NUR 255 Exam 1: Aging, Chronic Illness & Mental Health 2026 Galen
Nursing
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body functions like a machine and
that parts eventually break down after years of use?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Wear-and-Tear Theory
C. Programmed Aging Theory
D. Gene Theory
Answer: B
Rationale: The Wear-and-Tear Theory proposes that the human body wears out over time
due to repeated use and environmental stressors, similar to a machine.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the
primary task of the older adult?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson identified the final stage of life as Integrity vs. Despair, where
individuals reflect on their lives and feel a sense of fulfillment or regret.
,3. A nurse is assessing an older adult for signs of dehydration. Which
physiological change of aging makes this assessment more difficult?
A. Increased thirst perception
B. Decreased skin turgor and elasticity
C. Increased total body water
D. Enhanced renal concentration ability
Answer: B
Rationale: Aging leads to a natural loss of skin elasticity and subcutaneous fat, making skin
turgor an unreliable indicator of hydration status in older adults.
4. Which of the following is considered an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living
(IADL)?
A. Bathing
B. Dressing
C. Toileting
D. Managing finances
Answer: D
Rationale: IADLs are complex tasks required for independent living in the community,
such as managing finances, shopping, or using a telephone, whereas ADLs are basic self-
care tasks.
5. What is the primary characteristic of Delirium that distinguishes it from
Dementia?
A. Slow, insidious onset
B. Acute onset and fluctuating course
C. Irreversible cognitive decline
D. Normal level of consciousness
Answer: B
, Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset (hours to days), a fluctuating
course, and an altered level of consciousness, whereas Dementia is gradual and
progressive.
6. An older adult patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion and visual
hallucinations. What should the nurse prioritize?
A. Referring the patient for a neuropsychological exam
B. Starting the patient on an antidepressant
C. Assessing for a urinary tract infection (UTI)
D. Admitting the patient to a long-term memory care unit
Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden confusion (delirium) in older adults is often caused by an underlying
medical issue, with infections like UTIs being a very common trigger.
7. Which of the following describes ‘Presbycusis’ in the aging population?
A. Loss of central vision
B. Decreased sense of taste
C. Inability to focus on near objects
D. Sensorineural hearing loss of high-pitched sounds
Answer: D
Rationale: Presbycusis is the most common type of Sensorineural Hearing Loss caused by
the natural aging of the auditory system, primarily affecting high-frequency sounds.
8. What does the ‘S’ in the geriatric assessment tool SPICES stand for?
A. Sleep disorders
B. Socialization
C. Sensory impairment
D. Skin integrity
Answer: A
Nursing
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body functions like a machine and
that parts eventually break down after years of use?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Wear-and-Tear Theory
C. Programmed Aging Theory
D. Gene Theory
Answer: B
Rationale: The Wear-and-Tear Theory proposes that the human body wears out over time
due to repeated use and environmental stressors, similar to a machine.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the
primary task of the older adult?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson identified the final stage of life as Integrity vs. Despair, where
individuals reflect on their lives and feel a sense of fulfillment or regret.
,3. A nurse is assessing an older adult for signs of dehydration. Which
physiological change of aging makes this assessment more difficult?
A. Increased thirst perception
B. Decreased skin turgor and elasticity
C. Increased total body water
D. Enhanced renal concentration ability
Answer: B
Rationale: Aging leads to a natural loss of skin elasticity and subcutaneous fat, making skin
turgor an unreliable indicator of hydration status in older adults.
4. Which of the following is considered an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living
(IADL)?
A. Bathing
B. Dressing
C. Toileting
D. Managing finances
Answer: D
Rationale: IADLs are complex tasks required for independent living in the community,
such as managing finances, shopping, or using a telephone, whereas ADLs are basic self-
care tasks.
5. What is the primary characteristic of Delirium that distinguishes it from
Dementia?
A. Slow, insidious onset
B. Acute onset and fluctuating course
C. Irreversible cognitive decline
D. Normal level of consciousness
Answer: B
, Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset (hours to days), a fluctuating
course, and an altered level of consciousness, whereas Dementia is gradual and
progressive.
6. An older adult patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion and visual
hallucinations. What should the nurse prioritize?
A. Referring the patient for a neuropsychological exam
B. Starting the patient on an antidepressant
C. Assessing for a urinary tract infection (UTI)
D. Admitting the patient to a long-term memory care unit
Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden confusion (delirium) in older adults is often caused by an underlying
medical issue, with infections like UTIs being a very common trigger.
7. Which of the following describes ‘Presbycusis’ in the aging population?
A. Loss of central vision
B. Decreased sense of taste
C. Inability to focus on near objects
D. Sensorineural hearing loss of high-pitched sounds
Answer: D
Rationale: Presbycusis is the most common type of Sensorineural Hearing Loss caused by
the natural aging of the auditory system, primarily affecting high-frequency sounds.
8. What does the ‘S’ in the geriatric assessment tool SPICES stand for?
A. Sleep disorders
B. Socialization
C. Sensory impairment
D. Skin integrity
Answer: A
