Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Exam Questions and Answers

250 Questions and Answers

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Advance your clinical readiness with this expertly developed Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practice Exam, crafted for nurse practitioners and healthcare professionals preparing for AGACNP certification or academic evaluations. This resource provides a rigorous review of critical content areas necessary for delivering safe, evidence-based care to acutely ill adult and older adult populations in hospital and specialty settings.

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Exam Questions and Answers cover a comprehensive range of topics aligned with current standards of acute care nurse practitioner practice. From complex pathophysiology and pharmacological interventions to diagnostic reasoning and ethical decision-making, this exam enhances your clinical judgment and confidence. It also includes content related to patient and family-centered care, transitional care planning, and the management of comorbid conditions in elderly patients.

You’ll explore case-based questions that mirror real-world acute care scenarios, testing your ability to assess, intervene, and evaluate in time-sensitive situations. Each question is followed by a detailed explanation, helping you understand the rationale behind clinical decisions and reinforcing critical thinking.

This exam is ideal for AGACNP students, practicing NPs preparing for board exams, or those seeking to refresh their acute care knowledge. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, age-specific considerations, and advanced practice nursing competencies needed in high-acuity environments such as ICUs, step-down units, emergency departments, and specialty clinics.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning

  • Acute and Chronic Disease Management

  • Pharmacology for Complex Conditions

  • Hemodynamic Monitoring and Emergency Interventions

  • Geriatric Syndromes and Functional Decline

  • Pain Management and Palliative Care

  • Professional, Legal, and Ethical Considerations

  • Care Coordination and Discharge Planning

Each section of this practice exam is structured to reflect the critical competencies expected of today’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, ensuring you’re equipped to meet clinical challenges with clarity and expertise.

Sample Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of restorative care in adult-gerontology acute care practice?

A. Stabilization of vital signs
B. Improvement in patient functionality and quality of life
C. Prevention of recurrent infections
D. Minimization of hospital costs
Answer: B

Which of the following laboratory tests is most indicative of acute kidney injury?

A. Decreased hemoglobin
B. Elevated creatinine and BUN
C. Low albumin levels
D. Elevated white blood cell count
Answer: B

A 72-year-old patient presents with acute shortness of breath and wheezing. What is the most appropriate first intervention?

A. Order a chest X-ray
B. Administer a bronchodilator
C. Start IV fluids
D. Obtain an arterial blood gas
Answer: B

Which condition is commonly associated with delirium in hospitalized older adults?

A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Infection
C. Hypoglycemia
D. All of the above
Answer: D

What is a key feature of geriatric syndromes?

A. They affect only the cardiovascular system.
B. They have a single identifiable cause.
C. They involve multiple organ systems and require interdisciplinary care.
D. They are always irreversible.
Answer: C

When performing a health assessment in an elderly patient, what factor most influences the accuracy of findings?

A. Use of diagnostic imaging
B. Effective communication and active listening
C. Laboratory test results
D. Family member input
Answer: B

Which is the first-line treatment for acute heart failure with pulmonary edema?

A. Beta-blockers
B. IV diuretics
C. Digoxin
D. Vasodilators
Answer: B

In older adults, what is a common side effect of polypharmacy?

A. Improved medication adherence
B. Increased risk of falls
C. Reduced efficacy of medications
D. Resistance to antibiotics
Answer: B

A 65-year-old patient with sepsis is hypotensive despite fluid resuscitation. What is the next best step in management?

A. Increase IV fluid rate
B. Administer norepinephrine
C. Perform blood cultures
D. Start antibiotics
Answer: B

Which diagnostic imaging is most appropriate for evaluating suspected acute ischemic stroke?

A. CT scan without contrast
B. MRI with gadolinium
C. Ultrasound
D. Chest X-ray
Answer: A

What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient with sudden onset of chest pain relieved by leaning forward?

A. Myocardial infarction
B. Pericarditis
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Pneumothorax
Answer: B

What is a major psychosocial concern in patients recovering from a critical illness?

A. Persistent depression
B. Risk of reinfection
C. Malnutrition
D. Reduced social support
Answer: A

A patient with COPD exacerbation is found to have respiratory acidosis. What is the best initial treatment?

A. Increase oxygen flow to 100%
B. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV)
C. Begin IV antibiotics
D. Administer diuretics
Answer: B

What is the hallmark symptom of delirium?

A. Gradual memory loss
B. Acute onset of confusion
C. Persistent sadness
D. Personality changes
Answer: B

Which is the preferred treatment for atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response?

A. IV amiodarone
B. IV calcium gluconate
C. IV metoprolol
D. IV dopamine
Answer: C

What is the recommended vaccination for preventing pneumonia in patients aged 65 and older?

A. Influenza vaccine
B. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or PCV15)
C. MMR vaccine
D. Hepatitis B vaccine
Answer: B

A 70-year-old patient with diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL. What is the immediate treatment?

A. Administer 10 units of insulin
B. Administer IV dextrose 50%
C. Perform CT imaging of the head
D. Provide oral glucose tablets
Answer: B

What is the most common cause of acute abdomen in the elderly?

Appendicitis
B. Diverticulitis
C. Pancreatitis
D. Cholecystitis
Answer: B

Which is a common complication in mechanically ventilated patients?

Acute renal failure
B. Ventilator-associated pneumonia
C. Stroke
D. Deep vein thrombosis
Answer: B

What is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism?

CT pulmonary angiography
B. Chest X-ray
C. Arterial blood gas
D. Echocardiogram
Answer: A

Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen in acute pancreatitis?

Hypercalcemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: B

What is the main goal in the initial treatment of septic shock?

Reducing inflammation
B. Restoring perfusion with fluids and vasopressors
C. Normalizing white blood cell count
D. Minimizing antibiotic use
Answer: B

A 75-year-old patient presents with unilateral leg swelling and tenderness. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Cellulitis
B. Deep vein thrombosis
C. Lymphedema
D. Peripheral arterial disease
Answer: B

Which drug is contraindicated in elderly patients with acute glaucoma?

Beta-blockers
B. Anticholinergics
C. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
D. Prostaglandin analogs
Answer: B

What is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections?

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections
B. Surgical site infections
C. Ventilator-associated pneumonia
D. Bloodstream infections
Answer: A

Which intervention best addresses caregiver burnout?

Psychotherapy for the patient
B. Referral to respite care services
C. Encouraging caregiver medication use
D. Hospitalization of the patient
Answer: B

What is the most important consideration in the management of a frail elderly patient?

Prescribing all indicated medications
B. Minimizing functional decline
C. Frequent laboratory monitoring
D. Optimizing nutrition
Answer: B

Which condition presents with sudden unilateral vision loss and headache?

Retinal detachment
B. Giant cell arteritis
C. Glaucoma
D. Cataract
Answer: B

What is the first-line treatment for a hypertensive emergency in older adults?

IV labetalol
B. Oral nifedipine
C. IV furosemide
D. IV hydrocortisone
Answer: A

Which intervention is most effective in preventing pressure ulcers in immobilized patients?

Increasing caloric intake
B. Regular repositioning every 2 hours
C. Applying prophylactic antibiotics
D. Using anticoagulants
Answer: B

 

A 68-year-old patient with a history of atrial fibrillation presents with acute-onset slurred speech and right-sided weakness. What is the priority diagnostic test?

ECG
B. CT scan of the brain without contrast
C. MRI of the brain
D. Carotid ultrasound
Answer: B

Which medication is most appropriate for initial management of acute hyperkalemia with ECG changes?

Sodium bicarbonate
B. Calcium gluconate
C. Loop diuretics
D. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
Answer: B

What is the most common cause of acute confusion in older adults admitted to the hospital?

Electrolyte imbalance
B. Hypoxia
C. Infection
D. Polypharmacy
Answer: C

A 75-year-old patient with a history of diabetes presents with severe chest pain radiating to the back. Blood pressure is significantly different between the arms. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Myocardial infarction
B. Aortic dissection
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Pericarditis
Answer: B

Which intervention is most effective for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalized older adults?

Prophylactic anticoagulation
B. Frequent ambulation
C. Compression stockings
D. Hydration therapy
Answer: A

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