Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which tool assesses functional status in older adults by evaluating tasks like managing finances and preparation of meals?

1. Activities of daily living test

2. "Get up and go" test

3. Vision test

4. Instrumental activities of daily living test

The correct answer is: Instrumental activities of daily living test

The Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) test is specifically designed to assess the functional status of older adults by evaluating more complex tasks necessary for independent living. These tasks include managing finances, preparing meals, shopping for groceries, using transportation, and performing household chores. This tool goes beyond basic self-care tasks (which are typically assessed by the Activities of Daily Living or ADL test) to evaluate higher-level cognitive functioning and the ability to handle day-to-day responsibilities. By assessing these instrumental activities, healthcare providers can better understand an elder's cognitive and physical capabilities, ultimately guiding interventions and support needed to maintain or improve independence. The other options, while important in their respective assessments, do not focus on the broader scope of functional status related to complex daily activities, which are crucial for evaluating overall independence in older adults.