BSN425: GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING
Comprehensive Exam, Study Guide, Review & Exam
Bundle (200+ Practice Questions & Verified Answers)
A+ Graded Guaranteed Pass 2026/2027 Updated
Term: 2026-2
Level: BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
========================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
========================================
1. Study Guide
- Theories of Aging (Biological, Psychological, Sociological)
- Normal Physiological Changes of Aging (All Body Systems)
- Geriatric Syndromes (Falls, Delirium, Frailty, Incontinence, Pressure
Injuries)
- Cognitive Disorders (Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Delirium,
Depression)
- Polypharmacy and Deprescribing (Beers Criteria)
- Pharmacology in Older Adults
(Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics)
- Common Chronic Conditions in Aging (HTN, HF, COPD, Diabetes,
OA, Osteoporosis)
,
- End-of-Life and Palliative Care (Advance Directives, Hospice, Pain
Management)
- Legal and Ethical Issues (Capacity, Consent, Elder Abuse)
2. Review Sheets (Quick Reference Tables & Mnemonics)
3. Practice Exam with Rationales (200+ Questions)
- Part A: Multiple Choice (120 questions)
- Part B: Multiple Answer / SATA (80 questions)
========================================
SECTION 1: STUDY GUIDE
========================================
1.1 Theories of Aging
Biological Theories
| Theory | Description | Key Points |
|--------|-------------|------------|
| Programmed (Genetic) Theories | Aging is genetically programmed
(cells have a predetermined lifespan) | Hayflick limit (cells divide finite
number of times), telomere shortening |
,
| Free Radical Theory | Oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species
(free radicals) causes cellular aging | Antioxidants (vitamins C, E,
selenium) may slow aging |
| Cross-Linkage Theory | Cross-linking of proteins (collagen, elastin)
contributes to aging changes | Wrinkling of skin, stiffening of arteries |
| Immunological Theory | Aging results from decline in immune system
function (immunosenescence) | Increased infections, decreased vaccine
response, increased autoimmunity |
| Neuroendocrine Theory | Changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine
axis regulate aging | Decline in growth hormone, DHEA, melatonin,
estrogen, testosterone |
Psychological Theories
| Theory | Description | Application to Nursing |
|--------|-------------|------------------------|
| Erikson's Stages (Integrity vs Despair) | Final stage (65+ years) –
reflection on life; integrity (acceptance) vs despair (regret) | Support life
review, reminiscence, dignity |
| Maslow's Hierarchy | Self-actualization at highest level | Assess safety,
physiological needs in older adults first |
| Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) | Older adults select
meaningful activities, optimize abilities, compensate for losses |
Encourage adaptations (walkers, hearing aids, large-print books) |
Sociological Theories
,
| Theory | Description | Nursing Implications |
|--------|-------------|---------------------|
| Disengagement Theory | Aging involves mutual withdrawal between
older adult and society | May lead to isolation; encourage social
engagement |
| Activity Theory | Successful aging requires continued activity and
social engagement | Encourage volunteering, hobbies, social groups |
| Continuity Theory | Older adults maintain same activities, behaviors,
and relationships as in middle age | Support familiar routines, living
environment, relationships |
1.2 Normal Physiological Changes of Aging (Key Systems)
Integumentary (Skin)
| Change | Clinical Finding | Nursing Implication |
|--------|-----------------|---------------------|
| Decreased collagen and elastin | Wrinkling, sagging skin | Protect from
shearing, pressure injuries |
| Decreased subcutaneous fat | Increased risk of hypothermia, skin tears |
Maintain warm environment, use gentle handling |
| Decreased melanocytes | Gray hair, increased sun damage risk | Sun
protection education |
| Decreased sebaceous glands | Dry skin (xerosis), pruritus | Moisturize,
avoid harsh soaps |
Comprehensive Exam, Study Guide, Review & Exam
Bundle (200+ Practice Questions & Verified Answers)
A+ Graded Guaranteed Pass 2026/2027 Updated
Term: 2026-2
Level: BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
========================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
========================================
1. Study Guide
- Theories of Aging (Biological, Psychological, Sociological)
- Normal Physiological Changes of Aging (All Body Systems)
- Geriatric Syndromes (Falls, Delirium, Frailty, Incontinence, Pressure
Injuries)
- Cognitive Disorders (Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Delirium,
Depression)
- Polypharmacy and Deprescribing (Beers Criteria)
- Pharmacology in Older Adults
(Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics)
- Common Chronic Conditions in Aging (HTN, HF, COPD, Diabetes,
OA, Osteoporosis)
,
- End-of-Life and Palliative Care (Advance Directives, Hospice, Pain
Management)
- Legal and Ethical Issues (Capacity, Consent, Elder Abuse)
2. Review Sheets (Quick Reference Tables & Mnemonics)
3. Practice Exam with Rationales (200+ Questions)
- Part A: Multiple Choice (120 questions)
- Part B: Multiple Answer / SATA (80 questions)
========================================
SECTION 1: STUDY GUIDE
========================================
1.1 Theories of Aging
Biological Theories
| Theory | Description | Key Points |
|--------|-------------|------------|
| Programmed (Genetic) Theories | Aging is genetically programmed
(cells have a predetermined lifespan) | Hayflick limit (cells divide finite
number of times), telomere shortening |
,
| Free Radical Theory | Oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species
(free radicals) causes cellular aging | Antioxidants (vitamins C, E,
selenium) may slow aging |
| Cross-Linkage Theory | Cross-linking of proteins (collagen, elastin)
contributes to aging changes | Wrinkling of skin, stiffening of arteries |
| Immunological Theory | Aging results from decline in immune system
function (immunosenescence) | Increased infections, decreased vaccine
response, increased autoimmunity |
| Neuroendocrine Theory | Changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine
axis regulate aging | Decline in growth hormone, DHEA, melatonin,
estrogen, testosterone |
Psychological Theories
| Theory | Description | Application to Nursing |
|--------|-------------|------------------------|
| Erikson's Stages (Integrity vs Despair) | Final stage (65+ years) –
reflection on life; integrity (acceptance) vs despair (regret) | Support life
review, reminiscence, dignity |
| Maslow's Hierarchy | Self-actualization at highest level | Assess safety,
physiological needs in older adults first |
| Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) | Older adults select
meaningful activities, optimize abilities, compensate for losses |
Encourage adaptations (walkers, hearing aids, large-print books) |
Sociological Theories
,
| Theory | Description | Nursing Implications |
|--------|-------------|---------------------|
| Disengagement Theory | Aging involves mutual withdrawal between
older adult and society | May lead to isolation; encourage social
engagement |
| Activity Theory | Successful aging requires continued activity and
social engagement | Encourage volunteering, hobbies, social groups |
| Continuity Theory | Older adults maintain same activities, behaviors,
and relationships as in middle age | Support familiar routines, living
environment, relationships |
1.2 Normal Physiological Changes of Aging (Key Systems)
Integumentary (Skin)
| Change | Clinical Finding | Nursing Implication |
|--------|-----------------|---------------------|
| Decreased collagen and elastin | Wrinkling, sagging skin | Protect from
shearing, pressure injuries |
| Decreased subcutaneous fat | Increased risk of hypothermia, skin tears |
Maintain warm environment, use gentle handling |
| Decreased melanocytes | Gray hair, increased sun damage risk | Sun
protection education |
| Decreased sebaceous glands | Dry skin (xerosis), pruritus | Moisturize,
avoid harsh soaps |
