Family Practice Exam Geriatric Care 2

Question 1

An 82-year-old woman is brought to your office by her daughter who reports the patient has fallen three times in the past month. Which assessment tool is most appropriate to evaluate her fall risk?

Accepted Answer

Timed Up and Go (TUG) test

Answer

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test measures functional mobility and is the standard tool for assessing fall risk in older adults.

Question 2

A 78-year-old man with moderate Alzheimer's disease becomes increasingly agitated and combative in the late afternoon. This pattern is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Sundowning

Answer

Sundowning refers to increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral disturbances occurring in late afternoon or evening in patients with dementia.

Question 3

Which medication class is most commonly associated with falls in elderly patients due to orthostatic hypotension?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-1 blockers

Answer

Alpha-1 blockers (e.g., terazosin, doxazosin) cause significant orthostatic hypotension, making them a leading pharmacologic fall risk in elderly men often prescribed them for BPH.

Question 4

A 75-year-old woman is diagnosed with osteoporosis (T-score -2.8). She has no prior fractures. Which pharmacotherapy is first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Alendronate

Answer

Oral bisphosphonates such as alendronate are first-line therapy for osteoporosis due to their proven fracture reduction and favorable safety profile.

Question 5

An 80-year-old patient's laboratory results show a serum creatinine of 1.1 mg/dL. What is the most accurate statement about his kidney function?

Accepted Answer

His GFR may be significantly reduced due to decreased muscle mass in older adults

Answer

In elderly patients, decreased muscle mass results in lower creatinine production, so serum creatinine can appear normal despite significantly reduced GFR.

Family Practice Exam Practice Test

Family Practice Exam Practice Test

Family Practice Exam Geriatric Care 2