Sample Test Questions

Gerontological Nursing Exam Sample Questions

The following sample questions are similar to those on the examination but do not represent the full range of content or levels of difficulty. The answers to the sample questions are provided after the last question. Please note: Taking these or any sample question(s) is not a requirement to sit for an actual certification examination. Completion of these or any other sample question(s) does not imply eligibility for certification or successful performance on any certification examination.

To respond to the sample questions, first enter your first and last names in the boxes below (this information will not be recorded; it is strictly for purposes of identifying your results). Then click the button corresponding to the best answer for each question. When you are finished, click the "Evaluate" button at the bottom of the page. A new browser window will open, displaying your results, which you may print, if you wish.

This practice exam is not timed, and you may take it as many times as you wish. Good luck!

First name: Last name:

1. Which ethical principle underlies nursing actions respecting each patient's values and beliefs?

Autonomy.
Beneficence.
Justice.
Responsibility.

2. The most common symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy are:

chills, fever, and nausea.
dysuria, abdominal pain, and urinary retention.
intermittency, hesitancy, and dribbling.
nocturia, bladder spasms, and hematuria.

3. The gerontological nurse monitors signs of suspected abuse in an 89-year-old patient who was admitted from home. When planning for the patient's discharge, the nurse's first action is to:

delay discharge by informing the provider of the suspected abuse.
enlist the help of family members with transitioning the patient home.
notify Adult Protective Services of the patient's discharge.
restrict the family members' access to the patient prior to discharge.

4. A patient in a nursing home requests a new room because they do not like the view from the current room. While the patient was away from the home on a provider visit, the staff moved the patient's belongings to another room with a better view. The patient and their family later file a formal complaint regarding the move. Which statement gives the best justification for the patient's complaint?

The change was made without a provider's order.
The patient was not included in making the decision.
The patient's belongings were moved without their assistance.
The patient's family was not involved in making the decision.

5. A patient, recently admitted to a nursing home, and their family do not speak English. One evening during a visit, the patient and the family begin to wail and sob loudly. The gerontological nurse is unable to determine what is wrong. The nurse's most appropriate action is to:

ask the supervisor to get an interpreter.
attempt to make the patient and the family comfortable.
contact the provider for orders.
find an escort to take the patient and the family to the chapel for privacy.

6. The gerontological nurse manager involves the nursing staff in the utilization of trend data and analysis for quality improvement by:

describing how data and outcomes are directly related to the staff's daily work.
encouraging staff to volunteer for The Joint Commission's (JC) onsite surveys.
highlighting the quality improvement work of experts in the specialty area.
using scatter diagrams to identify the root cause of unresolved concerns.

7. An effective way to adequately provide nourishment to a patient with moderate dementia is to:

allow the patient to choose foods from a varied menu.
hand-feed the patient their favorite foods.
routinely remind the patient about the need for adequate nutrition.
serve soup in a mug, and offer finger foods.

8. An 82-year-old patient has a painful, vesicular rash that burns over the left abdomen. The patient indicates that they have tried multiple creams that have not helped. Which question does the gerontological nurse first ask?

"Did you have the pain before the rash appeared?"
"Do you have any food or drug allergies?"
"Have you been around anyone with a rash?"
"Have your grandchildren visited recently?"

9. Which question does the gerontological nurse prioritize for an 86-year-old patient with abdominal pain, muscle weakness, and leg cramps?

"Do you eat a lot of meat?"
"Do you have heart problems?"
"Do you take a diuretic?"
"Do you walk every day?"

10. When teaching an independent older adult patient how to self-administer insulin, the most productive approach is to:

facilitate involvement in a small group where the skill is being taught.
gather information about the patient's family health history.
provide frequent, competitive skills testing to enhance learning.
use repeated return demonstrations to promote the patient's retention of the involved tasks.

11. Signs and symptoms of age-related macular degeneration include:

decreases in depth perception.
deficits in peripheral vision.
distortion of lines and print.
reports of flashes of light.

12. A frail 80-year-old patient, who cares for a spouse at home without assistance, requires minor surgery. Lacking any family members residing in the area, the patient expresses concern about the spouse's care while the patient is recovering. The gerontological nurse's recommendation is to:

arrange inpatient respite care for the spouse.
have the patient remain in the hospital during the post operative period.
hire around-the-clock help for two weeks.
hospitalize the spouse.

13. A 90-year-old patient comes to the clinic with a family member. During the health history, the patient is unable to respond to questions in a logical manner. The gerontological nurse's action is to:

ask the family member to answer the questions.
ask the same questions in a louder and lower voice.
determine if the patient knows the name of the current president.
rephrase the questions slightly, and slowly repeat them in a lower voice.

14. The American Nurses Association's Gerontological Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice emphasizes:

that abnormal responses to the aging process determine the appropriate nursing diagnoses.
the need to document the health status data of older adult patients in a manner that is accessible to the team.
the role of the older adult patient as the sole decision maker in planning their care.
the unchanging nature of the goals and plans of care for older adult patients.

15. A state ombudsman initiates an investigation after a complaint about the care of a nursing home patient. Which statement about the investigation process is accurate?

The ombudsman may proceed with the investigation without identifying the individual who made the complaint, and without obtaining a court order or written consent.
The ombudsman must identify the individual who made the complaint.
The ombudsman must obtain a court order to review documentation, if the patient described in the complaint does not give written permission.
The ombudsman must obtain the written permission from the patient who is described in the complaint.

16. Which patient is at greatest risk for developing arteriosclerotic heart disease?

A 68-year-old female patient with a triglyceride level of 135 mg/dL, and a high-density lipoprotein level of 68 mg/dL.
A 70-year old male patient with a total cholesterol level of 181 mg/dL, and a low-density lipoprotein level of 90 mg/dL.
A 75-year old female patient with a triglyceride level of 189 mg/dL, and a low-density lipoprotein level of 149 mg/dL.
An 86-year-old male patient with a low-density lipoprotein level of 100 mg/dL, and a high-density lipoprotein level of 50 mg/dL.

17. A 76-year-old male patient reports hesitancy, decreased force of the urinary flow, a sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder, and dribbling. What does the gerontological nurse ask first?

"Have you experienced abdominal pain?"
"Have you had a daily bowel movement?"
"Have you had low back pain?"
"Have you noticed blood in your urine?"

18. A 65-year-old patient exhibits symptoms of hemianopsia. The most appropriate nursing intervention is to:

arrange the patient's meal tray so that all the food is in the patient's field of vision.
explain all tasks thoroughly to help allay the patient's fears.
look directly at the patient when speaking to maximize comprehension.
minimize the operating stimuli to reduce distractions to the patient.

19. An 80-year-old patient, who lives at home with their spouse, is instructed to follow a 2 g sodium diet. The patient states, "I've always eaten the same way all my life, and I'm not going to change now." To promote optimal dietary adherence, the gerontological nurse's initial approach is to:

inform the patient about the need to follow the diet.
inquire about the patient's current food preferences and eating habits.
list the variety of foods that are allowed on the diet.
provide dietary instruction to the patient's spouse, who prepares the meals.

20. For older adult patients who are taking neuroleptic medication, the primary concern is the development of:

lethargy.
nausea.
poor appetite.
tardive dyskinesia.

21. The gerontological nurse instructs patients with type 2 diabetes at a senior center in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. The nurse demonstrates competency in collaboration by:

assisting and educating patients on diet restrictions.
delivering care by preserving and protecting patient autonomy.
providing written education materials in Spanish.
working with Hispanic community organizations.

22. An older adult patient, who has end-stage multiple myeloma, receives hospice care. Which situation illustrates that the principles of hospice care are being met?

The caregiver asks if hospice includes weekend care.
The caregiver has been calling the provider on their own.
The patient reports enjoying daily excursions.
The patient reports no breakthrough pain medications are needed.

23. A 79-year-old patient, who is a retired actor, continues to pursue lifelong interests in swimming and singing. Which theory of aging does this patient exemplify?

Continuity.
Developmental.
Disengagement.
Physical.

24. A 75-year-old patient, whose marriage ended in divorce after two years, has lived alone for the past 50 years. Feeling as if life has had little meaning, the patient is terrified of living out the remaining years and of dying. The age-related issue to be resolved is:

disengagement vs. activity.
ego integrity vs. despair.
self-determination vs. resignation.
self-esteem vs. self-actualization.

25. Three months ago, an older adult patient, who lives in an apartment in a housing complex for senior citizens, began residing with an older adult patient from the same complex. Upon learning of the situation, the patient's adult child expresses concern to the housing administrator, who reports that both patients have reported satisfaction with the arrangement. What is the gerontological nurse's initial response when the patient's child requests advice?

"I can understand why you are upset. Has your parent ever done something like this before?"
"Why don't we all talk to your parent to get their side of the story?"
"Your parent has the right to do what they want because they are mentally competent."
"Your parent seems to be happy with the arrangement. Have you discussed this situation with them?"

Sample Test Questions

Gerontological Nursing Exam Sample Questions

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