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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Put Your Geriatric Medical Terms Knowledge to the Test!

Ready for a senior medical terminology quiz? Test your elderly health vocabulary now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art icons of stethoscope, pill bottle, medical symbols and text for geriatric medical terms quiz on teal background

Ready to challenge yourself with our trivia for the elderly questions and answers? Dive into our geriatric medical terms quiz and senior medical terminology quiz to brush up on key gerontology terms trivia and expand your elderly health vocabulary trivia. Whether you're a seasoned caregiver, retiree, or simply curious about aging well, this free trivia offers friendly prompts and instant feedback. Explore topics from dementia care to common treatments in our trivia for seniors with dementia and sharpen your skills with a fun medical terminology quiz . Test your knowledge today!

What does the term "gerontology" refer to?
A dietary supplement for seniors
The study of the aging process and older adults
A skin condition common in elderly patients
A bone density measurement
Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging and the challenges faced by older adults. It covers biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging to improve care and quality of life. This field informs practices in healthcare, policy, and community support for seniors. WHO Ageing and Health
Which medical specialty focuses on health care of older adults?
Geriatrics
Pediatrics
Cardiology
Dermatology
Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in older adults. It aims to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in seniors. Geriatricians often work in interdisciplinary teams to address multiple health issues. American Geriatrics Society
What does "polypharmacy" mean?
A type of physical therapy
A skin infection
Use of multiple medications by a patient
A surgical procedure
Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications by a single patient, often more than clinically necessary. It is common in elderly populations due to multiple chronic conditions. Managing polypharmacy is crucial to reduce adverse drug events. NIH on Polypharmacy
Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of what?
Skin elasticity
Cognitive function
Bone density
Muscle mass and strength
Sarcopenia is characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with aging. It increases the risk of falls, fractures, and disability in older adults. Resistance exercise and adequate protein intake can help mitigate sarcopenia. WHO Sarcopenia Fact Sheet
What is "dementia"?
A blood disorder
A decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life
An infectious disease
A mood disorder
Dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Early diagnosis and management can improve quality of life. Alzheimer's Association
Which term describes involuntary loss of bladder control?
Constipation
Syncope
Edema
Incontinence
Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, a common issue in older populations. It can result from weak pelvic floor muscles, neurological damage, or medications. Management includes behavioral therapy, pelvic exercises, and sometimes medication. NIDDK on Incontinence
What is osteoporosis?
A type of skin cancer
A joint inflammation
A muscle wasting disease
A condition of weakened bones prone to fracture
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased fracture risk. It is common in postmenopausal women and older men. Calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise help prevent it. WHO on Osteoporosis
What does "presbyopia" refer to?
Hearing loss in older adults
Age-related difficulty focusing on near objects
Joint stiffness
Memory decline
Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, common after age 40. It results from stiffening of the lens inside the eye. Reading glasses or multifocal lenses correct presbyopia. American Academy of Ophthalmology
Hypotension means:
Fast heart rate
High blood sugar
Abnormally low blood pressure
High blood pressure
Hypotension refers to blood pressure lower than the normal range, often defined as systolic <90 mm Hg or diastolic <60 mm Hg. It can cause dizziness and weakness, especially when standing (orthostatic hypotension). Treatment depends on cause and severity. American Heart Association
What is hypertension?
Abnormally high blood pressure
Low blood pressure
High cholesterol
Low blood sugar
Hypertension is persistently elevated arterial blood pressure, typically defined as ?130/80 mm Hg. It increases risks of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. Lifestyle changes and medications manage hypertension. WHO on Hypertension
Arthralgia means:
Muscle spasm
Skin rash
Bone fracture
Joint pain
Arthralgia refers to pain in one or more joints without inflammation. It is common in osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions in older adults. Treatment focuses on pain relief and physical therapy. ACR on Arthralgia
Cachexia is characterized by:
High fever
Severe weight loss with muscle wasting
Excessive thirst
Swelling of limbs
Cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome associated with underlying illness, characterized by loss of muscle with or without fat loss. It is common in chronic diseases like cancer, heart failure, and COPD in the elderly. Nutritional support and treating underlying conditions can help. NIH on Cachexia
Dehydration in older adults often presents with:
Tinnitus
Skin rash
High blood sugar
Confusion and low urine output
Dehydration occurs when fluid loss exceeds intake, leading to symptoms like confusion, dry mucous membranes, and low urine output. Older adults are at higher risk due to reduced thirst sensation and kidney function. Early recognition and rehydration are key. NIA on Dehydration
Delirium refers to:
A chronic memory disorder
An acute and fluctuating disturbance in attention and awareness
A sensory impairment
A type of depression
Delirium is an acute change in mental status with inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered consciousness that fluctuates over hours or days. It often results from infection, medication changes, or metabolic disturbances in older adults. Prompt identification and treatment of underlying causes are essential. NIH on Delirium
Presbycusis is age-related:
Skin thinning
Hearing loss
Vision loss
Memory decline
Presbycusis is the gradual, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss associated with aging. It affects the ability to hear higher frequencies and speech clarity. Hearing aids and assistive devices improve communication. NCBI on Presbycusis
What is myocardial infarction commonly known as?
Cardiac arrest
Heart attack
Stroke
Angina
Myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, leading to tissue damage. Commonly called a heart attack, MI presents with chest pain and shortness of breath. Rapid reperfusion therapy improves outcomes. WHO on Cardiovascular Diseases
"Frailty syndrome" in geriatrics refers to:
Acute infection in the elderly
A type of dementia
A reduced physiologic reserve leading to vulnerability
Osteoarthritis flare-ups
Frailty syndrome is characterized by decreased strength, endurance, and physiological function, increasing vulnerability to stressors. It is assessed using criteria like unintentional weight loss and low grip strength. Early recognition guides interventions to improve resilience. NCBI on Frailty
Aphasia is a condition affecting:
Language and speech comprehension
Balance and coordination
Visual acuity
Blood clotting
Aphasia results from brain injury, often stroke, and impairs the ability to produce or understand language. It can affect speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension. Speech therapy is the primary treatment. ASHA on Aphasia
Dyspnea describes:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Irregular heartbeat
Swollen ankles
Dyspnea is the subjective sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing, common in heart and lung disorders. It warrants evaluation for conditions like COPD, heart failure, and anemia. Management targets underlying causes and symptom relief. ATS on Dyspnea
Dysphagia is difficulty with:
Swallowing
Vision
Speaking
Balance
Dysphagia refers to difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, often due to neurological disorders or structural abnormalities. It increases risk of aspiration pneumonia in older adults. Speech and swallow therapy and dietary adjustments are key treatments. NIDCD on Dysphagia
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in:
Cerebral vessels
Pulmonary arteries
Deep veins, usually in the legs
Coronary arteries
DVT is the formation of a blood clot in deep veins, most often of the legs. Risk factors include immobility, surgery, and age. It can lead to pulmonary embolism if untreated. CDC on DVT
BMI stands for:
Basic Metabolic Intake
Blood Metabolism Indicator
Bone Mineral Indicator
Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on weight and height (kg/m²). It categorizes underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. BMI guides nutritional and weight-management interventions. WHO on BMI
GFR is a test for:
Heart ejection fraction
Lung capacity
Kidney filtration rate
Liver enzyme function
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) estimates how well kidneys filter blood, based on creatinine levels. It stages chronic kidney disease and guides treatment. Lower GFR indicates reduced renal function. NKF on GFR
ADL in geriatric assessment stands for:
Activities of Daily Living
Advanced Drug List
Acute Disease Level
Age-Dependent Lab
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) are basic self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, and feeding. Assessment of ADLs gauges functional status and care needs in older adults. Impairment indicates need for support services. NCBI on ADLs
IADL assessments evaluate:
Immediate Advanced Dementia Level
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Internal Arterial Disease Load
Inpatient Admission Decision List
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) include complex tasks such as managing finances, transportation, and medication. IADL assessment helps determine an older adult's ability to live independently. Declines often precede ADL impairments. NCBI on IADLs
GERD stands for:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Generalized Endocrine Respiratory Disorder
Geriatric Eating and Rest Disorder
Gastric Enzyme Reaction Dysfunction
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation. It can lead to heartburn, regurgitation, and esophagitis. Lifestyle changes and medications are common treatments. NIDDK on GERD
Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in blood pressure when:
A person exercises
A person walks briskly
A person stands up from sitting or lying
A person lies down from standing
Orthostatic hypotension is a decrease in systolic (?20 mm Hg) or diastolic (?10 mm Hg) blood pressure within three minutes of standing. It results from impaired autonomic regulation or fluid imbalance. Symptoms include dizziness and risk of falls in the elderly. AHA on Orthostatic Hypotension
Anemia of chronic disease is typically characterized by:
Normal or increased iron stores with low serum iron
Vitamin B12 excess
Folate deficiency
Low ferritin and high transferrin
Anemia of chronic disease involves iron sequestration in macrophages, leading to low serum iron despite normal or high ferritin. It occurs in chronic infections, inflammatory conditions, and malignancies. Treatment targets the underlying condition. NCBI on Anemia of Chronic Disease
Delirium tremens is associated with:
Heart failure exacerbation
Acute alcohol withdrawal
Advanced Parkinson's disease
Severe dehydration
Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal characterized by confusion, hallucinations, and autonomic instability 48 - 96 hours after cessation. It has high mortality if untreated. Management includes benzodiazepines and supportive care. NCBI on Delirium Tremens
Osteomalacia is due to:
Defective bone mineralization in adults
Excessive calcium deposition
Cartilage overgrowth
Loss of bone matrix
Osteomalacia in adults is caused by inadequate mineralization of bone matrix, often due to vitamin D deficiency or phosphate depletion. It leads to bone pain and muscle weakness. Treatment involves correcting deficiencies. NCBI on Osteomalacia
Polyphagia refers to:
Excessive thirst
Sleepiness
Frequent urination
Excessive hunger and food intake
Polyphagia is an abnormally increased appetite, often seen in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. It occurs due to cellular starvation despite elevated blood glucose. Managing blood sugar levels reduces polyphagia. NCBI Clinical Overview
Xerostomia in elderly patients is often caused by:
Excessive salivary gland enlargement
Medication side effects reducing saliva production
Viral infection only
High water intake
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is commonly caused by medications like antihypertensives and antidepressants reducing saliva secretion. It can lead to difficulties in speaking, chewing, and increased dental decay. Management includes saliva substitutes and hydration. NCBI on Xerostomia
Presbycusis primarily affects which part of the ear?
Eardrum
Outer ear canal
Ear ossicles
Cochlea
Presbycusis is age-related sensorineural hearing loss due to degeneration of hair cells in the cochlea. It leads to difficulties hearing high-frequency sounds. Hearing aids compensate for cochlear deficits. NCBI on Presbycusis
Complex regional pain syndrome often follows:
Dental extraction
Urinary tract infection
Viral infection
Trauma or surgery to a limb
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition often triggered by limb trauma or surgery. It features pain disproportionate to injury, swelling, and autonomic changes. Early mobilization and pain management improve outcomes. Physio-Pedia on CRPS
The TUG test assesses:
Mobility and fall risk by timing a sit-to-walk-to-sit sequence
Nutritional status
Visual acuity
Cognitive function
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test measures time to stand from a chair, walk three meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. It evaluates mobility and fall risk in elderly patients. Times over 12 seconds indicate increased fall risk. NCBI on TUG Test
MMSE stands for:
Mini - Mental State Examination
Multidimensional Motor Scale Exam
Modified Mobility Score Evaluation
Major Memory Screening Estimate
The Mini - Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a 30-point questionnaire used to screen for cognitive impairment. It assesses domains like orientation, registration, attention, recall, and language. Scores help track cognitive changes over time. NCBI on MMSE
The Charlson Comorbidity Index predicts:
Risk of pressure ulcers
Degree of cognitive impairment
10-year mortality risk based on comorbid conditions
Severity of frailty
The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) assigns weighted scores to 19 comorbid conditions to estimate 10-year mortality risk. It is widely used in clinical research and prognostication. Higher scores correlate with poorer outcomes. NCBI on CCI
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) includes all EXCEPT:
Genetic screening panel
Cognitive assessment
Functional status evaluation
Medication review
A Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment evaluates medical, psychosocial, and functional capabilities to develop a coordinated care plan. It includes functional status, cognition, mood, comorbidities, medications, and social support. Genetic screening is not a routine CGA component. NCBI on CGA
The Beers Criteria is used to:
Screen for depression
Assess bone density
Identify potentially inappropriate medications for older adults
Evaluate diet quality
The Beers Criteria lists medications that are potentially inappropriate for use in older adults due to higher risk of adverse effects. It guides prescribers in safer medication choices. It is updated regularly by geriatric experts. AGS Beers Criteria
MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) screens for:
Cognitive impairment
Risk of malnutrition in the elderly
Bone mineral density
Cardiovascular fitness
The Mini Nutritional Assessment is a validated tool to assess nutritional status and risk of malnutrition in older adults. It includes anthropometric measurements, dietary questions, and global assessment. Early detection guides dietary interventions. MDPI on MNA
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Geriatric Medical Terms -

    Build a clear definition of common senior health vocabulary by engaging with each term presented in the geriatric medical terms quiz.

  2. Differentiate Similar Terminology -

    Distinguish between closely related gerontology terms trivia items, ensuring accurate use of concepts like polypharmacy versus pharmacovigilance.

  3. Apply Vocabulary in Context -

    Use the elderly health vocabulary trivia to practice integrating medical terms into patient care discussions and documentation.

  4. Recall Key Terms Effectively -

    Strengthen memory retention of senior medical terminology quiz items through repeated retrieval during the trivia for the elderly questions and answers.

  5. Analyze Quiz Feedback -

    Review correct and incorrect responses to the geriatric medical terms quiz to understand areas of strength and opportunities for further study.

  6. Identify Knowledge Gaps -

    Pinpoint specific categories of geriatric vocabulary where additional learning is needed, guiding targeted review and practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) -

    ADLs assess basic self-care tasks - bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding - using the Katz Index (0 - 6 points). This CMS-endorsed tool predicts functional decline and guides care planning. Use the mnemonic "BADLTF" (Bathing, Ambulation, Dressing, Toileting, Feeding) to recall each domain confidently.

  2. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) -

    The Lawton IADL Scale evaluates complex skills like shopping, housekeeping, managing finances, transportation, and medication management, scoring independence on an 0 - 8 scale. Higher scores correlate with greater community living potential, as outlined by the University of Toronto's geriatrics program. Remember "SHAM-F" (Shopping, Housekeeping, Accounting, Medicine, Food prep) to review key tasks quickly.

  3. Polypharmacy Risks and the Beers Criteria -

    Polypharmacy - taking five or more medications - heightens risks of falls, hospitalizations, and cognitive issues, per the American Geriatrics Society's Beers Criteria. Regularly applying STOPP/START guidelines can cut adverse events by up to 30%. Try the "PILLS" mnemonic (Potentially inappropriate, Interactions, Length of therapy, Levels to monitor, Side effect profile) for rapid medication checks.

  4. Sarcopenia and the SARC-F Questionnaire -

    Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, measured through grip strength, gait speed (<0.8 m/s), and DXA scans following EWGSOP2 criteria. The SARC-F tool (Strength, Assistance walking, Rise from chair, Climb stairs, Falls) flags individuals at risk with scores ≥4. Recall "Strong SARC-Faces Fragile Future" to cement each assessment domain.

  5. Delirium vs Dementia: Using the CAM Tool -

    The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) screens delirium by checking acute onset, inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered consciousness (requires features 1 + 2 + either 3 or 4). Recognized by NICE and the American Psychiatric Association for its accuracy, CAM helps differentiate delirium from chronic decline. Use the "ADOC" mnemonic (Acute, Distracted, Organization off, Consciousness changed) to recall key criteria.

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