Geriatrics — MCQs
On this page
Which of the following is the most common cause of reversible dementia in the geriatric population?
An 80-year-old female presented with diffuse muscle pain in the back, buttocks, and right thigh. On examination, the patient was obtunded, responsive only to simple commands, and had paralysis of the left half of her body. Neighbors found her after she did not respond to multiple calls. CT brain was performed. Lab findings revealed increased serum creatinine out of proportion to BUN. Which of the following ECG findings corresponds with the most common electrolyte abnormality found in this condition?
Reversible dementia is a feature of which of the following conditions?
What is a key consideration for hypertensive treatment in the elderly?
An elderly male patient has presented with recurrent falls. Which of the following medicines is most likely responsible?
Which of the following agents can cause recurrent falls in an elderly patient with postural hypotension?
Which of the following physiological parameters does not significantly change with age?
What are the potential cardiovascular effects of hypothermia in an elderly male?
A 73-year-old woman presents to the clinic complaining of fatigue and feeling unwell. She notes the symptoms are worse on exertion but denies any chest pain or shortness of breath. Her past medical history is significant for hypertension and type 2 diabetes, both well-controlled on her current medications. On physical examination, vital signs are - blood pressure 135/80 mm Hg, pulse 72/min, and respiratory rate 10/min. The lungs are clear on auscultation, and heart sounds are normal. A CBC reveals a hemoglobin value of 9.5 g/dL and an MCV of 105 mm 3. Which of the following typically causes a macrocytic anemia?
Which of the following physiological parameters does NOT change significantly in old age?
Geriatrics Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Which of the following is the most common cause of reversible dementia in the geriatric population?
- A. Depression (Correct Answer)
- B. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
- C. Hypothyroidism
- D. Vitamin B12 deficiency
Explanation: The correct answer is **Depression**. In the geriatric population, depression often presents with cognitive impairment, memory loss, and poor concentration, a clinical entity known as **Pseudodementia**. It is the most common cause of reversible cognitive decline [1]. Unlike true dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s), patients with pseudodementia typically provide "I don't know" answers during testing, appear distressed by their deficits, and show significant improvement with antidepressant therapy or ECT. Analysis of Incorrect Options: **Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH):** Characterized by the triad of gait ataxia, urinary incontinence, and dementia ("Wet, Wobbly, and Wacky"). While reversible via a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, it is statistically less common than depression [1]. **Hypothyroidism:** Can cause cognitive slowing and "myxedema madness." While a standard part of the dementia workup (checking TSH), it is a less frequent cause of isolated reversible dementia compared to psychiatric illness. **Vitamin B12 Deficiency:** Leads to Subacute Combined Degeneration of the spinal cord and cognitive changes. While common in the elderly due to atrophic gastritis, it ranks below depression in prevalence as a primary cause of reversible cognitive impairment [1].
Question 2: An 80-year-old female presented with diffuse muscle pain in the back, buttocks, and right thigh. On examination, the patient was obtunded, responsive only to simple commands, and had paralysis of the left half of her body. Neighbors found her after she did not respond to multiple calls. CT brain was performed. Lab findings revealed increased serum creatinine out of proportion to BUN. Which of the following ECG findings corresponds with the most common electrolyte abnormality found in this condition?
- A. ECG showing peaked T waves
- B. ECG showing flattened T waves
- C. ECG showing prolonged QT interval
- D. All of the above (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ### **Explanation** **Diagnosis: Rhabdomyolysis leading to Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)** The clinical scenario describes an elderly patient found after a prolonged period of immobilization (implied by being "found by neighbors" and presenting with "diffuse muscle pain" and "obtundation"). Prolonged immobilization leads to **Rhabdomyolysis** due to pressure-induced muscle necrosis. The key laboratory clue is **increased serum creatinine out of proportion to BUN** [1]. In rhabdomyolysis, the release of creatine from damaged muscles is converted to creatinine, causing a rapid rise that exceeds the typical 10:1 or 20:1 BUN:Creatinine ratio seen in other forms of renal failure. [1] **Why "All of the Above" is Correct:** Rhabdomyolysis causes a triad of severe electrolyte disturbances, each with distinct ECG manifestations: 1. **Hyperkalemia:** Due to the release of intracellular potassium from lysed myocytes. This manifests as **peaked T waves** (Option A), widened QRS, and loss of P waves. [1] 2. **Hypocalcemia:** In the early phase, calcium deposits into damaged muscle (dystrophic calcification). This manifests as a **prolonged QT interval** (Option C). [2] 3. **Hypokalemia:** While hyperkalemia is common initially, the recovery phase or aggressive diuresis can lead to hypokalemia, manifesting as **flattened T waves** or U waves (Option B). *Note: While Hyperkalemia is the most "life-threatening" early finding, the question asks for findings corresponding to electrolyte abnormalities found in this condition; since all three occur during the clinical course of Rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI, "All of the above" is the most comprehensive choice.* --- ### **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG** * **Gold Standard Lab:** Serum **Creatine Kinase (CK)** levels >5 times the upper limit of normal (usually >5,000 U/L). * **Urinalysis:** Dipstick positive for "blood" but **microscopy shows no RBCs** (indicates Myoglobinuria). [1] * **BUN:Cr Ratio:** Typically <10:1 in rhabdomyolysis due to the massive endogenous creatinine load. [1] * **Treatment:** Aggressive IV fluid resuscitation (Normal Saline) to maintain urine output and prevent heme-induced tubular injury.
Question 3: Reversible dementia is a feature of which of the following conditions?
- A. Alzheimer's disease
- B. Pick's disease
- C. Multi-infarct dementia
- D. Hypothyroidism (Correct Answer)
Explanation: **Explanation:** The concept of **"Reversible Dementia"** (or pseudodementia) refers to cognitive impairment caused by treatable conditions where the deficit can be partially or fully reversed once the underlying cause is addressed [1]. **1. Why Hypothyroidism is Correct:** Hypothyroidism is a classic metabolic cause of reversible dementia. Thyroid hormones are essential for neuronal metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Deficiency leads to psychomotor slowing, impaired concentration, and memory loss (often termed "myxedema madness" in severe cases). Because these cognitive deficits improve with Levothyroxine replacement, it is categorized as a reversible cause. **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Alzheimer’s Disease (A):** This is a primary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid plaques and tau tangles [1]. It is progressive and irreversible. Histologically, it involves senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the cerebral cortex. * **Pick’s Disease (B):** Also known as Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), this involves atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes. It is a progressive, terminal neurodegenerative condition. * **Multi-infarct Dementia (C):** This is a form of Vascular Dementia caused by multiple strokes [1]. While further progression can be slowed by managing risk factors (like hypertension), the brain tissue damage already incurred is permanent and irreversible. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Mnemonic for Reversible Dementia (DEMENTIA):** **D**rugs/Depression, **E**ndocrine (Hypothyroidism), **M**etabolic (B12 deficiency), **E**ye/Ear (sensory deprivation), **N**ormal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), **T**umor/Trauma (Subdural hematoma), **I**nfection (Neurosyphilis/HIV), **A**nemia [1]. * **NPH Triad:** Dementia, Gait Ataxia, and Urinary Incontinence ("Wet, Wobbly, and Wacky"). This is a high-yield reversible cause treated with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt [1]. * **Vitamin B12 Deficiency:** Always rule this out in elderly patients presenting with cognitive decline and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord [1].
Question 4: What is a key consideration for hypertensive treatment in the elderly?
- A. Elderly patients may exhibit lower compliance compared to younger patients. (Correct Answer)
- B. Elderly patients generally have less tolerance to antihypertensive medications compared to younger patients.
- C. The principles of hypertensive treatment are the same for both elderly and younger patients.
- D. ACE inhibitors are particularly useful in hypertensive elderly patients.
Explanation: ### Explanation **1. Why Option A is Correct:** In geriatric medicine, **compliance (adherence)** is a major barrier to effective therapy. Elderly patients often suffer from **polypharmacy** (taking multiple medications for comorbid conditions), cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia or memory loss), and physical limitations (e.g., difficulty opening pill bottles or visual impairment). These factors significantly increase the risk of medication errors and non-adherence compared to younger populations [1]. **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option B:** While the elderly are more prone to side effects (like orthostatic hypotension), the statement that they "generally have less tolerance" is a broad generalization [2]. Many elderly patients tolerate antihypertensives well if started at low doses ("Start low, go slow"). * **Option C:** The principles differ significantly. In the elderly, the focus shifts toward preventing stroke and heart failure while avoiding **orthostatic hypotension** and **iatrogenic falls** [1]. Target blood pressures may also be more relaxed (e.g., >140/90 mmHg) depending on frailty. * **Option D:** While ACE inhibitors are used, they are not "particularly" superior to other classes in the elderly. In fact, **Thiazide-type diuretics** and **Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)** are often preferred as first-line agents for isolated systolic hypertension, which is common in this age group [2]. **3. Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH):** The most common form of hypertension in the elderly due to increased arterial stiffness [2]. * **First-line agents:** Thiazides or Long-acting CCBs are highly effective for ISH [2]. * **Pseudohypertension:** Always consider this if the patient has very high cuff pressure but no end-organ damage; it is caused by calcified, non-compressible arteries (**Osler’s Maneuver**). * **Orthostatic Hypotension:** Always measure BP in both supine and standing positions in the elderly to prevent syncope and fractures [1].
Question 5: An elderly male patient has presented with recurrent falls. Which of the following medicines is most likely responsible?
- A. Prazosin (Correct Answer)
- B. Metformin
- C. Acarbose
- D. Thiazides
Explanation: **Explanation:** Recurrent falls in the elderly are a major cause of morbidity and are often multifactorial [1]. However, medication-induced **orthostatic (postural) hypotension** is a leading preventable cause [2]. **1. Why Prazosin is correct:** Prazosin is a selective **alpha-1 adrenergic blocker**. It causes potent peripheral vasodilation, which significantly impairs the body’s ability to maintain blood pressure upon standing. This leads to a sudden drop in cerebral perfusion, causing dizziness, syncope, and falls—a phenomenon known as the **"first-dose effect"** or chronic postural hypotension. In the elderly, baroreceptor sensitivity is already diminished, making them hypersensitive to the hypotensive effects of alpha-blockers [2]. **2. Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Metformin & Acarbose:** These are oral hypoglycemic agents with a very low risk of causing hypoglycemia. Since they do not typically cause sudden neuroglycopenia or hemodynamic instability, they are not primary triggers for falls. * **Thiazides:** While diuretics can cause volume depletion and electrolyte imbalances (like hyponatremia) which may contribute to falls, they are generally considered safer than alpha-blockers regarding immediate postural instability. Prazosin has a much stronger and more direct association with orthostatic syncope. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Beers Criteria:** Prazosin and other alpha-1 blockers (for HTN) are listed in the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate medications for the elderly due to the high risk of orthostatic hypotension. * **Drugs increasing fall risk:** Benzodiazepines (sedation), TCAs (orthostasis + sedation), Antipsychotics (extrapyramidal symptoms), and Antihypertensives [2]. * **Prescribing Tip:** If an alpha-blocker must be used (e.g., for BPH), it should be administered at bedtime to minimize the impact of orthostatic changes.
Question 6: Which of the following agents can cause recurrent falls in an elderly patient with postural hypotension?
- A. Methoxamine
- B. Prazosin (Correct Answer)
- C. Metformin
- D. Acarbose
Explanation: Prazosin is a selective **alpha-1 adrenergic blocker** used for hypertension and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Alpha-1 receptors are responsible for peripheral vasoconstriction; by blocking them, Prazosin causes significant vasodilation and inhibits the compensatory vasoconstriction required when a patient stands up. This leads to **orthostatic (postural) hypotension**, often characterized by the "first-dose phenomenon." In the elderly, impaired baroreceptor sensitivity makes them highly susceptible to these drops in blood pressure, leading to syncope and recurrent falls [1]. **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Methoxamine:** This is a selective **alpha-1 agonist**. It causes vasoconstriction and increases peripheral vascular resistance, which would increase blood pressure rather than cause postural hypotension. * **Metformin:** An oral hypoglycemic (Biguanide) that does not typically cause hypoglycemia or hypotension. Its primary side effects are gastrointestinal (diarrhea, bloating) and, rarely, lactic acidosis. * **Acarbose:** An alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that acts locally in the gut to delay carbohydrate absorption. It does not affect systemic blood pressure or cause orthostatic instability. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Beers Criteria:** Prazosin and other alpha-blockers (Doxazosin, Terazosin) are listed in the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate medications for the elderly due to the high risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls [1]. * **First-Dose Phenomenon:** To minimize syncope, the first dose of Prazosin should be small and administered at bedtime. * **Other Fall-Risk Drugs:** Always look for Diuretics, TCAs, Benzodiazepines, and Antipsychotics in questions regarding elderly falls [1].
Question 7: Which of the following physiological parameters does not significantly change with age?
- A. Hematocrit (Correct Answer)
- B. Creatinine Clearance
- C. Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1)
- D. Stress-induced tachycardia
Explanation: In geriatric medicine, it is crucial to distinguish between normal physiological aging and pathological changes. **1. Why Hematocrit is the Correct Answer:** Under normal circumstances, **Hematocrit (and Hemoglobin levels) does not significantly change with age.** While the bone marrow's hematopoietic reserve may decrease (making it harder to respond to acute stress like hemorrhage), the baseline red cell mass remains stable. If an elderly patient presents with anemia, it should **never** be attributed to "old age"; it always warrants a clinical investigation for underlying pathology (e.g., occult GI bleed, nutritional deficiency, or chronic kidney disease). **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Creatinine Clearance (CrCl):** This significantly **decreases** with age (roughly 1 mL/min/year after age 40) due to a reduction in renal blood flow and nephron mass [1]. Note: Serum Creatinine may remain "normal" because of concurrent muscle wasting (sarcopenia) [1]. * **FEV1:** Lung function **declines** due to loss of elastic recoil (senile emphysema) and increased chest wall stiffness. FEV1 typically drops by 25–30 mL/year after age 30 [1]. * **Stress-induced Tachycardia:** The **maximum heart rate** achievable under stress (calculated as 220 - age) **decreases** with age due to reduced beta-adrenergic sensitivity and changes in the cardiac conduction system [1]. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Stable Parameters:** Fasting blood glucose (though post-prandial increases), electrolytes, and liver function tests (LFTs) generally remain stable in healthy aging. * **The "Rule of 1%":** Most organ systems lose approximately 1% of their functional reserve per year after age 30. * **High-Yield Fact:** Total body water decreases, while total body fat increases with age, significantly altering the volume of distribution for many drugs.
Question 8: What are the potential cardiovascular effects of hypothermia in an elderly male?
- A. Decrease heart rate
- B. Decrease in cardiac output
- C. May cause myocardial infarction
- D. All of the above (Correct Answer)
Explanation: Hypothermia (defined as a core body temperature <35°C or 95°F) has profound effects on the cardiovascular system, particularly in the elderly who have reduced physiological reserves and impaired thermoregulation [1]. 1. **Why Option D is Correct:** * **Decrease in Heart Rate (Bradycardia):** Initially, cold exposure causes a sympathetic surge (tachycardia), but as the core temperature drops, the spontaneous depolarization of the pacemaker cells in the SA node decreases. This leads to a progressive, cold-induced bradycardia that is often refractory to atropine [2]. * **Decrease in Cardiac Output:** Cardiac output falls due to a combination of bradycardia and decreased myocardial contractility (negative inotropy). Additionally, cold-induced diuresis and fluid shifts lead to hypovolemia, further reducing stroke volume [2, 3]. * **Myocardial Infarction (MI):** Hypothermia increases blood viscosity and promotes coronary vasoconstriction. In elderly patients with pre-existing atherosclerosis, the initial shivering and sympathetic stress increase myocardial oxygen demand, which can precipitate an acute MI [1]. 2. **Analysis of Options:** Options A, B, and C are all physiological consequences of moderate to severe hypothermia. Since all three statements are clinically accurate, **Option D** is the most comprehensive choice. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **ECG Findings:** Look for **Osborn Waves (J-waves)**—a positive deflection at the junction of the QRS complex and ST segment, most prominent in leads II and V3–V6 [1]. * **Arrhythmias:** Atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular rate is common; however, the most common cause of death in severe hypothermia is **Ventricular Fibrillation** [2]. * **The "Afterdrop" Phenomenon:** During rewarming, peripheral vasodilation can send cold, stagnant blood back to the core, causing a further drop in core temperature and potential cardiac arrest.
Question 9: A 73-year-old woman presents to the clinic complaining of fatigue and feeling unwell. She notes the symptoms are worse on exertion but denies any chest pain or shortness of breath. Her past medical history is significant for hypertension and type 2 diabetes, both well-controlled on her current medications. On physical examination, vital signs are - blood pressure 135/80 mm Hg, pulse 72/min, and respiratory rate 10/min. The lungs are clear on auscultation, and heart sounds are normal. A CBC reveals a hemoglobin value of 9.5 g/dL and an MCV of 105 mm 3. Which of the following typically causes a macrocytic anemia?
- A. Vitamin B12 deficiency due to vegan diet (Correct Answer)
- B. Iron deficiency
- C. Thalassemia
- D. Anemia of chronic inflammation
Explanation: The patient presents with **macrocytic anemia**, characterized by a low hemoglobin (9.5 g/dL) and an elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume (**MCV > 100 fL**; here 105 mm³). [2] **1. Why Option A is Correct:** Macrocytosis is primarily caused by impaired DNA synthesis, leading to "megaloblastic" changes where the cytoplasm matures faster than the nucleus. **Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)** and **Folate** are essential cofactors for DNA synthesis. [2] Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products (meat, eggs, dairy). Strict vegans who do not supplement are at high risk of deficiency, typically manifesting after several years once hepatic stores are depleted. [3] **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option B (Iron Deficiency):** This is the most common cause of **microcytic** (MCV < 80 fL), hypochromic anemia due to impaired hemoglobin synthesis. [2], [4] * **Option C (Thalassemia):** This is a genetic defect in globin chain synthesis, also resulting in a **microcytic** anemia, often with a very low MCV disproportionate to the degree of anemia (Mentzer Index < 13). * **Option D (Anemia of Chronic Inflammation):** Usually presents as a **normocytic** anemia, though it can become microcytic in chronic stages. [1], [4] It is driven by Hepcidin, which sequesters iron in macrophages. [1] **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Megaloblastic vs. Non-megaloblastic:** B12/Folate deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia (look for hypersegmented neutrophils). Non-megaloblastic macrocytosis is seen in alcoholism, hypothyroidism, and liver disease. * **Neurological Symptoms:** B12 deficiency causes Subacute Combined Degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord (dorsal columns and corticospinal tracts). **Folate deficiency does NOT cause neurological deficits.** * **Schilling Test:** Historically used to differentiate B12 deficiency causes (e.g., Pernicious anemia vs. malabsorption). * **Methylmalonic Acid (MMA):** Elevated in B12 deficiency but **normal** in Folate deficiency. Homocysteine is elevated in both.
Question 10: Which of the following physiological parameters does NOT change significantly in old age?
- A. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
- B. Glucose tolerance
- C. Hematocrit (Correct Answer)
- D. Blood pressure
Explanation: **Explanation:** In geriatric physiology, it is crucial to distinguish between normal age-related declines and pathological states. **Why Hematocrit is the correct answer:** Under normal physiological conditions, **Hematocrit (and hemoglobin levels) does not change significantly with age.** While the bone marrow becomes more fatty and the hematopoietic reserve decreases, the baseline production of red blood cells remains sufficient to maintain normal levels. If an elderly patient presents with a significant drop in hematocrit or anemia, it should be investigated as a **pathological process** (e.g., iron deficiency, chronic disease, or occult GI bleed) rather than being dismissed as "normal aging." **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR):** GFR decreases by approximately **1 mL/min/1.73m² per year** after the age of 40 due to nephrosclerosis and a reduction in the number of functional nephrons [1]. * **Glucose Tolerance:** Glucose tolerance decreases with age [1]. This is due to increased peripheral insulin resistance and a decline in pancreatic beta-cell sensitivity, leading to higher postprandial glucose levels. * **Blood Pressure:** Systolic blood pressure typically **increases** with age due to decreased arterial compliance and increased stiffness of the large arteries (arteriosclerosis) [1]. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Creatinine vs. GFR:** In the elderly, serum creatinine may remain within the "normal range" despite a significantly reduced GFR because of decreased muscle mass (sarcopenia). * **Vital Capacity:** While Total Lung Capacity remains constant, **Residual Volume increases** and **Vital Capacity decreases** with age [1]. * **Liver Function:** Liver enzymes (ALT/AST) and bilirubin levels generally remain stable, though hepatic blood flow and liver mass decrease. [1]
Practice by Chapter
Biology of Aging
Practice Questions
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Practice Questions
Geriatric Syndromes
Practice Questions
Frailty and Sarcopenia
Practice Questions
Polypharmacy and Deprescribing
Practice Questions
Falls and Fracture Prevention
Practice Questions
Dementia and Cognitive Impairment
Practice Questions
Delirium Management
Practice Questions
End-of-Life Care
Practice Questions
Elder Abuse and Neglect
Practice Questions
Geriatric Rehabilitation
Practice Questions
Long-term Care and Community Services
Practice Questions
Want unlimited practice?
Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.
Start For Free