Free Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1During an older adult's fall risk assessment, the AGPCNP uses the CDC Stay Independent questionnaire. What is the minimum score that the STEADI algorithm identifies as indicating fall risk?

   1. A. 2 points
   2. B. 3 points
   3. C. 4 points
   4. D. 5 points

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The CDC STEADI algorithm specifies "at risk if score ≥ 4" for the Stay Independent questionnaire. Therefore, the minimum score meeting that screening threshold is 4.

   Reference: CDC STEADI Pocket Guide: Preventing Falls in Older Patients — p. 2, STEADI algorithm, fall risk screening

2. 2An asymptomatic adult has one laboratory A1C result above the diabetes diagnostic threshold. How many abnormal results are required to confirm type 2 diabetes in this situation?

   1. A. One abnormal result
   2. B. Two abnormal results
   3. C. Three abnormal results
   4. D. Four abnormal results

   Answer: B

   Explanation: IHS states, "Two abnormal results from the same or different tests are required for diagnosis." The single-result exception applies to symptomatic random plasma glucose, which this asymptomatic patient does not have.

   Reference: IHS Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes and Identifying Prediabetes — How to Diagnose Type 2 Diabetes

3. 3An AGPCNP plans routine influenza prevention for a healthy 48-year-old adult. What is the recommended interval for an age-appropriate influenza vaccine?

   1. A. Every 6 months
   2. B. Every 12 months
   3. C. Every 5 years
   4. D. Every 10 years

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The CDC schedule states, "Age 19 years or older: 1 dose any influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status annually." Annual vaccination means every 12 months for this adult.

   Reference: CDC Adult Immunization Schedule Notes — Influenza vaccination, Routine vaccination

4. 4An older patient reports difficulty getting up and walking across a room. Which CDC STEADI functional test specifically assesses mobility?

   1. A. 4-Stage Balance Test
   2. B. Timed Up and Go Test
   3. C. 30-Second Chair Stand Test
   4. D. Orthostatic Blood Pressure Test

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The CDC identifies the Timed Up and Go test and states, "Use this test to assess a patient’s mobility." This matches the patient's reported movement difficulty.

   Reference: CDC STEADI Clinical Resources — Functional assessments, Timed Up and Go Test

5. 5The AGPCNP reviews a single abnormal laboratory result for each of four nonpregnant adults. Which result can establish diabetes without a second abnormal test?

   1. A. Random glucose 205 mg/dL with polyuria and polydipsia
   2. B. Laboratory A1C 6.7% without polyuria or polydipsia
   3. C. Fasting glucose 130 mg/dL without polyuria or polydipsia
   4. D. Two-hour glucose 205 mg/dL without polyuria or polydipsia

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The IHS standard says, "a single random test result of 200 mg/dL or higher in a person with symptoms is diagnostic for diabetes." The other single results require confirmation in the absence of symptoms.

   Reference: IHS Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes and Identifying Prediabetes — How to Diagnose Type 2 Diabetes

6. 6A 56-year-old adult has no documented prior pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. According to the CDC routine adult schedule, at what minimum age would this patient already have qualified for age-based pneumococcal vaccination?

   1. A. At age 40 years
   2. B. At age 50 years
   3. C. At age 60 years
   4. D. At age 65 years

   Answer: B

   Explanation: CDC lists routine pneumococcal vaccination for "Age 50 years or older" when the patient has not previously received a listed conjugate vaccine or the history is unknown. Fifty is the minimum age in this age-based recommendation.

   Reference: CDC Adult Immunization Schedule Notes — Pneumococcal vaccination, Routine vaccination

7. 7A 76-year-old patient completes the CDC Timed Up and Go test during a fall risk evaluation. What is the minimum completion time that CDC identifies as indicating fall risk?

   1. A. 10 seconds
   2. B. 11 seconds
   3. C. 12 seconds
   4. D. 13 seconds

   Answer: C

   Explanation: CDC states, "An older adult who takes ≥12 seconds to complete the TUG is at risk for falling." The minimum time that meets the threshold is 12 seconds.

   Reference: CDC STEADI Timed Up and Go Assessment — p. 1, Time in Seconds interpretation

8. 8After an overnight fast of at least eight hours, what is the lowest fasting plasma glucose value that meets the IHS diabetes diagnostic threshold for a nonpregnant adult?

   1. A. 100 mg/dL
   2. B. 110 mg/dL
   3. C. 126 mg/dL
   4. D. 140 mg/dL

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The IHS diagnostic criteria state, "Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level of 126 mg/dL or higher, after the person has had no caloric intake overnight for at least 8 hours." The lowest value meeting that criterion is 126 mg/dL; confirmation requirements still apply when hyperglycemia is not unequivocal.

   Reference: IHS Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes and Identifying Prediabetes — How to Diagnose Type 2 Diabetes

9. 9A 62-year-old adult begins the routine pneumococcal series with PCV15 and has no condition that shortens the standard interval. Which additional pneumococcal vaccine is recommended at least one year later when available?

   1. A. One dose of PPSV23
   2. B. One dose of PCV20
   3. C. One dose of PCV21
   4. D. One dose of PCV15

   Answer: A

   Explanation: CDC states, "If PCV15 is used, administer 1 dose PPSV23 at least 1 year after the PCV15 dose" for routine vaccination. With PPSV23 available and no interval exception, it is the indicated follow-up.

   Reference: CDC Adult Immunization Schedule Notes — Pneumococcal vaccination, Routine vaccination

10. 10An AGPCNP evaluates an older adult with a recent change in cognition. Which pattern most strongly supports delirium rather than a slowly developing cognitive disorder?

    1. A. Gradual memory loss with relatively stable daily symptoms
    2. B. Sudden impaired attention that fluctuates during the day
    3. C. Longstanding memory lapses without loss of independence
    4. D. Persistent low mood with reduced interest and concentration

    Answer: B

    Explanation: MedlinePlus states, "Delirium starts suddenly and can cause hallucinations. It is mainly a problem with attention and staying alert. The symptoms may get better or worse and can last for hours or weeks." The abrupt, fluctuating attention change is the distinguishing pattern.

    Reference: MedlinePlus: Delirium — Summary, How is delirium diagnosed?