NCCPA CAQ Geriatrics study plan

Map the exam blueprint into a one-page topic inventory covering atypical presentation, polypharmacy, falls, delirium, dementia, incontinence, and pressure injury

Explain how physiologic aging changes pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including reduced renal clearance, lower serum albumin, and increased CNS sensitivity

Apply Beers Criteria and STOPP/START to a list of ten commonly prescribed medications in older adults and justify each discontinuation

Draft a personal baseline self-assessment scoring confidence from 1 to 5 on each blueprint topic

Differentiate delirium, dementia, and depression using validated screening tools and describe precipitating factors for each

Outline a stepwise workup for acute altered mental status in an older adult, including medication review, metabolic panel, infection screen, and pain assessment

Describe nonpharmacologic prevention strategies for delirium in hospitalized patients and the evidence behind them

Compare classes of cognitive-enhancing medications by mechanism, adverse effects, and monitoring needs

Perform a structured falls risk assessment and distinguish intrinsic from extrinsic contributors

Describe gait and balance evaluation components and when to refer for physical therapy or specialist assessment

Explain bone health screening intervals, fracture risk assessment, and when to initiate or stop osteoporosis pharmacotherapy

Summarize deprescribing strategies for sedative-hypnotics and antihypertensives linked to orthostasis and falls

Classify urinary incontinence subtypes and match behavioral, pharmacologic, and device-based management to each

Describe evaluation and conservative management of fecal incontinence and constipation in frail older adults

Outline pressure injury staging, risk assessment, offloading, and nutrition support principles

Explain wound care selection based on tissue type, exudate level, and infection status

Describe cardiovascular changes of aging and adjust management of hypertension, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation for older adults

Explain anticoagulation selection and bleeding risk tradeoffs in older adults with atrial fibrillation and falls

Summarize diabetes management targets and deprescribing of tight glycemic control in frail patients

Outline thyroid, renal, and electrolyte considerations that differ in older adults

Describe atypical presentations of infection in older adults and appropriate diagnostic stewardship for urinary tract symptoms

Outline immunization schedules and preventive screening decisions individualized by life expectancy and goals of care

Explain pain assessment in cognitively impaired adults and safe analgesic selection including opioid and adjuvant choices

Summarize pressure ulcer, malnutrition, and dehydration prevention in long-term care settings

Apply a structured goals-of-care conversation framework including capacity assessment and surrogate decision-making

Differentiate palliative care from hospice eligibility and describe symptom management at end of life

Describe elder mistreatment screening, mandatory reporting obligations, and capacity evaluation steps

Explain driving, home safety, and caregiver burden assessment and available supports

Complete timed practice sets under exam conditions and review every missed item to its underlying concept

Revisit all previously missed concepts and confirm corrected reasoning with a written explanation

Consolidate high-yield facts on atypical presentation, polypharmacy, falls, and delirium into a final review sheet

Re-rate confidence on the baseline topic inventory to identify residual weak areas