Eliopoulos Chapter 2 Theories of Aging Guide Questions with
Answers
1. Which of the following statements most accurately conveys an aspect of the error theory of aging?
A) Perpetuation of DNA mutations results in organ and system malfunction.
B) Age-related dysfunction of organs, tissues, and body systems results in mutation of body DNA.
C) The number of cell divisions is genetically predetermined.
D) Errors in the function of various organs contribute to changes in the genetic code of various body
cells. - correct answers Ans: A
Feedback:
The error theory of aging proposes that genetic mutations are perpetuated through the aging process,
resulting in organ malfunction and eventual decline in body function. Organ malfunction results from,
but does not cause, the genetic mutations in question. A genetic predetermination of the number of cell
divisions is associated with the programmed theory of aging.
2. The error theory of aging proposes a cause-and-effect relationship between the genetic activity of
body cells and the effects of aging. Place the following steps in the error theory of aging in the correct
chronological order. Use all the options.
A) Organ, tissue, and system malfunction
B) Perpetuation of mutation during cell divisions
C) DNA mutation
D) Overall decline in body functions
E) Decline in body functions - correct answers Ans: C, B, E, A, D
Feedback:
The error theory of aging proposes that DNA mutations occur on a single-cell level and are perpetuated
in subsequent cell divisions. The overall number of mutant cells in the body increases and causes
deleterious effects on tissues and systems and eventual decline in body function.
3. A nurse is explaining to an older adult client that many of the changes in his body that are currently
causing him frustration may have their origins in genetic changes that may have in fact benefited him
during his younger years. Which of the following theories of aging underlies the nurse's explanation?
, A) Disposable soma theory
B) Free radical theory
C) Mutation accumulation theory
D) Antagonistic pleiotropy theory - correct answersAns: D
Feedback:
Antagonistic pleiotropy theory proposes that genetic mutations that are problematic in later life may be
rooted in mutation that played a beneficial role earlier in life. This perspective is not a component of the
disposable soma theory, free radical theory, or mutation accumulation theory.
4. An 80-year-old female who enjoys good health explains to her primary care provider that she
attributes her health status to her regular intake of berries, fruit juices, and green tea, which she states
"help cleanse the damaging molecules out of my body." Which of the following theories of aging
underlies the client's health behaviors?
A) Free radical theory
B) Biogerontology
C) Disposable soma theory
D) Cross-linking theory - correct answersAns: A
Feedback:
The free radical theory of aging attributes damage to the accumulation of free radicals that may be
countered by the intake of antioxidants. This is not an explicit component of the disposable soma or
cross-linking theory of aging. Biogerontology is the study of the relationship between aging and disease.
5. A nurse is discussing an older adult client's apparent increased susceptibility to infection with his
family. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be most congruent with current thought
around the autoimmune role in the aging process?
A) "Changes that we call 'mutations' in your father's cells make his organs more vulnerable to chronic
illness and germs."
B) "Older adults often have more difficulty fighting off infections because of their weaker immune
systems, and their bodies can even attack themselves."
C) "Diseases such as arthritis, which we term 'autoimmune,' make older people more likely to catch
viruses and other bugs."
Answers
1. Which of the following statements most accurately conveys an aspect of the error theory of aging?
A) Perpetuation of DNA mutations results in organ and system malfunction.
B) Age-related dysfunction of organs, tissues, and body systems results in mutation of body DNA.
C) The number of cell divisions is genetically predetermined.
D) Errors in the function of various organs contribute to changes in the genetic code of various body
cells. - correct answers Ans: A
Feedback:
The error theory of aging proposes that genetic mutations are perpetuated through the aging process,
resulting in organ malfunction and eventual decline in body function. Organ malfunction results from,
but does not cause, the genetic mutations in question. A genetic predetermination of the number of cell
divisions is associated with the programmed theory of aging.
2. The error theory of aging proposes a cause-and-effect relationship between the genetic activity of
body cells and the effects of aging. Place the following steps in the error theory of aging in the correct
chronological order. Use all the options.
A) Organ, tissue, and system malfunction
B) Perpetuation of mutation during cell divisions
C) DNA mutation
D) Overall decline in body functions
E) Decline in body functions - correct answers Ans: C, B, E, A, D
Feedback:
The error theory of aging proposes that DNA mutations occur on a single-cell level and are perpetuated
in subsequent cell divisions. The overall number of mutant cells in the body increases and causes
deleterious effects on tissues and systems and eventual decline in body function.
3. A nurse is explaining to an older adult client that many of the changes in his body that are currently
causing him frustration may have their origins in genetic changes that may have in fact benefited him
during his younger years. Which of the following theories of aging underlies the nurse's explanation?
, A) Disposable soma theory
B) Free radical theory
C) Mutation accumulation theory
D) Antagonistic pleiotropy theory - correct answersAns: D
Feedback:
Antagonistic pleiotropy theory proposes that genetic mutations that are problematic in later life may be
rooted in mutation that played a beneficial role earlier in life. This perspective is not a component of the
disposable soma theory, free radical theory, or mutation accumulation theory.
4. An 80-year-old female who enjoys good health explains to her primary care provider that she
attributes her health status to her regular intake of berries, fruit juices, and green tea, which she states
"help cleanse the damaging molecules out of my body." Which of the following theories of aging
underlies the client's health behaviors?
A) Free radical theory
B) Biogerontology
C) Disposable soma theory
D) Cross-linking theory - correct answersAns: A
Feedback:
The free radical theory of aging attributes damage to the accumulation of free radicals that may be
countered by the intake of antioxidants. This is not an explicit component of the disposable soma or
cross-linking theory of aging. Biogerontology is the study of the relationship between aging and disease.
5. A nurse is discussing an older adult client's apparent increased susceptibility to infection with his
family. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be most congruent with current thought
around the autoimmune role in the aging process?
A) "Changes that we call 'mutations' in your father's cells make his organs more vulnerable to chronic
illness and germs."
B) "Older adults often have more difficulty fighting off infections because of their weaker immune
systems, and their bodies can even attack themselves."
C) "Diseases such as arthritis, which we term 'autoimmune,' make older people more likely to catch
viruses and other bugs."
