Gerontological Nurse Test Pharmacology in Older Adults

Question 1

Which pharmacokinetic change is most common in older adults that affects drug clearance?

Accepted Answer

Decreased hepatic blood flow and renal function

Answer

Increased renal clearance

Answer

Increased gastric acid secretion

Answer

Enhanced protein binding

Question 2

The Beers Criteria is a clinical tool used specifically to:

Accepted Answer

Identify potentially inappropriate medications for adults aged 65 and older

Answer

Calculate safe medication doses for elderly patients

Answer

Screen for medication allergies in nursing home residents

Answer

Determine drug interactions in polypharmacy patients

Question 3

An 80-year-old patient is prescribed a new medication. Which age-related change most significantly increases the risk of drug accumulation?

Accepted Answer

Decreased creatinine clearance

Answer

Decreased body fat percentage

Answer

Reduced serum albumin levels

Answer

Increased gastric motility

Question 4

Which medication class listed in the Beers Criteria is most associated with causing falls in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

ACE inhibitors

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Statins

Question 5

A gerontological nurse is reviewing an older adult's medications and notes decreased serum albumin. What is the primary clinical concern?

Accepted Answer

Increased free (unbound) drug concentration leading to toxicity

Answer

Reduced drug absorption from the GI tract

Answer

Decreased drug distribution to target tissues

Answer

Slower onset of drug action

Question 6

Which age-related change increases the volume of distribution for fat-soluble drugs in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Increased proportion of body fat relative to lean muscle mass

Answer

Decreased total body water

Answer

Reduced gastric pH

Answer

Increased hepatic enzyme activity