NU176 | NU 176 Geriatric Nursing Exam 1 v2 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body is like a machine, which functions at
peak performance during the early years but begins to deteriorate due to use over
time?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Cross-Link Theory
D. Continuity Theory
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory compares the human body to a
machine that wears out over time due to repeated use and stress. This theory
implies that internal and external stressors cause irreversible damage to cells and
organs. It is one of the oldest biological theories of aging and emphasizes the role of
environmental factors in the aging process.
2. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient using the Katz Index. What is this tool
primarily used to evaluate?
A. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
,B. Risk for falling in the home
C. Cognitive impairment and dementia
D. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living is
a tool used to assess a patient’s ability to perform basic self-care tasks. It measures
six functions: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding. This
assessment is critical for determining the level of assistance or care an older adult
requires to remain safe.
3. What is the primary goal of the ‘Beers Criteria’ in geriatric nursing?
A. To identify potentially inappropriate medications for the elderly
B. To diagnose clinical depression in older adults
C. To assess the nutritional status of long-term care residents
D. To provide a scale for pressure ulcer risk assessment
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria is a list of medications that should be
avoided or used with caution in older adults due to a high risk of adverse effects. It
helps healthcare providers minimize polypharmacy and prevent drug-related
,problems in the geriatric population. Following these guidelines is essential for
promoting safety and improving clinical outcomes for seniors.
4. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage is
characteristic of late adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erik Erikson’s
theory, occurring from age 65 until death. During this stage, individuals reflect on
their lives and feel either a sense of fulfillment or regret. Achieving integrity means
accepting one’s life as having been meaningful, whereas failure leads to feelings of
bitterness and despair.
5. An older adult patient presents with sudden confusion, fluctuating levels of
consciousness, and disturbed sleep-wake cycles. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Depression
, C. Delirium
D. Normal age-related cognitive decline
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion and
changes in cognition that often fluctuate throughout the day. Unlike dementia,
delirium is typically reversible and often triggered by an underlying medical
condition, such as infection or medication side effects. It is considered a medical
emergency in the elderly population and requires immediate investigation.
6. Which psychological theory of aging proposes that older adults should remain
active and social to maintain a high quality of life?
A. Activity Theory
B. Disengagement Theory
C. Gerotranscendence Theory
D. Modernization Theory
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Activity Theory suggests that there is a positive correlation
between keeping active and aging well. It posits that the social and psychological
needs of older adults are no different from those in middle age. By maintaining
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body is like a machine, which functions at
peak performance during the early years but begins to deteriorate due to use over
time?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Cross-Link Theory
D. Continuity Theory
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory compares the human body to a
machine that wears out over time due to repeated use and stress. This theory
implies that internal and external stressors cause irreversible damage to cells and
organs. It is one of the oldest biological theories of aging and emphasizes the role of
environmental factors in the aging process.
2. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient using the Katz Index. What is this tool
primarily used to evaluate?
A. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
,B. Risk for falling in the home
C. Cognitive impairment and dementia
D. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living is
a tool used to assess a patient’s ability to perform basic self-care tasks. It measures
six functions: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding. This
assessment is critical for determining the level of assistance or care an older adult
requires to remain safe.
3. What is the primary goal of the ‘Beers Criteria’ in geriatric nursing?
A. To identify potentially inappropriate medications for the elderly
B. To diagnose clinical depression in older adults
C. To assess the nutritional status of long-term care residents
D. To provide a scale for pressure ulcer risk assessment
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Beers Criteria is a list of medications that should be
avoided or used with caution in older adults due to a high risk of adverse effects. It
helps healthcare providers minimize polypharmacy and prevent drug-related
,problems in the geriatric population. Following these guidelines is essential for
promoting safety and improving clinical outcomes for seniors.
4. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage is
characteristic of late adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erik Erikson’s
theory, occurring from age 65 until death. During this stage, individuals reflect on
their lives and feel either a sense of fulfillment or regret. Achieving integrity means
accepting one’s life as having been meaningful, whereas failure leads to feelings of
bitterness and despair.
5. An older adult patient presents with sudden confusion, fluctuating levels of
consciousness, and disturbed sleep-wake cycles. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Depression
, C. Delirium
D. Normal age-related cognitive decline
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion and
changes in cognition that often fluctuate throughout the day. Unlike dementia,
delirium is typically reversible and often triggered by an underlying medical
condition, such as infection or medication side effects. It is considered a medical
emergency in the elderly population and requires immediate investigation.
6. Which psychological theory of aging proposes that older adults should remain
active and social to maintain a high quality of life?
A. Activity Theory
B. Disengagement Theory
C. Gerotranscendence Theory
D. Modernization Theory
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Activity Theory suggests that there is a positive correlation
between keeping active and aging well. It posits that the social and psychological
needs of older adults are no different from those in middle age. By maintaining
