Adult-Gerontology (AGPCNP-C) Practice Test

Sample Questions and Answers

Question 1. A 70-year-old patient with hypertension and chronic kidney disease presents for a routine follow-up visit. Which assessment should the nurse practitioner prioritize to evaluate disease progression?

A. Annual chest X-ray

B. Blood pressure measurement, kidney function tests, and medication review

C. Routine allergy testing

D. Bone density scan at every visit

Correct Answer: B. Blood pressure measurement, kidney function tests, and medication review.

Explanation:
Chronic kidney disease requires ongoing monitoring to slow disease progression and reduce complications. The nurse practitioner should regularly assess blood pressure, review serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), electrolyte levels, and evaluate current medications for potential nephrotoxic effects or dosage adjustments. Effective blood pressure control is one of the most important strategies for preserving kidney function. Comprehensive monitoring allows timely modification of the treatment plan, improves long-term outcomes, and supports evidence-based management of chronic disease, a major focus of the AGPCNP-C certification examination.

Question 2. A 66-year-old patient reports increasing fatigue, shortness of breath with activity, and swelling of both ankles. Which condition should be considered a priority during the initial evaluation?

A. Seasonal allergies

B. Heart failure

C. Tension headache

D. Acute sinusitis

Correct Answer: B. Heart failure.

Explanation:
Fatigue, exertional dyspnea, and bilateral lower-extremity edema are common findings associated with heart failure. During the initial evaluation, the nurse practitioner should obtain a thorough history, perform a focused cardiovascular examination, assess vital signs, evaluate fluid status, and consider appropriate diagnostic studies. Early recognition and treatment can reduce symptom progression, prevent hospitalizations, and improve quality of life. Accurate identification of cardiovascular disorders through comprehensive assessment and clinical reasoning is an important competency evaluated on the AGPCNP-C certification examination.

Question 3. During a preventive health visit, an adult patient asks why regular physical activity is recommended even without chronic disease. What is the best response?

A. Exercise is only beneficial after age 65.

B. Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health, weight management, bone strength, and overall well-being while lowering the risk of many chronic diseases.

C. Exercise replaces the need for preventive healthcare.

D. Physical activity only improves muscle strength.

Correct Answer: B. Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health, weight management, bone strength, and overall well-being while lowering the risk of many chronic diseases.

Explanation:
Routine physical activity is one of the most effective preventive health strategies. It helps improve cardiovascular fitness, maintain healthy body weight, strengthen bones and muscles, improve mental health, enhance mobility, and reduce the risk of conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Patient education regarding healthy lifestyle choices is a fundamental responsibility of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners. Preventive care and health promotion are consistently emphasized throughout the AGPCNP-C certification examination.

Question 4. A patient with type 2 diabetes presents for a follow-up appointment. Which laboratory test is commonly used to evaluate long-term glycemic control?

A. Complete blood count (CBC)

B. Hemoglobin A1C

C. Serum calcium

D. D-dimer

Correct Answer: B. Hemoglobin A1C.

Explanation:
Hemoglobin A1C reflects the average blood glucose concentration over approximately the previous two to three months and is widely used to monitor diabetes management. Reviewing A1C results helps the nurse practitioner evaluate treatment effectiveness, identify the need for medication adjustments, reinforce lifestyle modifications, and reduce the risk of long-term complications affecting the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and cardiovascular system. Monitoring chronic disease outcomes through evidence-based assessment is an essential component of primary care practice and a common topic on the AGPCNP-C certification exam.

Question 5. An older adult patient takes multiple prescription medications from several specialists. Which intervention is most important during the primary care visit?

A. Discontinue every medication immediately.

B. Perform a comprehensive medication reconciliation to identify duplicate therapies, interactions, and potentially inappropriate medications.

C. Add additional medications without reviewing the current list.

D. Ignore medications prescribed by other providers.

Correct Answer: B. Perform a comprehensive medication reconciliation to identify duplicate therapies, interactions, and potentially inappropriate medications.

Explanation:
Medication reconciliation is an essential component of safe primary care, particularly for older adults who often receive prescriptions from multiple healthcare providers. Reviewing all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements helps identify duplicate therapies, drug interactions, inappropriate dosing, and medications that may increase the risk of adverse events. A comprehensive medication review supports patient safety, improves adherence, and reduces medication-related complications. Polypharmacy management and patient-centered care are important competencies evaluated throughout the AGPCNP-C certification examination.