Preparing for the Gerontological Nurse Certification Exam
With excerpts from Gerontological Nurse Certification Review, Third Edition, by Alison E. Kris, RN, PhD
Preparing for the Gerontological Nurse certification exam can feel overwhelming—but remember, you already bring valuable nursing expertise to the table. To boost your success, focus your study time on the most common health conditions and challenges affecting older adults.
Focus on Red-Flag Conditions
Much of the exam centers on assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating outcomes for conditions that older adults frequently face. These “red-flag problems” are essential areas to master:
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Heart failure
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Hypertension
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Hypotension
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Coronary artery disease
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Myocardial infarction
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Peripheral vascular disease
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Pneumonia
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Emphysema
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Peptic ulcer disease
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Diverticulosis
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Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
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Urinary incontinence
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Anemia
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Osteoporosis
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Osteoarthritis
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Hip fractures
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Diabetes mellitus
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Thyroid disease
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Causes of confusion: depression, delirium, dementia
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Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
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Parkinson’s disease
How to Approach Your Study
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Review Core Content: Strengthen weaker areas by revisiting chapters on each condition in the Gerontological Nurse Certification Review.
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Test Yourself Often: Complete the practice questions after each content area to reinforce learning.
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Track Trouble Spots: Pay close attention to questions you miss on practice tests—reviewing those will directly boost your exam readiness.
Recommended Resource
For the most comprehensive prep, use:
This guide includes in-depth coverage of red-flag problems, evidence-based care strategies, and extensive practice questions to ensure you’re confident on test day.
Resources
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Kris, A. E. (2015). Gerontological Nurse Certification Review, Second Edition. New York: Springer Publishing.
👉 Ready to start preparing? Explore our Gerontological Nurse Certification Overview for exam details, timelines, and additional support.
