GERO-BC Exam Prep: Gerontological Nursing (ANCC) Study Guide + 2,100+ Practice Questions

An 80-year-old patient with moderate-stage dementia frequently asks the same question every few minutes, causing the primary family caregiver to express significant frustration and exhaustion. The nurse observes the caregiver repeatedly correcting the patient’s memory lapses. Which guidance should the nurse provide?

A long-term care nurse is caring for a resident who has become increasingly withdrawn. The resident confides in the nurse that they are being teased by other residents about their appearance after a recent surgery. The resident begs the nurse not to tell anyone because they are embarrassed. What is the nurse’s most appropriate action regarding professional advocacy?

A nurse on a geriatric unit is assigned to care for four patients. One patient is a prominent local community leader, and the hospital administration has suggested that this patient should receive “extra attention” to ensure a positive experience. The nurse notices that this patient is receiving more frequent rounding than a quiet, socially isolated patient in the next room. Which ethical principle is most directly challenged in this situation?

During a home health visit, a 90-year-old client living alone refuses to install grab bars in the bathroom, despite having a high risk for falls. The client states that the bars make the home look like a hospital and they value their independence and the appearance of their home. The nurse’s supervisor suggests reporting the client for self-neglect. How should the nurse proceed ethically?

An 82-year-old patient with low health literacy is being prepared for a complex diagnostic procedure. The physician provided a brief explanation and obtained a signed consent form. Later, the patient tells the nurse they signed the paper because they did not want to be a bother, but they do not understand what will happen. Which action most appropriately fulfills the nurse’s ethical obligation?

A nurse in a sub-acute rehabilitation unit notices that a physical therapist consistently schedules an 85-year-old patient with hearing loss for sessions during the patient’s usual nap time. The patient is often fatigued and performs poorly, leading the therapist to document that the patient is unmotivated. The nurse observes the patient expressing frustration privately but remaining quiet during therapy. Which action should the nurse take to address this professional ethics concern?

A 78-year-old resident in a long-term care facility has mild cognitive impairment and a history of two recent falls. The resident insists on walking to the dining room independently, stating that using a walker makes them feel old. The family demands the staff use a wheelchair for all transfers to prevent further injury. Which action best demonstrates the nurse’s role as an advocate for the resident’s autonomy?

A 66-year-old male with a 30 pack-year smoking history visits the clinic for a wellness checkup. He has no current physical complaints and his vital signs are within normal limits. Based on current health promotion and screening guidelines, which recommendation is most appropriate for this patient?

A 70-year-old retired teacher reports being “worried about dementia” because she occasionally forgets names. She scored a 27/30 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), indicating normal cognitive function. She asks for advice on how to maintain her brain health. Which health promotion strategy is most appropriate for this individual?

A 75-year-old female with occasional mild vertigo lives in a home with several decorative throw rugs and dim lighting in the hallways. She is resistant to making changes because she values her home’s appearance and has lived there for forty years. Which approach best facilitates the adoption of home safety modifications to prevent falls?

An 80-year-old male who lives alone reports a five-pound weight loss over the last three months and mentions that food has started to “taste bland,” leading to a decreased appetite. His physical assessment is unremarkable except for slightly dry mucous membranes. Which intervention should the nurse suggest to most effectively support his nutritional wellness?

A 68-year-old female with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lives in a multi-generational household and expresses hesitation about receiving her seasonal vaccinations. She states she is worried about “getting sick from the shot” but wants to remain healthy enough to care for her young grandchildren. Which educational approach most effectively addresses her concerns while promoting wellness?

A 72-year-old male with a history of hypertension and a sedentary lifestyle expresses a desire to begin a walking program to improve his cardiovascular health. He mentions that he has failed at previous exercise attempts because he felt overwhelmed by the time commitment. Which strategy should the nurse employ to best promote long-term adherence to this wellness plan?

A 79-year-old resident in a memory care facility experiences increased restlessness, pacing, and anxiety starting in the late afternoon. The resident remains calm during the morning hours and participates well in structured group activities. Which environmental modification is most effective?

An 84-year-old male with mild cognitive impairment is brought to the clinic by his daughter, who notes he is struggling to manage his monthly finances and medication schedule. However, he remains independent with dressing, grooming, and eating. Which area of assessment should the nurse prioritize?

An 82-year-old resident in a long-term care facility with osteoarthritis and mild dementia fell at 0200 while walking to the bathroom. The nurse finds the resident sitting on the floor, alert and oriented to person, with no visible injuries or pain. Which action should the nurse take to evaluate the physiological cause of this event?

A 75-year-old client with early-stage dementia lives at home with a spouse who reports the client recently became disoriented while walking in their familiar neighborhood. The client is otherwise physically active and values their independence during the daytime. Which strategy best addresses safety while maintaining autonomy?

An 82-year-old resident with moderate Alzheimer’s disease becomes combative and shouts when the nursing assistant attempts to assist with a scheduled shower. The resident insists that they have already bathed and needs to go home to cook dinner. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

A 78-year-old patient who underwent hip surgery two days ago exhibits sudden disorganized thinking and fluctuates between lethargy and agitation. The nurse notes the patient is unable to focus on simple instructions during the morning assessment. Which assessment approach is most appropriate for this clinical presentation?

An 84-year-old patient with a Stage 4 coccyx injury develops increased periwound warmth, foul odor, and new-onset lethargy with a heart rate of 110. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

A 74-year-old patient who uses a wheelchair for six hours daily has a history of recurrent ischial redness. Which intervention is most effective for preventing skin breakdown while the patient is seated?

A 90-year-old patient with a Stage 4 pressure injury has a BMI of 18 and poor oral intake due to ill-fitting dentures. Which member of the interprofessional team should the nurse consult first to support wound healing?

An 80-year-old resident has a Stage 3 sacral pressure injury characterized by 40% yellow slough and heavy serosanguinous drainage. Which dressing type is most appropriate for managing this wound?

A 76-year-old male with advanced Parkinson’s disease presents with a localized area of purple, intact skin on his left heel. The area feels boggy and is cooler than the surrounding tissue. How should the nurse document this finding?

An 82-year-old patient is admitted to subacute rehab following a hip fracture. The nurse notes a Braden Scale score of 13 and observes that the patient is frequently damp due to occasional urinary incontinence. Which intervention is most appropriate to maintain skin integrity?

A 75-year-old patient in a rehabilitation unit is recovering from a stroke with residual left-sided weakness. The nurse observes the patient using a single-point cane in the left hand and leaning significantly toward the left side while walking. Which adjustment is necessary to improve the patient’s stability?

An 81-year-old female with sarcopenia and a documented fear of falling has a gait speed of 0.7 meters per second. She expresses a desire to remain independent but is afraid to exercise alone. Which evidence-based recommendation should the nurse provide to improve her balance and confidence?

A 76-year-old male at a primary care clinic has a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test result of 16 seconds. He reports urinary frequency and the nurse notes a blood pressure drop of 22 mmHg upon standing. Which teaching point should the nurse emphasize to address the most immediate physiological risk factor?

An 88-year-old patient is on post-operative day two following a hip repair. The patient is experiencing fluctuating confusion and has a high Morse Fall Scale score. To best manage the risk of an impulsive fall during the night shift, which intervention should the nurse implement?

A 79-year-old community-dwelling adult with macular degeneration and peripheral neuropathy reports a “near-miss” trip over an area rug in the hallway. The nurse is conducting a home safety evaluation to reduce future injury risk. Which environmental modification is the most effective for this specific patient?