PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 1 V2 |
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which demographic trend is currently the most significant factor affecting gerontological
nursing practice in the United States?
A. A decrease in the life expectancy of the average male.
B. A decline in the number of centenarians living in the community.
C. A rapid increase in the population over the age of 65.
D. The stabilization of the birth rate among younger generations.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The phenomenon often referred to as the ‘Silver Tsunami’ describes
the rapid growth of the older adult population. This shift is primarily driven by the aging
Baby Boomer generation and improvements in medical care. Nurses must be prepared for
an increased demand for specialized geriatric services as this demographic continues to
expand.
2. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, which conflict is most relevant to the older
adult population?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
,C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Erikson identified the final stage of life as Integrity vs. Despair, where
individuals reflect on their life achievements. Achieving integrity involves accepting one’s
life as meaningful and productive despite physical decline. Failure to achieve this leads to
despair, characterized by regret and fear of death.
3. A nurse is explaining the ‘Wear and Tear’ theory of aging to a patient. Which statement
best summarizes this theory?
A. Aging is programmed by a specific genetic clock.
B. The accumulation of free radicals causes cellular damage.
C. Body parts simply decline over time due to repeated use and stress.
D. The immune system loses the ability to distinguish self from non-self.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory suggests that the body functions like a
machine that eventually breaks down after years of use. Internal and external stressors
contribute to the gradual degradation of tissues and organs over time. This theory
emphasizes that physical decline is a natural consequence of the biological costs of living.
, 4. An older adult patient experiences a drop in blood pressure when moving from a lying to a
standing position. What is the correct term for this?
A. Hypertensive crisis
B. Orthostatic hypotension
C. Postprandial hypotension
D. Vasovagal syncope
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension is common in older adults due to age-related
changes in baroreceptor sensitivity. When a patient stands, the cardiovascular system fails
to constrict vessels quickly enough to maintain pressure to the brain. Nurses should
instruct patients to rise slowly and dangle their feet at the bedside to prevent falls.
5. Which of the following is considered a normal physiological change of the respiratory
system in the aging adult?
A. Increased elastic recoil of the lungs.
B. Decreased cough reflex and ciliary action.
C. Increased vital capacity.
D. Increased number of functional alveoli.
Correct Answer: B
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which demographic trend is currently the most significant factor affecting gerontological
nursing practice in the United States?
A. A decrease in the life expectancy of the average male.
B. A decline in the number of centenarians living in the community.
C. A rapid increase in the population over the age of 65.
D. The stabilization of the birth rate among younger generations.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The phenomenon often referred to as the ‘Silver Tsunami’ describes
the rapid growth of the older adult population. This shift is primarily driven by the aging
Baby Boomer generation and improvements in medical care. Nurses must be prepared for
an increased demand for specialized geriatric services as this demographic continues to
expand.
2. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, which conflict is most relevant to the older
adult population?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
,C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Erikson identified the final stage of life as Integrity vs. Despair, where
individuals reflect on their life achievements. Achieving integrity involves accepting one’s
life as meaningful and productive despite physical decline. Failure to achieve this leads to
despair, characterized by regret and fear of death.
3. A nurse is explaining the ‘Wear and Tear’ theory of aging to a patient. Which statement
best summarizes this theory?
A. Aging is programmed by a specific genetic clock.
B. The accumulation of free radicals causes cellular damage.
C. Body parts simply decline over time due to repeated use and stress.
D. The immune system loses the ability to distinguish self from non-self.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory suggests that the body functions like a
machine that eventually breaks down after years of use. Internal and external stressors
contribute to the gradual degradation of tissues and organs over time. This theory
emphasizes that physical decline is a natural consequence of the biological costs of living.
, 4. An older adult patient experiences a drop in blood pressure when moving from a lying to a
standing position. What is the correct term for this?
A. Hypertensive crisis
B. Orthostatic hypotension
C. Postprandial hypotension
D. Vasovagal syncope
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Orthostatic hypotension is common in older adults due to age-related
changes in baroreceptor sensitivity. When a patient stands, the cardiovascular system fails
to constrict vessels quickly enough to maintain pressure to the brain. Nurses should
instruct patients to rise slowly and dangle their feet at the bedside to prevent falls.
5. Which of the following is considered a normal physiological change of the respiratory
system in the aging adult?
A. Increased elastic recoil of the lungs.
B. Decreased cough reflex and ciliary action.
C. Increased vital capacity.
D. Increased number of functional alveoli.
Correct Answer: B
