NUR 255 Exam 1 Review: Aging, Chronic Illness & Mental Health 2026
Galen College
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body’s cells are damaged over time
by byproduct molecules of metabolism?
A. Programmed Longevity Theory
B. Wear and Tear Theory
C. Free Radical Theory
D. Cross-Link Theory
Answer: C
Rationale: The Free Radical Theory posits that aerobic metabolism produces free radicals
which damage cell membranes and DNA, contributing to aging.
2. In the SPICES assessment tool used for geriatric patients, what does the ‘I’
represent?
A. Infection
B. Immobility
C. Incontinence
D. Insomnia
Answer: C
Rationale: SPICES stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating or feeding,
Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown.
,3. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the
primary task of the older adult?
A. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: A
Rationale: Older adults (65+) face Ego Integrity vs. Despair, where they reflect on life and
feel either a sense of fulfillment or regret.
4. Which of the following is an example of secondary prevention?
A. Administering a flu vaccine
B. Providing physical therapy after a stroke
C. Screening for colon cancer via colonoscopy
D. Teaching a patient about a low-sodium diet
Answer: C
Rationale: Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and screening to catch disease
in its early stages.
5. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient who suddenly becomes confused and
agitated. This behavior is most characteristic of:
A. Delirium
B. Depression
C. Alzheimer’s Disease
D. Vascular Dementia
Answer: A
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and is often
reversible if the underlying cause is treated.
, 6. Which chronic illness trajectory stage involves a sudden onset of severe
symptoms or a life-threatening situation?
A. Acute Phase
B. Unstable Phase
C. Crisis Phase
D. Downward Phase
Answer: C
Rationale: The Crisis phase in the Chronic Illness Trajectory Framework represents a life-
threatening situation requiring emergency care.
7. The Beers Criteria is primarily used to identify:
A. Inappropriate medications for older adults
B. Nutritional deficiencies in the elderly
C. Cognitive decline in dementia patients
D. Standard of care for end-of-life patients
Answer: A
Rationale: The Beers Criteria is a list of medications that are potentially inappropriate for
older adults due to high risk of adverse effects.
8. Which type of incontinence is characterized by the involuntary loss of urine
due to physical exertion, sneezing, or coughing?
A. Urge Incontinence
B. Overflow Incontinence
C. Stress Incontinence
D. Functional Incontinence
Answer: C
Rationale: Stress incontinence occurs when increased intra-abdominal pressure puts
‘stress’ on the bladder, leading to leakage.
Galen College
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body’s cells are damaged over time
by byproduct molecules of metabolism?
A. Programmed Longevity Theory
B. Wear and Tear Theory
C. Free Radical Theory
D. Cross-Link Theory
Answer: C
Rationale: The Free Radical Theory posits that aerobic metabolism produces free radicals
which damage cell membranes and DNA, contributing to aging.
2. In the SPICES assessment tool used for geriatric patients, what does the ‘I’
represent?
A. Infection
B. Immobility
C. Incontinence
D. Insomnia
Answer: C
Rationale: SPICES stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating or feeding,
Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown.
,3. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the
primary task of the older adult?
A. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: A
Rationale: Older adults (65+) face Ego Integrity vs. Despair, where they reflect on life and
feel either a sense of fulfillment or regret.
4. Which of the following is an example of secondary prevention?
A. Administering a flu vaccine
B. Providing physical therapy after a stroke
C. Screening for colon cancer via colonoscopy
D. Teaching a patient about a low-sodium diet
Answer: C
Rationale: Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and screening to catch disease
in its early stages.
5. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient who suddenly becomes confused and
agitated. This behavior is most characteristic of:
A. Delirium
B. Depression
C. Alzheimer’s Disease
D. Vascular Dementia
Answer: A
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and is often
reversible if the underlying cause is treated.
, 6. Which chronic illness trajectory stage involves a sudden onset of severe
symptoms or a life-threatening situation?
A. Acute Phase
B. Unstable Phase
C. Crisis Phase
D. Downward Phase
Answer: C
Rationale: The Crisis phase in the Chronic Illness Trajectory Framework represents a life-
threatening situation requiring emergency care.
7. The Beers Criteria is primarily used to identify:
A. Inappropriate medications for older adults
B. Nutritional deficiencies in the elderly
C. Cognitive decline in dementia patients
D. Standard of care for end-of-life patients
Answer: A
Rationale: The Beers Criteria is a list of medications that are potentially inappropriate for
older adults due to high risk of adverse effects.
8. Which type of incontinence is characterized by the involuntary loss of urine
due to physical exertion, sneezing, or coughing?
A. Urge Incontinence
B. Overflow Incontinence
C. Stress Incontinence
D. Functional Incontinence
Answer: C
Rationale: Stress incontinence occurs when increased intra-abdominal pressure puts
‘stress’ on the bladder, leading to leakage.
