HCS 548
Foundations of
Gerontology
Final Exam Review
Q&A
2024
,1. What is the primary physiological change associated with aging in the
cardiovascular system?
- A) Decreased heart rate variability
- B) Increased arterial stiffness
- C) Reduced blood volume
- D) Enlarged heart chambers
Answer: B) Increased arterial stiffness
Rationale: Aging is commonly associated with increased arterial
stiffness, which contributes to higher systolic blood pressure and cardiac
workload.
2. Which theory of aging posits that aging results from the accumulation
of random molecular damage?
- A) Wear and Tear Theory
- B) Free Radical Theory
- C) Genetic Control Theory
- D) Cellular Senescence Theory
Answer: B) Free Radical Theory
Rationale: The Free Radical Theory suggests that aging is caused by the
accumulation of damage from free radicals, which are unstable molecules
that can damage cells.
3. In geriatric patients, what is the most common risk factor for falls?
- A) Cognitive impairment
- B) Polypharmacy
- C) Osteoporosis
- D) Visual impairment
Answer: B) Polypharmacy
Rationale: Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications, can
increase the risk of falls due to drug interactions and side effects such as
dizziness or orthostatic hypotension.
4. Which intervention is most effective in preventing delirium in
hospitalized older adults?
- A) Routine use of restraints
- B) Scheduled pain assessment and management
- C) Frequent reorientation to time and place
, - D) Administration of antipsychotic medications
Answer: C) Frequent reorientation to time and place
Rationale: Reorientation interventions are effective in preventing
delirium by helping maintain cognitive function and reducing confusion.
5. What is the term for age-related loss of muscle mass and strength?
- A) Sarcopenia
- B) Dysphagia
- C) Cachexia
- D) Atrophy
Answer: A) Sarcopenia
Rationale: Sarcopenia is the term used to describe the age-related
decline in muscle mass and strength, which can impact mobility and
independence.
6. Which social theory of aging emphasizes the importance of maintaining
active engagements and relationships throughout later life?
- A) Disengagement Theory
- B) Activity Theory
- C) Continuity Theory
- D) Socioemotional Selectivity Theory
Answer: B) Activity Theory
Rationale: The Activity Theory suggests that older adults will find
satisfaction in life by remaining socially active and maintaining
interpersonal relationships.
7. What is the most common form of dementia in the elderly?
- A) Vascular dementia
- B) Alzheimer's disease
- C) Lewy body dementia
- D) Frontotemporal dementia
Answer: B) Alzheimer's disease
Rationale: Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia,
characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss.
8. Which assessment tool is used to evaluate the risk of pressure ulcer
development in older adults?
- A) Norton Scale
Foundations of
Gerontology
Final Exam Review
Q&A
2024
,1. What is the primary physiological change associated with aging in the
cardiovascular system?
- A) Decreased heart rate variability
- B) Increased arterial stiffness
- C) Reduced blood volume
- D) Enlarged heart chambers
Answer: B) Increased arterial stiffness
Rationale: Aging is commonly associated with increased arterial
stiffness, which contributes to higher systolic blood pressure and cardiac
workload.
2. Which theory of aging posits that aging results from the accumulation
of random molecular damage?
- A) Wear and Tear Theory
- B) Free Radical Theory
- C) Genetic Control Theory
- D) Cellular Senescence Theory
Answer: B) Free Radical Theory
Rationale: The Free Radical Theory suggests that aging is caused by the
accumulation of damage from free radicals, which are unstable molecules
that can damage cells.
3. In geriatric patients, what is the most common risk factor for falls?
- A) Cognitive impairment
- B) Polypharmacy
- C) Osteoporosis
- D) Visual impairment
Answer: B) Polypharmacy
Rationale: Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications, can
increase the risk of falls due to drug interactions and side effects such as
dizziness or orthostatic hypotension.
4. Which intervention is most effective in preventing delirium in
hospitalized older adults?
- A) Routine use of restraints
- B) Scheduled pain assessment and management
- C) Frequent reorientation to time and place
, - D) Administration of antipsychotic medications
Answer: C) Frequent reorientation to time and place
Rationale: Reorientation interventions are effective in preventing
delirium by helping maintain cognitive function and reducing confusion.
5. What is the term for age-related loss of muscle mass and strength?
- A) Sarcopenia
- B) Dysphagia
- C) Cachexia
- D) Atrophy
Answer: A) Sarcopenia
Rationale: Sarcopenia is the term used to describe the age-related
decline in muscle mass and strength, which can impact mobility and
independence.
6. Which social theory of aging emphasizes the importance of maintaining
active engagements and relationships throughout later life?
- A) Disengagement Theory
- B) Activity Theory
- C) Continuity Theory
- D) Socioemotional Selectivity Theory
Answer: B) Activity Theory
Rationale: The Activity Theory suggests that older adults will find
satisfaction in life by remaining socially active and maintaining
interpersonal relationships.
7. What is the most common form of dementia in the elderly?
- A) Vascular dementia
- B) Alzheimer's disease
- C) Lewy body dementia
- D) Frontotemporal dementia
Answer: B) Alzheimer's disease
Rationale: Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia,
characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss.
8. Which assessment tool is used to evaluate the risk of pressure ulcer
development in older adults?
- A) Norton Scale
