GERO-BC Practice Questions (2026) — Free Sample Questions with Answers

Answer: A

Sudden inattention that fluctuates over the course of the day: Correct. Delirium starts suddenly, its course fluctuates and inattention is a core feature, matching CAM criteria. It needs a search for causes such as infection, drugs or dehydration.

Slowly worsening short-term memory over the past 2 years: Gradual memory decline over years is typical of Alzheimer disease progression, not delirium.

Persistent sadness and poor appetite for the past 6 weeks: Weeks of low mood with appetite change suggest depression, which develops more slowly and without fluctuating attention.

Trouble finding words that has been stable over many months: Stable language deficits are part of the dementia picture, not an acute change.

Delirium = sudden onset, fluctuating course, inattention, plus disorganized thinking or altered alertness (CAM). It is a medical emergency, even in a person with dementia.

Answer: C

8 seconds: Completing the TUG in under 12 seconds does not, by itself, indicate increased fall risk.

10 seconds: Ten seconds is below the 12-second STEADI cutoff.

14 seconds: Correct. STEADI treats a TUG of 12 seconds or more as increased fall risk and a reason for further assessment and intervention.

11 seconds: Eleven seconds is just below the 12-second cutoff, although the nurse should still watch gait quality.

STEADI: screen every older adult each year; TUG of 12 seconds or more = increased fall risk. Also observe gait, balance and use of the arms to stand.

Answer: B

About 39 mL/min: This leaves out the 0.85 multiplier for female patients ((140 − 84) × 55 ÷ (72 × 1.1) ≈ 38.9).

About 33 mL/min: Correct. CrCl = [(140 − 84) × 55] ÷ (72 × 1.1) × 0.85 = 3,080 ÷ 79.2 × 0.85 ≈ 33 mL/min, low enough that many renally cleared drugs need dose changes.

About 73 mL/min: This uses weight in pounds (about 121 lb) instead of kilograms.

About 28 mL/min: This applies the 0.85 female multiplier twice.

Cockcroft-Gault: CrCl = [(140 − age) × weight in kg] ÷ (72 × SCr), × 0.85 if female. A 'normal' creatinine in a small, older woman can hide reduced kidney function.

Answer: D

"Yes, a nightly dose is safe since it is sold over the counter.": Being sold over the counter does not make a drug safe; diphenhydramine is on the Beers list of drugs to avoid.

"Yes, but take half a dose so you don't feel drowsy the next day.": Lowering the dose does not remove the anticholinergic risks for an older adult with cognitive impairment.

"Take it only with a glass of warm milk to boost the effect.": This endorses an inappropriate drug and does not address the risk.

"It is best avoided because it can worsen confusion and falls.": Correct. First-generation antihistamines are strongly anticholinergic; the Beers Criteria advise avoiding them because of confusion, constipation, urinary retention and falls. Nondrug sleep strategies come first.

Beers Criteria: avoid strongly anticholinergic drugs (diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, tricyclics) in older adults, especially with cognitive impairment. Use sleep hygiene or CBT-I instead.

Answer: B

The daughter's, because she is the named health care agent: The agent's authority usually starts only when the patient lacks capacity; while he is capable, he decides.

The patient's, because he currently has decision-making capacity: Correct. A capable adult keeps the right to accept or refuse treatment; the health care agent acts only if he loses capacity.

The physician's, because the patient's choice is not medically advised: Clinicians advise, but a capable patient may refuse recommended treatment.

The ethics committee's, because there is a family disagreement: An ethics consult can help resolve conflict, but it does not override a capable patient's informed refusal.

Advance directives and agents take effect only when the patient lacks capacity. A capable patient's informed decision guides care, and the nurse advocates for it.

Answer: A

150 minutes a week of moderate activity plus strength and balance: Correct. Older adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, muscle strengthening on 2 or more days, and balance training as part of multicomponent activity.

Stretching only, since aerobic exercise is unsafe after age 70: Aerobic activity is safe and beneficial for most older adults; flexibility alone does not meet the guidelines.

30 minutes of walking once a week as her main activity: Thirty minutes a week is well below the 150-minute weekly target.

Daily vigorous running to the point of breathlessness: Vigorous activity is optional, not required, and should match fitness level; moderate activity meets the guideline.

Older adults: at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, strength training on 2 or more days, and balance training, adjusted to their abilities and conditions.