PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 1 V3 |
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. When conducting a physical assessment on an 82-year-old patient, the nurse notes thin,
fragile, ‘paper-like’ skin. Which physiological change of aging does this best represent?
A. Increased vascularity of the dermis
B. Decreased subcutaneous fat and collagen loss
C. Hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands
D. Increased epidermal cell turnover rate
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Aging involves a significant decrease in subcutaneous fat and the loss
of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermal layer. These changes result in skin that is
thinner, more fragile, and prone to tearing. The nurse must recognize these as normal age-
related changes rather than an acute pathological process.
2. A nurse is reviewing the developmental theories of aging. According to Erikson, which
developmental task should the nurse identify as primary for the older adult?
A. Integrity vs. Despair
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
,D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Erikson defines the final stage of life as Integrity vs. Despair, where
the individual reflects on their life’s achievements. Success in this stage leads to a sense of
fulfillment and wisdom, whereas failure results in regret. Understanding this theory helps
the nurse facilitate reminiscence therapy for elderly patients.
3. An elderly patient reports a persistent dry mouth (xerostomia). Which action should the
nurse prioritize during the assessment?
A. Encouraging the patient to stop all medications immediately
B. Reviewing the patient’s current medication list for anticholinergics
C. Increasing dietary fiber to stimulate saliva production
D. Assuming this is a normal part of aging and providing water
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: While saliva production may slightly decrease with age, severe
xerostomia is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, diuretics, or
anticholinergics. The nurse must assess the medication profile to identify potential triggers
for this condition. Chronic dry mouth can lead to periodontal disease and difficulty
swallowing, requiring proactive management.
, 4. The nurse is teaching a student about the ‘Stochastic’ theories of aging. Which statement
by the student indicates a correct understanding?
A. Aging is an internally programmed sequence of events.
B. Aging is solely determined by the individual’s genetic code.
C. Aging results from random cellular damage over time.
D. Aging occurs due to the shortening of telomeres at the ends of chromosomes.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Stochastic theories suggest that aging is the result of random errors
or damage from the environment that accumulate over time. Examples include the free
radical theory and the wear-and-tear theory. Non-stochastic theories, by contrast, view
aging as a predetermined, programmed process.
5. A 75-year-old patient is being discharged with several new prescriptions. What is the most
common reason for medication non-adherence in the elderly?
A. Intentional non-compliance due to stubbornness
B. Total lack of interest in their health outcomes
C. Complexity of the regimen and financial constraints
D. Complete loss of memory regarding medication names
Correct Answer: C
Gerontological Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College
1. When conducting a physical assessment on an 82-year-old patient, the nurse notes thin,
fragile, ‘paper-like’ skin. Which physiological change of aging does this best represent?
A. Increased vascularity of the dermis
B. Decreased subcutaneous fat and collagen loss
C. Hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands
D. Increased epidermal cell turnover rate
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Aging involves a significant decrease in subcutaneous fat and the loss
of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermal layer. These changes result in skin that is
thinner, more fragile, and prone to tearing. The nurse must recognize these as normal age-
related changes rather than an acute pathological process.
2. A nurse is reviewing the developmental theories of aging. According to Erikson, which
developmental task should the nurse identify as primary for the older adult?
A. Integrity vs. Despair
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
,D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Erikson defines the final stage of life as Integrity vs. Despair, where
the individual reflects on their life’s achievements. Success in this stage leads to a sense of
fulfillment and wisdom, whereas failure results in regret. Understanding this theory helps
the nurse facilitate reminiscence therapy for elderly patients.
3. An elderly patient reports a persistent dry mouth (xerostomia). Which action should the
nurse prioritize during the assessment?
A. Encouraging the patient to stop all medications immediately
B. Reviewing the patient’s current medication list for anticholinergics
C. Increasing dietary fiber to stimulate saliva production
D. Assuming this is a normal part of aging and providing water
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: While saliva production may slightly decrease with age, severe
xerostomia is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, diuretics, or
anticholinergics. The nurse must assess the medication profile to identify potential triggers
for this condition. Chronic dry mouth can lead to periodontal disease and difficulty
swallowing, requiring proactive management.
, 4. The nurse is teaching a student about the ‘Stochastic’ theories of aging. Which statement
by the student indicates a correct understanding?
A. Aging is an internally programmed sequence of events.
B. Aging is solely determined by the individual’s genetic code.
C. Aging results from random cellular damage over time.
D. Aging occurs due to the shortening of telomeres at the ends of chromosomes.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Stochastic theories suggest that aging is the result of random errors
or damage from the environment that accumulate over time. Examples include the free
radical theory and the wear-and-tear theory. Non-stochastic theories, by contrast, view
aging as a predetermined, programmed process.
5. A 75-year-old patient is being discharged with several new prescriptions. What is the most
common reason for medication non-adherence in the elderly?
A. Intentional non-compliance due to stubbornness
B. Total lack of interest in their health outcomes
C. Complexity of the regimen and financial constraints
D. Complete loss of memory regarding medication names
Correct Answer: C
