathing, the deep, labored respiratory pattern, is a clinical sign of: → Severe metabolic acidosis requiring respiratory compensation
17. What is the recommended first-line pharmacological management for an older adult presenting with status epilepticus? → Benzodiazepines such as IV lorazepam or diazepam
18. What does a 95% confidence interval that includes the value of 1.0 for a relative risk indicate? → The result is not statistically significant
19. Hospital-acquired deconditioning in older adults is best prevented by: → Early and progressive mobilization beginning on the first day of admission
20. A CNS is caring for an 82-year-old on long-term corticosteroids. Which prophylactic medication is most important to add? → Bisphosphonate
21. A positive Romberg test indicates impairment of: → Proprioception and posterior column sensory function
22. A 74-year-old with heart failure develops symptomatic bradycardia while on metoprolol. What is the priority action? → Hold the dose and notify the cardiologist
23. Which medication requires the most careful dosing adjustment in an older adult with a GFR of 35 mL/min? → Metformin
24. A CNS is implementing a falls prevention bundle. Which approach is most likely to sustain the practice change long-term? → Regular auditing, feedback loops, and ongoing staff engagement
25. A CNS is asked to evaluate and recommend changes to a hospital's sepsis bundle. This represents which CNS role? → Systems consultant
26. Which type of dementia is characterized by fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, and spontaneous Parkinsonism? → Lewy body dementia
27. Which staging system is used to classify chronic kidney disease by international guidelines? → KDIGO CKD staging by GFR
28. Which medication is the preferred first-line treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection in older adults per current guidelines? → Oral vancomycin
29. Which consultation approach involves the CNS taking direct personal responsibility for the patient's care plan? → Direct consultation
30. What is polypharmacy defined as in most clinical guidelines for older adults? → Taking 5 or more medications