NU176 EXAM 1: (Latest 2026/2027) Gerontology, Aging Theories,
Holistic Care, Physiological Changes & Legal/Ethical Issues | Q&A
Grade A
Complete Review: Demographics, Normal Age‑Related Changes, Psychological Theories, Patient Rights, Medicare/Medicaid,
Nutrition & Nursing Interventions
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Gerontology / NU 176 Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What percentage of the population is older adults (age 65 and up)?
CORRECT ANSWER
14% (approximately). By 2030, expected to be 19%.
RATIONALE
• Baby boomers (born 1946‑1964) make up about 30% of the population.
• By 2030, about 9.6 million people will be age 85 and older.
• This demographic shift has major implications for healthcare.
Q2
What is the difference between geriatrics and gerontology?
CORRECT ANSWER
Geriatrics = medical treatment and care of the elderly. Gerontology = study of the aging process.
RATIONALE
• Geriatrics focuses on clinical care of older adults.
• Gerontology is a broader field encompassing biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.
• Both are essential for comprehensive elder care.
, Q3
What is holistic care?
CORRECT ANSWER
Healing the whole person – body, mind, socialization, and spirit.
RATIONALE
• Holistic care weaves together technical skills and social science skills.
• The critical activity to promote holistic care is listening.
• Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring emphasizes transpersonal caring.
Q4
What is gerotranscendence?
CORRECT ANSWER
As people age, they transcend limited views of life, desire a life significant to self and others, with less
material possessions and meaningless relationships. Begins at approximately 65 years until death.
RATIONALE
• Erikson's final psychosocial stage: Integrity vs. Despair.
• Wisdom enables a person to look back with closure and accept death without fear.
• Successful aging involves finding meaning and purpose.
Q5
Which physiological theory of aging states that body parts wear out as they age?
CORRECT ANSWER
Wear and tear theory (all life is a fine‑tuned machine; body parts wear out with use).
RATIONALE
• Other theories: genetic factors (predetermined lifespan), nutrient theory (quality of life depends on nutrition).
• Psychological theories: subculture, continuity, integrity vs. despair.
• Exercise and diet can slow age‑related musculoskeletal changes.
Holistic Care, Physiological Changes & Legal/Ethical Issues | Q&A
Grade A
Complete Review: Demographics, Normal Age‑Related Changes, Psychological Theories, Patient Rights, Medicare/Medicaid,
Nutrition & Nursing Interventions
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Gerontology / NU 176 Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What percentage of the population is older adults (age 65 and up)?
CORRECT ANSWER
14% (approximately). By 2030, expected to be 19%.
RATIONALE
• Baby boomers (born 1946‑1964) make up about 30% of the population.
• By 2030, about 9.6 million people will be age 85 and older.
• This demographic shift has major implications for healthcare.
Q2
What is the difference between geriatrics and gerontology?
CORRECT ANSWER
Geriatrics = medical treatment and care of the elderly. Gerontology = study of the aging process.
RATIONALE
• Geriatrics focuses on clinical care of older adults.
• Gerontology is a broader field encompassing biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.
• Both are essential for comprehensive elder care.
, Q3
What is holistic care?
CORRECT ANSWER
Healing the whole person – body, mind, socialization, and spirit.
RATIONALE
• Holistic care weaves together technical skills and social science skills.
• The critical activity to promote holistic care is listening.
• Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring emphasizes transpersonal caring.
Q4
What is gerotranscendence?
CORRECT ANSWER
As people age, they transcend limited views of life, desire a life significant to self and others, with less
material possessions and meaningless relationships. Begins at approximately 65 years until death.
RATIONALE
• Erikson's final psychosocial stage: Integrity vs. Despair.
• Wisdom enables a person to look back with closure and accept death without fear.
• Successful aging involves finding meaning and purpose.
Q5
Which physiological theory of aging states that body parts wear out as they age?
CORRECT ANSWER
Wear and tear theory (all life is a fine‑tuned machine; body parts wear out with use).
RATIONALE
• Other theories: genetic factors (predetermined lifespan), nutrient theory (quality of life depends on nutrition).
• Psychological theories: subculture, continuity, integrity vs. despair.
• Exercise and diet can slow age‑related musculoskeletal changes.
