NUR163/NUR 163 Exam 1 V1 | Concepts of
Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly
Patients Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is discussing theories of aging with a group of students. Which theory suggests that
the body is like a machine that eventually wears out from constant use and stress?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Programmed Aging Theory
D. Continuity Theory
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Wear and Tear theory proposes that internal and external stressors cause
damage to cells and body organs over time. This damage eventually accumulates until the
body can no longer repair itself, leading to death. It is one of the oldest biological theories
of aging used in nursing education.
2. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, which conflict is the primary focus for the
older adult population?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
,C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Integrity vs. Despair occurs as individuals look back on their lives and evaluate
their achievements and failures. Those who feel a sense of fulfillment develop integrity,
while those who regret missed opportunities may experience despair. This psychosocial
stage is critical for nurses to understand when providing holistic geriatric care.
3. An elderly patient reports difficulty seeing objects clearly in the center of their vision,
though peripheral vision remains intact. The nurse suspects which condition?
A. Cataracts
B. Macular Degeneration
C. Glaucoma
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by the loss of central
vision due to damage to the macula of the retina. Patients often complain of blurred vision
or blind spots when looking directly at an object. Peripheral vision is typically preserved in
the early to middle stages of this condition.
, 4. When communicating with an older adult who has presbycusis, which action by the
practical nurse is most effective?
A. Speak loudly and at a high pitch.
B. Lower the pitch of the voice and face the patient.
C. Shout directly into the patient’s ear.
D. Exaggerate mouth movements while speaking.
E.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Presbycusis is the age-related loss of high-frequency hearing, making low-
pitched tones easier to hear. Facing the patient allows them to use visual cues and lip-
reading to supplement their hearing. High-pitched shouting is often distorted by hearing
aids and does not improve clarity.
5. Which of the following is a normal age-related change in the cardiovascular system?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Decreased peripheral vascular resistance
C. Increased cardiac output during exercise
D. Stiffening of the blood vessel walls
Correct Answer: D
Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly
Patients Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is discussing theories of aging with a group of students. Which theory suggests that
the body is like a machine that eventually wears out from constant use and stress?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Programmed Aging Theory
D. Continuity Theory
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Wear and Tear theory proposes that internal and external stressors cause
damage to cells and body organs over time. This damage eventually accumulates until the
body can no longer repair itself, leading to death. It is one of the oldest biological theories
of aging used in nursing education.
2. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, which conflict is the primary focus for the
older adult population?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
,C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Integrity vs. Despair occurs as individuals look back on their lives and evaluate
their achievements and failures. Those who feel a sense of fulfillment develop integrity,
while those who regret missed opportunities may experience despair. This psychosocial
stage is critical for nurses to understand when providing holistic geriatric care.
3. An elderly patient reports difficulty seeing objects clearly in the center of their vision,
though peripheral vision remains intact. The nurse suspects which condition?
A. Cataracts
B. Macular Degeneration
C. Glaucoma
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by the loss of central
vision due to damage to the macula of the retina. Patients often complain of blurred vision
or blind spots when looking directly at an object. Peripheral vision is typically preserved in
the early to middle stages of this condition.
, 4. When communicating with an older adult who has presbycusis, which action by the
practical nurse is most effective?
A. Speak loudly and at a high pitch.
B. Lower the pitch of the voice and face the patient.
C. Shout directly into the patient’s ear.
D. Exaggerate mouth movements while speaking.
E.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Presbycusis is the age-related loss of high-frequency hearing, making low-
pitched tones easier to hear. Facing the patient allows them to use visual cues and lip-
reading to supplement their hearing. High-pitched shouting is often distorted by hearing
aids and does not improve clarity.
5. Which of the following is a normal age-related change in the cardiovascular system?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Decreased peripheral vascular resistance
C. Increased cardiac output during exercise
D. Stiffening of the blood vessel walls
Correct Answer: D
