NU176 | NU 176 Geriatric Nursing Exam 1 v1 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which theory of aging suggests that aging is the result of accumulated damage to
cells and organs over time from repetitive use?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Programmed Theory
C. Wear and Tear Theory
D. Continuity Theory
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory posits that body parts simply wear
out from repeated use and stressors. This perspective views the human body as a
machine that eventually fails due to accumulated mechanical damage. It is classified
as a stochastic theory because it focuses on random environmental impacts.
2. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, what is the primary task of the older
adult?
A. Integrity vs. Despair
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
,D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erik Erikson’s
psychosocial development theory occurring in late adulthood. In this stage,
individuals reflect on their lives and either feel a sense of satisfaction or a sense of
failure. Success leads to the virtue of wisdom, while failure leads to regret and
bitterness.
3. The ‘SPICES’ acronym is used for geriatric assessment. What does the ‘S’ at the end
stand for?
A. Sarcopenia
B. Socialization
C. Skin integrity
D. Self-care deficit
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The SPICES tool is an efficient framework for assessing older
adults for common geriatric syndromes. The acronym stands for Sleep disorders,
Problems with eating, Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin integrity.
Monitoring skin integrity is vital in older populations due to thinning skin and
reduced mobility.
,4. Which age-related change in the cardiovascular system is most likely to cause
orthostatic hypotension?
A. Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity
B. Increased heart rate response
C. Increased elasticity of the aorta
D. Decreased thickness of the left ventricular wall
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: As people age, baroreceptors become less sensitive to changes
in blood pressure, hindering the quick adjustment needed when standing up. This
delay often results in a temporary drop in blood pressure known as orthostatic
hypotension. Nurses should instruct patients to change positions slowly to prevent
dizziness and falls.
5. A nurse is assessing an older adult’s respiratory system. Which finding is considered
a normal age-related change?
A. Increased cough reflex
B. Increased alveolar surface area
C. Decreased chest wall compliance
D. Decreased residual volume
, Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Aging leads to calcification of costal cartilage and changes in
the shape of the rib cage, making the chest wall stiffer. This decrease in compliance
increases the work of breathing for older adults. Consequently, there is a reduction
in vital capacity and an increase in residual volume.
6. Which pharmacokinetic change occurs in older adults regarding drug metabolism?
A. Increased liver blood flow
B. Decreased first-pass effect
C. Decreased hepatic enzyme activity
D. Increased renal clearance
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Aging typically involves a reduction in liver mass and hepatic
blood flow, which slows down the metabolism of many drugs. This decreased
enzyme activity means drugs stay in the system longer, increasing the risk of
toxicity. Clinicians often follow the ‘start low and go slow’ rule when prescribing for
this population.
7. What is the primary cause of age-related vision loss known as presbyopia?
A. Increased intraocular pressure
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which theory of aging suggests that aging is the result of accumulated damage to
cells and organs over time from repetitive use?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Programmed Theory
C. Wear and Tear Theory
D. Continuity Theory
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory posits that body parts simply wear
out from repeated use and stressors. This perspective views the human body as a
machine that eventually fails due to accumulated mechanical damage. It is classified
as a stochastic theory because it focuses on random environmental impacts.
2. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, what is the primary task of the older
adult?
A. Integrity vs. Despair
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
,D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erik Erikson’s
psychosocial development theory occurring in late adulthood. In this stage,
individuals reflect on their lives and either feel a sense of satisfaction or a sense of
failure. Success leads to the virtue of wisdom, while failure leads to regret and
bitterness.
3. The ‘SPICES’ acronym is used for geriatric assessment. What does the ‘S’ at the end
stand for?
A. Sarcopenia
B. Socialization
C. Skin integrity
D. Self-care deficit
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The SPICES tool is an efficient framework for assessing older
adults for common geriatric syndromes. The acronym stands for Sleep disorders,
Problems with eating, Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin integrity.
Monitoring skin integrity is vital in older populations due to thinning skin and
reduced mobility.
,4. Which age-related change in the cardiovascular system is most likely to cause
orthostatic hypotension?
A. Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity
B. Increased heart rate response
C. Increased elasticity of the aorta
D. Decreased thickness of the left ventricular wall
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: As people age, baroreceptors become less sensitive to changes
in blood pressure, hindering the quick adjustment needed when standing up. This
delay often results in a temporary drop in blood pressure known as orthostatic
hypotension. Nurses should instruct patients to change positions slowly to prevent
dizziness and falls.
5. A nurse is assessing an older adult’s respiratory system. Which finding is considered
a normal age-related change?
A. Increased cough reflex
B. Increased alveolar surface area
C. Decreased chest wall compliance
D. Decreased residual volume
, Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Aging leads to calcification of costal cartilage and changes in
the shape of the rib cage, making the chest wall stiffer. This decrease in compliance
increases the work of breathing for older adults. Consequently, there is a reduction
in vital capacity and an increase in residual volume.
6. Which pharmacokinetic change occurs in older adults regarding drug metabolism?
A. Increased liver blood flow
B. Decreased first-pass effect
C. Decreased hepatic enzyme activity
D. Increased renal clearance
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Aging typically involves a reduction in liver mass and hepatic
blood flow, which slows down the metabolism of many drugs. This decreased
enzyme activity means drugs stay in the system longer, increasing the risk of
toxicity. Clinicians often follow the ‘start low and go slow’ rule when prescribing for
this population.
7. What is the primary cause of age-related vision loss known as presbyopia?
A. Increased intraocular pressure
