Geriatric Pharmacy Sample Questions

An elderly woman is a resident at a nursing facility. She has a recent history of stroke and right-sided hemiparesis and is refusing all foods and liquids by mouth. She is aware of her situation and the implications of her actions. The resident has a living will that requests no hospitalizations or invasive procedures. The social worker says that when she was notifying the resident's children, one of them insisted that they find some way to feed and hydrate their mother. What is the most appropriate next step?

An 80-year-old man with late stage Alzheimer disease lives with an adult son. An adult protective services worker visits the home and finds the patient curled up on the couch unclothed. An erythematous skin rash is seen across his torso. The patient has not been taken to the doctor for evaluation in 2 years. All prescription medications are outdated.

When the son goes to work, the patient is left alone without wanting to be. What type of mistreatment is being experienced by the patient?

Which medication order should be immediately questioned for an 81-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis?

An 87-year old woman has fallen 9 times in the past 2 weeks. According to her daughter, she is also experiencing dry mouth and short-term memory problems. The patient has been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, restless leg syndrome, orthostatic hypotension, and osteoarthritis.

Current medications include:

Pertinent laboratory values include:

Which medication is most likely to contribute to this patient's orthostatic hypotension, memory concerns, and dry mouth?

In an elderly patient, chronic facial reddening and inflammation with skin eruptions similar to acne are signs of which condition?

A 77-year-old man who is admitted to a nursing facility has a history of hypertension, osteoarthritis, and bilateral total knee replacements. Since admission, he has experienced multiple falls.

Current medications are:
Atorvastatin 40 mg daily
Atenolol 50 mg daily
Enalapril 20 mg daily
Temazepam 15 mg every night
Calcium 600 mg twice daily
Cholecalciferol 20 mcg daily
Senna, psyllium, and glycerin suppositories as needed

He was recently diagnosed with dry macular degeneration and increased bilateral intraocular pressure. Severe constipation is documented and an abdominal x-ray reveals fecal impaction. Which initial recommendation is most appropriate?

A 74-year-old resident is taking famotidine, docusate, lithium, and a multiple vitamin. Monitoring parameters should include lithium serum concentration, electrolytes, epigastric pain, signs and symptoms of constipation, and:

A 76-year-old resident with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is receiving preventive therapy with warfarin, currently dosed as 4 mg, alternating with 3 mg daily. The INR result for the previous month was reported as 1.8. This month's INR is reported as 1.6. Which action is most appropriate?

An 80-year-old woman presents to a new primary care provider for her first visit. She has a past medical history of hypothyroidism, atrial fibrillation, and insomnia. She has a past surgical history of cataract removal (5 years prior) and total hysterectomy (20 years prior). The patient lives independently and is still cognitively intact and able to complete her activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Which preventive screening is no longer indicated based on the patient's anticipated risk versus benefit?

A study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between average blood pressure and the incidence of strokes in an elderly population. There were equal numbers of patients in each blood pressure group.

The data revealed the following:

What can be concluded from the data?