WGU SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING GERONTOLOGICAL
NURSING EXAMINATION -2026| THEORIES OF
AGING
Course Title: Theories of Aging and Gerontological Practice
Course Code: NUR 301
Academic Year: 2025/2026
Level: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) / Advanced Diploma
1. Which of the following statements most accurately conveys an aspect of the error theory of
aging?
A) Perpetuation of DNA mutations results in organ and system malfunction.
B) Age-related dysfunction of organs, tissues, and body systems results in mutation of body
DNA.
C) The number of cell divisions is genetically predetermined.
D) Errors in the function of various organs contribute to changes in the genetic code of various
body cells.
Ans: A
Feedback:
The error theory of aging proposes that genetic mutations are perpetuated through the aging
process, resulting in organ malfunction and eventual decline in body function. Organ
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,malfunction results from, but does not cause, the genetic mutations in question. A genetic
predetermination of the number of cell divisions is associated with the programmed theory of
aging.
2. The error theory of aging proposes a cause-and-effect relationship between the genetic
activity of body cells and the effects of aging. Place the following steps in the error theory of
aging in the correct chronological order. Use all the options.
A) Organ, tissue, and system malfunction
B) Perpetuation of mutation during cell divisions
C) DNA mutation
D) Overall decline in body functions
E) Decline in body functions
Ans: C, B, E, A, D
Feedback:
The error theory of aging proposes that DNA mutations occur on a single-cell level and are
perpetuated in subsequent cell divisions. The overall number of mutant cells in the body
increases and causes deleterious effects on tissues and systems and eventual decline in body
function.
3. A nurse is explaining to an older adult client that many of the changes in his body that are
currently causing him frustration may have their origins in genetic changes that may have in fact
benefited him during his younger years. Which of the following theories of aging underlies the
nurse's explanation?
A) Disposable soma theory
B) Free radical theory
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, C) Mutation accumulation theory
D) Antagonistic pleiotropy theory
Ans: D
Feedback:
Antagonistic pleiotropy theory proposes that genetic mutations that are problematic in later life
may be rooted in mutation that played a beneficial role earlier in life. This perspective is not a
component of the disposable soma theory, free radical theory, or mutation accumulation
theory.
4. An 80-year-old female who enjoys good health explains to her primary care provider that she
attributes her health status to her regular intake of berries, fruit juices, and green tea, which she
states "help cleanse the damaging molecules out of my body." Which of the following theories
of aging underlies the client's health behaviors?
A) Free radical theory
B) Biogerontology
C) Disposable soma theory
D) Cross-linking theory
Ans: A
Feedback:
The free radical theory of aging attributes damage to the accumulation of free radicals that may
be countered by the intake of antioxidants. This is not an explicit component of the disposable
soma or cross-linking theory of aging. Biogerontology is the study of the relationship between
aging and disease.
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DEPARTMENT OF NURSING GERONTOLOGICAL
NURSING EXAMINATION -2026| THEORIES OF
AGING
Course Title: Theories of Aging and Gerontological Practice
Course Code: NUR 301
Academic Year: 2025/2026
Level: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) / Advanced Diploma
1. Which of the following statements most accurately conveys an aspect of the error theory of
aging?
A) Perpetuation of DNA mutations results in organ and system malfunction.
B) Age-related dysfunction of organs, tissues, and body systems results in mutation of body
DNA.
C) The number of cell divisions is genetically predetermined.
D) Errors in the function of various organs contribute to changes in the genetic code of various
body cells.
Ans: A
Feedback:
The error theory of aging proposes that genetic mutations are perpetuated through the aging
process, resulting in organ malfunction and eventual decline in body function. Organ
1|Page
,malfunction results from, but does not cause, the genetic mutations in question. A genetic
predetermination of the number of cell divisions is associated with the programmed theory of
aging.
2. The error theory of aging proposes a cause-and-effect relationship between the genetic
activity of body cells and the effects of aging. Place the following steps in the error theory of
aging in the correct chronological order. Use all the options.
A) Organ, tissue, and system malfunction
B) Perpetuation of mutation during cell divisions
C) DNA mutation
D) Overall decline in body functions
E) Decline in body functions
Ans: C, B, E, A, D
Feedback:
The error theory of aging proposes that DNA mutations occur on a single-cell level and are
perpetuated in subsequent cell divisions. The overall number of mutant cells in the body
increases and causes deleterious effects on tissues and systems and eventual decline in body
function.
3. A nurse is explaining to an older adult client that many of the changes in his body that are
currently causing him frustration may have their origins in genetic changes that may have in fact
benefited him during his younger years. Which of the following theories of aging underlies the
nurse's explanation?
A) Disposable soma theory
B) Free radical theory
2|Page
, C) Mutation accumulation theory
D) Antagonistic pleiotropy theory
Ans: D
Feedback:
Antagonistic pleiotropy theory proposes that genetic mutations that are problematic in later life
may be rooted in mutation that played a beneficial role earlier in life. This perspective is not a
component of the disposable soma theory, free radical theory, or mutation accumulation
theory.
4. An 80-year-old female who enjoys good health explains to her primary care provider that she
attributes her health status to her regular intake of berries, fruit juices, and green tea, which she
states "help cleanse the damaging molecules out of my body." Which of the following theories
of aging underlies the client's health behaviors?
A) Free radical theory
B) Biogerontology
C) Disposable soma theory
D) Cross-linking theory
Ans: A
Feedback:
The free radical theory of aging attributes damage to the accumulation of free radicals that may
be countered by the intake of antioxidants. This is not an explicit component of the disposable
soma or cross-linking theory of aging. Biogerontology is the study of the relationship between
aging and disease.
3|Page
