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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

RN Learning System Gerontology Quiz: Practice for Older Adult Care

Quick, free gerontology practice quiz with nursing scenarios. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Benett BrinserUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art collage of diverse older adult figures health symbols and quiz text on teal background

This RN learning system gerontology quiz helps you review aging changes and plan safe, person-centered care for older adults. For more prep, try our gerontology practice exam, build your basics with a nursing fundamentals quiz, and broaden your skills with a community health practice quiz.

What is the primary focus of gerontology?
Rehabilitation after injury
Study of the aging process
Diagnosis of diseases in the elderly
Provision of pediatric care
Gerontology is the scientific study of the aging process and its effects on individuals and society. It encompasses biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. This field differs from geriatrics, which focuses on medical care of older adults.
Which best describes geriatrics?
Study of aging processes
Therapy for neurological disorders
A medical specialty focusing on health care of older adults
Research on genetic factors in youth
Geriatrics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in older adults. It is distinct from gerontology, which is broader and includes the social and psychological aspects of aging. Geriatricians are trained to address complex health issues associated with aging.
What term describes normal age-related changes distinct from disease?
Primary aging
Accelerated aging
Secondary aging
Pathological aging
Primary aging refers to the inevitable, gradual changes that occur in all individuals over time, such as graying hair and reduced skin elasticity. These changes are not caused by disease. Secondary aging is due to disease or environmental factors.
Which aging theory suggests accumulation of cross-linked proteins leads to tissue stiffness?
Wear-and-tear theory
Cross-link theory
Genetic programming theory
Free radical theory
The cross-link theory of aging posits that proteins, DNA, and other structural molecules develop inappropriate cross-links over time, reducing elasticity and function of tissues. This leads to stiffness in vessels, skin, and other structures.
What is the term for age-related loss of muscle mass and strength?
Osteoporosis
Sarcopenia
Arthritis
Kyphosis
Sarcopenia refers to the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength associated with aging. It increases the risk of falls, frailty, and disability in older adults.
Which thermoregulatory change is common in older adults?
Impaired vasoconstriction leading to heat loss
Faster heat acclimation
Increased sweat gland activity
Enhanced shivering response
Aging impairs the body's thermoregulation, including reduced vasoconstriction in response to cold, which increases heat loss. Sweat gland function and shivering responses also diminish.
Which vitamin absorption often declines with aging due to reduced gastric acid?
Vitamin B12
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Age-related decrease in gastric acid production impairs the cleavage of vitamin B12 from dietary proteins, leading to reduced absorption. Deficiency can cause anemia and neuropathy.
Presbyopia in older adults results from which ocular change?
Retinal detachment
Optic nerve degeneration
Corneal thickening
Decreased lens elasticity
Presbyopia is an age-related loss of near vision caused by decreased flexibility of the lens, reducing its ability to change shape for focusing on close objects.
Which cardiovascular change is considered a normal part of aging?
Expanded blood volume
Decreased maximum heart rate
Increased ejection fraction
Enhanced conduction velocity
Aging is associated with a decrease in maximum heart rate and responsiveness to beta-adrenergic stimulation. Ejection fraction and conduction velocity may remain stable or decline.
According to Erikson, which psychosocial stage corresponds to older adulthood?
Intimacy versus isolation
Integrity versus despair
Generativity versus stagnation
Industry versus inferiority
Erikson's final stage, integrity versus despair, occurs in older adulthood. Individuals reflect on life and either develop a sense of fulfillment or regret.
What term describes the presence of two or more chronic health conditions in one individual?
Polymorbidity
Concurrent illness
Multimorbidity
Comorbidity
Multimorbidity refers to the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases in an individual. Comorbidity often refers to additional conditions in relation to an index disease.
Which assessment tool evaluates instrumental activities of daily living?
Katz ADL index
Morse Fall Scale
Lawton IADL scale
Mini-Mental State Examination
The Lawton IADL scale assesses a person's ability to perform complex daily tasks like using the phone, shopping, and managing finances. Katz ADL measures basic self-care activities.
Polypharmacy in older adults is best described as:
Use of multiple medications simultaneously
Use of a single prescription drug
Medication adherence strategies
Taking herbal supplements alone
Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, often defined as five or more. It increases the risk of adverse drug events and interactions.
Which pharmacokinetic change is commonly seen with aging?
Faster gastrointestinal absorption
Increased first-pass effect
Increased renal clearance
Decreased hepatic metabolism
Hepatic metabolism declines with age due to reduced liver mass and blood flow, affecting drug clearance. Renal clearance also decreases, but first-pass effect typically reduces.
A normal age-related change in cardiovascular regulation is:
Increased heart rate variability
Heightened sympathetic response
Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity
Enhanced myocardial contractility
Baroreceptor sensitivity declines with age, reducing the body's ability to regulate blood pressure rapidly. This can lead to orthostatic hypotension.
Which sleep change is common in older adults?
Decreased sleep latency
More time spent in deep sleep
Fewer nighttime arousals
Increased awakening after sleep onset
Older adults often experience fragmented sleep with more awakenings and reduced deep sleep stages. Sleep latency may increase, and overall sleep efficiency declines.
Ageism refers to which of the following?
Stereotyping and discrimination based on age
Genetic predisposition to longevity
Physical decline in muscle mass
Inflammation due to aging cells
Ageism describes negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed at individuals because of their age. It can affect health care access and social participation.
A living will is an example of which of the following?
Power of attorney
Consent to treatment
Do-not-resuscitate order
Advance directive
A living will is a type of advance directive that specifies a person's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments if they become incapacitated. It is distinct from DNR orders and power of attorney.
Which feature differentiates delirium from dementia?
Permanent and progressive course
Primary impairment of language skills
Acute onset with fluctuating consciousness
Gradual memory decline
Delirium typically has a rapid onset and fluctuating levels of consciousness, whereas dementia develops gradually and is progressive. Delirium is often reversible with treatment of the underlying cause.
Which of the following is a component of Fried's frailty phenotype?
Unintentional weight loss
Frequent infections
High body mass index
Chronic inflammation
Fried's frailty phenotype includes five criteria: unintentional weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, low physical activity, slow walking speed, and weak grip strength. These define a state of increased vulnerability.
The Braden Scale is used to assess risk for which condition?
Depression
Malnutrition
Pressure ulcers
Falls
The Braden Scale evaluates risk for pressure ulcers based on sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. Lower scores indicate higher risk.
Which tool is specifically designed to assess pain in cognitively impaired older adults?
McGill Pain Questionnaire
Numeric Rating Scale
Visual Analog Scale
PAINAD scale
The PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) scale evaluates breathing, negative vocalization, facial expression, body language, and consolability in patients with cognitive impairment. It is valid for non-verbal older adults.
Social isolation in older adults is most strongly associated with increased risk of:
Osteoporosis
Depression
Hypertension
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Social isolation and loneliness are strongly linked to an increased risk of depression in older adults, as well as higher morbidity and mortality. They can impact mental and physical health.
Beers Criteria are used to identify which of the following in older adults?
Physical rehabilitation exercises
Nutritional deficiencies
Potentially inappropriate medications
Cognitive screening tools
The Beers Criteria lists medications that may be inappropriate or pose higher risks for older adults due to side effects or interactions. It guides clinicians in safer prescribing.
Which physiological change contributes most to orthostatic hypotension in older adults?
Enhanced baroreceptor reflex
Elevated cardiac output
Increased venous compliance
Reduced plasma volume
A reduction in plasma volume with age decreases blood return to the heart upon standing, leading to orthostatic hypotension. Baroreceptor reflexes also decline, worsening the effect.
What is the recommended protein intake for most healthy older adults to preserve muscle mass?
1.0 - 1.2 g/kg per day
0.8 g/kg per day
0.5 g/kg per day
2.0 g/kg per day
Older adults often require 1.0 - 1.2 g/kg of protein daily to maintain muscle mass and function, which is higher than the standard 0.8 g/kg recommendation for younger adults.
Which vaccine is specifically recommended for adults aged 60 and older to prevent shingles?
Zoster vaccine
Tdap vaccine
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Influenza live attenuated vaccine
The zoster vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years and older to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) and its complications. It boosts immunity against varicella-zoster virus.
Which cellular mechanism is central to the telomere theory of aging?
Progressive telomere shortening with cell division
Excessive free radical production
Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations
Cross-linking of collagen fibers
The telomere theory of aging posits that telomeres, protective DNA-protein caps at chromosome ends, shorten with each cell division until critical length triggers senescence or apoptosis.
What is the primary function of sirtuin proteins in cellular aging?
Deacetylation of histones regulating gene expression
Cross-linking of extracellular matrix proteins
Aggregation of misfolded proteins
Promotion of telomere shortening
Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent deacetylases that modulate histone acetylation and influence chromatin structure, DNA repair, and metabolic regulation, impacting aging and longevity.
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) primarily contribute to aging by:
Enhancing proteasome function
Reducing oxidative stress
Stiffening of the extracellular matrix
Increasing telomerase activity
AGEs form through non-enzymatic glycation of proteins and lipids, leading to cross-linking that stiffens collagen and elastin in tissues, contributing to vascular and organ aging.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Age-Related Physiological Changes -

    Recognize common body system alterations that occur with aging, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurological changes. This foundation helps you anticipate aging trends and apply them in quiz scenarios.

  2. Identify Key Theories of Aging -

    Differentiate between prominent aging theories such as the wear-and-tear, genetic, and immunological models. Grasping these concepts aids in connecting theoretical knowledge to practical gerontology questions.

  3. Analyze Gerontology Trivia Quiz Scenarios -

    Break down quiz questions that use real-world aging examples and trivia to test your recall. This sharpens critical thinking and helps you approach diverse question formats with confidence.

  4. Apply Best Practices in Geriatric Care Strategies -

    Learn effective care approaches for older adults, including communication techniques, fall prevention, and chronic disease management. Applying these strategies ensures you can address patient needs in quiz-based case studies.

  5. Evaluate Your Performance on the ATI Gerontology Practice Quiz -

    Use self-assessment results to pinpoint strengths and knowledge gaps. Targeted review of incorrect answers boosts your readiness for both the quiz and real-world gerontology applications.

  6. Reinforce Learning with the Aging Process Quiz -

    Engage with interactive questions focused on the aging process, from cellular changes to psychosocial adjustments. This reinforcement solidifies your understanding and prepares you for future testing.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Biological Theories of Aging -

    Review key models like the free radical theory and cellular senescence to understand why tissues lose function over time. A handy mnemonic is "FRIEND" (Free Radical-Induced ENDoctrine) to recall the free radical impact. These models form the backbone of many gerontology trivia quiz questions on the aging process quiz.

  2. Erikson's Psychosocial 8th Stage -

    Integrity versus despair highlights how older adults reconcile life accomplishments and regrets. Practice applying this to case scenarios, as the gerontology knowledge test often asks about supportive interventions during life review. Remember: successful resolution builds wisdom and enhances quality of life.

  3. Physiological Changes and Functional Decline -

    Understand the average 1% annual decline in VO₂ max and the impact of decreased bone density on mobility. For instance, use the formula VO₂ max = 15×(HRmax/HRrest) to estimate aerobic capacity changes. These facts frequently pop up in gerontology trivia quizzes to test your grasp of the aging process quiz.

  4. Polypharmacy and Medication Safety -

    Familiarize yourself with the Beers Criteria to identify high-risk medications and reduce adverse drug events in older adults. A simple tip is the "3Cs" rule: check for contraindications, cumulative effects, and clinical necessity. This concept is a staple question in ATI gerontology practice quiz assessments.

  5. Nutrition and Hydration Needs -

    Older adults often require 1,200 mg of calcium and 800 - 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily to support bone health, along with at least 1.2 g/kg protein to maintain muscle mass. The slogan "Eat the rainbow" helps recall the importance of varied fruits and vegetables for micronutrients. Nutritional strategies are regularly tested in gerontology practice quizzes and show up on the ATI gerontology practice quiz.

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