NUR163/NUR 163 Exam 1 V2 | Concepts of
Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly
Patients Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. An older adult patient is being assessed for age-related changes in the integumentary
system. Which finding should the nurse document as a normal physiological change of aging?
A. Decreased skin elasticity and thinning of the dermis
B. Increased subcutaneous fat in the extremities
C. Increased production of sebum and sweat
D. Thickening of the epidermis leading to faster healing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Decreased skin elasticity, also known as solar elastosis, and thinning of the
dermis are hallmark signs of skin aging. This occurs due to a reduction in collagen and
subcutaneous fat, making the skin more fragile. Consequently, older adults are at a higher
risk for skin tears and delayed wound healing compared to younger populations.
2. A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the Stochastic theories of aging.
Which statement by a student indicates a correct understanding of the Free Radical Theory?
A. Damage to cells is caused by unstable molecules that result from oxygen metabolism.
B. The body wears out like a machine due to repeated use and stress.
,C. Aging is a preprogrammed genetic event that occurs at a specific time.
D. The immune system loses its ability to distinguish between self and non-self cells.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Free Radical Theory suggests that aging results from the cumulative
damage caused by reactive oxygen species. These unstable molecules damage cell
membranes and DNA, leading to cellular dysfunction over time. Antioxidants are often
discussed in this context as they help neutralize these harmful radicals.
3. Which developmental task, identified by Erik Erikson, is the primary focus for an individual
in late adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson’s psychosocial
development theory. During this stage, older adults reflect on their lives to determine if
they have lived a meaningful and productive life. Success in this stage leads to the virtue of
wisdom, while failure leads to regret and bitterness.
, 4. When assessing the cardiovascular system of an 80-year-old patient, which finding would
the nurse consider a common age-related change?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Increased stiffness and decreased elasticity of the blood vessels
C. Increased sensitivity of baroreceptors
D. Decrease in systolic blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stiffening of the large arteries, also known as arteriosclerosis, is a typical age-
related change. This increase in vascular resistance often leads to a rise in systolic blood
pressure in the elderly. Additionally, the heart muscle may become less compliant, affecting
overall cardiac output during stress.
5. An older adult patient reports difficulty seeing objects clearly in low light and complains of
glare when driving at night. The nurse suspects which condition?
A. Glaucoma
B. Macular Degeneration
C. Cataracts
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: C
Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly
Patients Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. An older adult patient is being assessed for age-related changes in the integumentary
system. Which finding should the nurse document as a normal physiological change of aging?
A. Decreased skin elasticity and thinning of the dermis
B. Increased subcutaneous fat in the extremities
C. Increased production of sebum and sweat
D. Thickening of the epidermis leading to faster healing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Decreased skin elasticity, also known as solar elastosis, and thinning of the
dermis are hallmark signs of skin aging. This occurs due to a reduction in collagen and
subcutaneous fat, making the skin more fragile. Consequently, older adults are at a higher
risk for skin tears and delayed wound healing compared to younger populations.
2. A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the Stochastic theories of aging.
Which statement by a student indicates a correct understanding of the Free Radical Theory?
A. Damage to cells is caused by unstable molecules that result from oxygen metabolism.
B. The body wears out like a machine due to repeated use and stress.
,C. Aging is a preprogrammed genetic event that occurs at a specific time.
D. The immune system loses its ability to distinguish between self and non-self cells.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Free Radical Theory suggests that aging results from the cumulative
damage caused by reactive oxygen species. These unstable molecules damage cell
membranes and DNA, leading to cellular dysfunction over time. Antioxidants are often
discussed in this context as they help neutralize these harmful radicals.
3. Which developmental task, identified by Erik Erikson, is the primary focus for an individual
in late adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson’s psychosocial
development theory. During this stage, older adults reflect on their lives to determine if
they have lived a meaningful and productive life. Success in this stage leads to the virtue of
wisdom, while failure leads to regret and bitterness.
, 4. When assessing the cardiovascular system of an 80-year-old patient, which finding would
the nurse consider a common age-related change?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Increased stiffness and decreased elasticity of the blood vessels
C. Increased sensitivity of baroreceptors
D. Decrease in systolic blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stiffening of the large arteries, also known as arteriosclerosis, is a typical age-
related change. This increase in vascular resistance often leads to a rise in systolic blood
pressure in the elderly. Additionally, the heart muscle may become less compliant, affecting
overall cardiac output during stress.
5. An older adult patient reports difficulty seeing objects clearly in low light and complains of
glare when driving at night. The nurse suspects which condition?
A. Glaucoma
B. Macular Degeneration
C. Cataracts
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: C
