NUR 255 Exam 1: Aging, Chronic Illness & Mental Health 2026 Galen
College
1. Which physiological change is considered a normal part of the aging process
regarding the integumentary system?
A. Increased production of sebum
B. Thickening of the epidermis
C. Increased subcutaneous fat in the extremities
D. Decreased elasticity and thinning of the dermis
Answer: D
Rationale: Aging causes a decrease in collagen and elastin, leading to thinner, less elastic
skin and a higher risk for tears.
2. An older adult presents with sudden onset confusion and fluctuates in
consciousness throughout the day. This is most characteristic of:
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in attention/consciousness.
,3. Which developmental stage of Erikson’s theory applies to the older adult
population (65+ years)?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: C
Rationale: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the stage where older adults reflect on their lives
and feel either satisfaction or regret.
4. When assessing an older adult for depression, the nurse should be aware that
symptoms often present as:
A. Physical complaints and somatic concerns
B. Extreme euphoria and mania
C. Consistent tearfulness and crying
D. Enhanced memory and focus
Answer: A
Rationale: Older adults often mask depression with physical symptoms like fatigue, pain,
or GI upset rather than verbalizing sadness.
5. Which of the following is the primary goal of chronic illness management?
A. Complete cure of the disease
B. Elimination of all medication use
C. Reduction of lifespan to avoid suffering
D. Symptom management and quality of life maintenance
Answer: D
Rationale: Chronic illnesses cannot be cured; management focuses on controlling
symptoms and maximizing functional status.
, 6. A 78-year-old patient has ‘presbycusis.’ Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Speak in a high-pitched, loud voice
B. Avoid communication to prevent frustration
C. Whisper directly into the patient’s ear
D. Face the patient and speak clearly in a lower tone
Answer: D
Rationale: Presbycusis is high-frequency hearing loss; speaking in a lower pitch while
facing the patient improves comprehension.
7. The ‘Beers Criteria’ is used primarily to identifies medications that are:
A. Cost-effective for older adults
B. Available over-the-counter only
C. Essential for all patients with dementia
D. Potentially inappropriate for the elderly
Answer: D
Rationale: The Beers Criteria lists medications that should be avoided or used with caution
in older adults due to high risk of adverse effects.
8. Which change in the cardiovascular system is common in aging?
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Decreased arterial stiffness
C. Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors
D. Increased maximal heart rate
Answer: C
Rationale: Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity increases the risk of orthostatic
hypotension in older adults.
College
1. Which physiological change is considered a normal part of the aging process
regarding the integumentary system?
A. Increased production of sebum
B. Thickening of the epidermis
C. Increased subcutaneous fat in the extremities
D. Decreased elasticity and thinning of the dermis
Answer: D
Rationale: Aging causes a decrease in collagen and elastin, leading to thinner, less elastic
skin and a higher risk for tears.
2. An older adult presents with sudden onset confusion and fluctuates in
consciousness throughout the day. This is most characteristic of:
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in attention/consciousness.
,3. Which developmental stage of Erikson’s theory applies to the older adult
population (65+ years)?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: C
Rationale: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the stage where older adults reflect on their lives
and feel either satisfaction or regret.
4. When assessing an older adult for depression, the nurse should be aware that
symptoms often present as:
A. Physical complaints and somatic concerns
B. Extreme euphoria and mania
C. Consistent tearfulness and crying
D. Enhanced memory and focus
Answer: A
Rationale: Older adults often mask depression with physical symptoms like fatigue, pain,
or GI upset rather than verbalizing sadness.
5. Which of the following is the primary goal of chronic illness management?
A. Complete cure of the disease
B. Elimination of all medication use
C. Reduction of lifespan to avoid suffering
D. Symptom management and quality of life maintenance
Answer: D
Rationale: Chronic illnesses cannot be cured; management focuses on controlling
symptoms and maximizing functional status.
, 6. A 78-year-old patient has ‘presbycusis.’ Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Speak in a high-pitched, loud voice
B. Avoid communication to prevent frustration
C. Whisper directly into the patient’s ear
D. Face the patient and speak clearly in a lower tone
Answer: D
Rationale: Presbycusis is high-frequency hearing loss; speaking in a lower pitch while
facing the patient improves comprehension.
7. The ‘Beers Criteria’ is used primarily to identifies medications that are:
A. Cost-effective for older adults
B. Available over-the-counter only
C. Essential for all patients with dementia
D. Potentially inappropriate for the elderly
Answer: D
Rationale: The Beers Criteria lists medications that should be avoided or used with caution
in older adults due to high risk of adverse effects.
8. Which change in the cardiovascular system is common in aging?
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Decreased arterial stiffness
C. Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors
D. Increased maximal heart rate
Answer: C
Rationale: Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity increases the risk of orthostatic
hypotension in older adults.
