Care of the Older Adult SAS Exam 2026 |
Complete Gerontological Nursing
Practice Bank | Verified Questions,
Answers & Detailed Rationales | Graded
A+ Study Guide
Section 1: Foundations of Gerontological Nursing (Questions 1-20)
Q1. A negative attitude toward aging and the aged is called:
A) Geriatrics
B) Racism
C) Ageism
D) Ethnocentrism
Correct ,,,answer,,,: C
Rationale: Ageism refers to discrimination or prejudice against older adults based
on their age, reflecting negative stereotypes similar to racism and sexism . It can
negatively affect older adults' physical and mental health outcomes. Geriatrics is
the medical specialty focused on older adults.
,Q2. Which of the following is NOT considered a core competency for nurses
caring for older adults?
A) Analyze the impact of an aging society on the health care system
B) Obtain certification in gerontological nursing
C) Prevent or reduce common risk factors that contribute to functional decline
D) Recognize one's own attitudes about aging
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: The AACN/Hartford competencies emphasize analyzing societal
impacts, preventing functional decline, and recognizing personal attitudes about
aging. While certification is valuable, it is not listed as a core competency .
Q3. The nurse wishes to obtain basic certification in gerontological nursing.
Which statement about this credential is TRUE?
A) There is an experience requirement only
B) One must pass an exam only
C) One must have a BSN
D) Both A and B (experience requirement and pass an exam)
Correct ,,,answer,,,: D
Rationale: Basic certification in gerontological nursing requires both meeting
specific experience requirements AND passing a certification examination. A BSN
is not universally required for all levels of gerontological certification .
,Q4. When the nurse reads an article and uses the findings of a study to
improve the quality of patient care, they are implementing the role of:
A) Teacher
B) Manager
C) Research consumer
D) Advocate
Correct ,,,answer,,,: C
Rationale: The research consumer role involves critically reading, evaluating, and
applying research findings to clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. This is
distinct from conducting research (researcher role) .
Q5. According to the WHO Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030), a key goal
is:
A) Increasing lifespan regardless of quality of life
B) Promoting functional ability and well-being in older age
C) Institutionalizing all frail older adults
D) Reducing access to preventive care
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: The UN Decade of Healthy Aging focuses on optimizing functional
ability, enabling older adults to do what they value throughout the aging process,
not simply extending lifespan without quality .
, Q6. What is the most compelling reason for health professionals to be
educated in gerontology?
A) To address the comprehensive nursing shortage
B) To make an increase in salary
C) To prepare to be challenged by educated baby boomers
D) To prepare to care for the growing number of older persons in the population
Correct ,,,answer,,,: D
Rationale: The aging population is growing rapidly—approximately 36 million
Americans over 65 in 2000, expected to reach 71 million by 2030 . Healthcare
professionals must be prepared to care for this demographic shift.
Q7. Which theory of aging suggests that older adults withdraw from societal
roles to reflect on life?
A) Activity theory
B) Disengagement theory
C) Continuity theory
D) Socioemotional selectivity theory
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: Disengagement theory (Cumming & Henry) proposes mutual
withdrawal between society and the older adult, allowing reflection and
preparation for end of life .
Complete Gerontological Nursing
Practice Bank | Verified Questions,
Answers & Detailed Rationales | Graded
A+ Study Guide
Section 1: Foundations of Gerontological Nursing (Questions 1-20)
Q1. A negative attitude toward aging and the aged is called:
A) Geriatrics
B) Racism
C) Ageism
D) Ethnocentrism
Correct ,,,answer,,,: C
Rationale: Ageism refers to discrimination or prejudice against older adults based
on their age, reflecting negative stereotypes similar to racism and sexism . It can
negatively affect older adults' physical and mental health outcomes. Geriatrics is
the medical specialty focused on older adults.
,Q2. Which of the following is NOT considered a core competency for nurses
caring for older adults?
A) Analyze the impact of an aging society on the health care system
B) Obtain certification in gerontological nursing
C) Prevent or reduce common risk factors that contribute to functional decline
D) Recognize one's own attitudes about aging
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: The AACN/Hartford competencies emphasize analyzing societal
impacts, preventing functional decline, and recognizing personal attitudes about
aging. While certification is valuable, it is not listed as a core competency .
Q3. The nurse wishes to obtain basic certification in gerontological nursing.
Which statement about this credential is TRUE?
A) There is an experience requirement only
B) One must pass an exam only
C) One must have a BSN
D) Both A and B (experience requirement and pass an exam)
Correct ,,,answer,,,: D
Rationale: Basic certification in gerontological nursing requires both meeting
specific experience requirements AND passing a certification examination. A BSN
is not universally required for all levels of gerontological certification .
,Q4. When the nurse reads an article and uses the findings of a study to
improve the quality of patient care, they are implementing the role of:
A) Teacher
B) Manager
C) Research consumer
D) Advocate
Correct ,,,answer,,,: C
Rationale: The research consumer role involves critically reading, evaluating, and
applying research findings to clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. This is
distinct from conducting research (researcher role) .
Q5. According to the WHO Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030), a key goal
is:
A) Increasing lifespan regardless of quality of life
B) Promoting functional ability and well-being in older age
C) Institutionalizing all frail older adults
D) Reducing access to preventive care
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: The UN Decade of Healthy Aging focuses on optimizing functional
ability, enabling older adults to do what they value throughout the aging process,
not simply extending lifespan without quality .
, Q6. What is the most compelling reason for health professionals to be
educated in gerontology?
A) To address the comprehensive nursing shortage
B) To make an increase in salary
C) To prepare to be challenged by educated baby boomers
D) To prepare to care for the growing number of older persons in the population
Correct ,,,answer,,,: D
Rationale: The aging population is growing rapidly—approximately 36 million
Americans over 65 in 2000, expected to reach 71 million by 2030 . Healthcare
professionals must be prepared to care for this demographic shift.
Q7. Which theory of aging suggests that older adults withdraw from societal
roles to reflect on life?
A) Activity theory
B) Disengagement theory
C) Continuity theory
D) Socioemotional selectivity theory
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: Disengagement theory (Cumming & Henry) proposes mutual
withdrawal between society and the older adult, allowing reflection and
preparation for end of life .
