NUR 255 Final Exam Review: Units 9–12 2026 Galen College
1. Which theory of aging suggests that cells have a genetically programmed limit
to the number of times they can replicate?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Cross-Linkage Theory
C. Free Radical Theory
D. Hayflick Limit (Genetic) Theory
Answer: D
Rationale: The Hayflick Limit theory proposes that biological clocks control cell lifespan
and that human cells have a finite capacity for division.
2. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, what is the primary task of the
older adult (65+)?
A. Integrity vs. Despair
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: A
Rationale: Older adults reflect on their lives to achieve a sense of fulfillment (Integrity)
rather than regret (Despair).
,3. Which physiological change is considered a normal part of the aging process
in the cardiovascular system?
A. Increased heart rate during exercise
B. Decreased cardiac output under stress
C. Decreased arterial stiffness
D. Increase in total body water
Answer: B
Rationale: Aging leads to reduced efficiency in the heart’s response to stress and a general
decrease in maximum cardiac output.
4. A patient experiences a sudden onset of confusion, fluctuating consciousness,
and visual hallucinations. This is most indicative of:
A. Delirium
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Alzheimer’s Disease
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in consciousness and perception.
5. Which pharmacological consideration is most critical when dosing
medications for the elderly due to physiological decline?
A. Increased hepatic blood flow
B. Decreased renal clearance
C. Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
D. Decreased percentage of body fat
Answer: B
Rationale: Decreased renal function is common in aging, leading to a higher risk of drug
toxicity due to slower elimination.
, 6. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic
level of anxiety?
A. Teaching deep breathing techniques
B. Administering a long-acting SSRI
C. Discussing the causes of the anxiety
D. Staying with the patient and maintaining a calm demeanor
Answer: D
Rationale: During panic-level anxiety, the patient cannot process information; the nurse’s
priority is safety and a supportive presence.
7. Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s own unacceptable
feelings or impulses to another person?
A. Sublimation
B. Displacement
C. Reaction Formation
D. Projection
Answer: D
Rationale: Projection is the process of disowning one’s own feelings by attributing them to
others.
8. A patient with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone.
What should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. It has a high risk for physical dependence.
B. It should be taken only ‘as needed’ (PRN).
C. Avoid aged cheeses and red wine.
D. It may take 2 to 4 weeks to reach full effect.
Answer: D
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that requires consistent dosing
and takes weeks to be effective.
1. Which theory of aging suggests that cells have a genetically programmed limit
to the number of times they can replicate?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Cross-Linkage Theory
C. Free Radical Theory
D. Hayflick Limit (Genetic) Theory
Answer: D
Rationale: The Hayflick Limit theory proposes that biological clocks control cell lifespan
and that human cells have a finite capacity for division.
2. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, what is the primary task of the
older adult (65+)?
A. Integrity vs. Despair
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: A
Rationale: Older adults reflect on their lives to achieve a sense of fulfillment (Integrity)
rather than regret (Despair).
,3. Which physiological change is considered a normal part of the aging process
in the cardiovascular system?
A. Increased heart rate during exercise
B. Decreased cardiac output under stress
C. Decreased arterial stiffness
D. Increase in total body water
Answer: B
Rationale: Aging leads to reduced efficiency in the heart’s response to stress and a general
decrease in maximum cardiac output.
4. A patient experiences a sudden onset of confusion, fluctuating consciousness,
and visual hallucinations. This is most indicative of:
A. Delirium
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Alzheimer’s Disease
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in consciousness and perception.
5. Which pharmacological consideration is most critical when dosing
medications for the elderly due to physiological decline?
A. Increased hepatic blood flow
B. Decreased renal clearance
C. Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
D. Decreased percentage of body fat
Answer: B
Rationale: Decreased renal function is common in aging, leading to a higher risk of drug
toxicity due to slower elimination.
, 6. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic
level of anxiety?
A. Teaching deep breathing techniques
B. Administering a long-acting SSRI
C. Discussing the causes of the anxiety
D. Staying with the patient and maintaining a calm demeanor
Answer: D
Rationale: During panic-level anxiety, the patient cannot process information; the nurse’s
priority is safety and a supportive presence.
7. Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s own unacceptable
feelings or impulses to another person?
A. Sublimation
B. Displacement
C. Reaction Formation
D. Projection
Answer: D
Rationale: Projection is the process of disowning one’s own feelings by attributing them to
others.
8. A patient with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone.
What should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. It has a high risk for physical dependence.
B. It should be taken only ‘as needed’ (PRN).
C. Avoid aged cheeses and red wine.
D. It may take 2 to 4 weeks to reach full effect.
Answer: D
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that requires consistent dosing
and takes weeks to be effective.
