NUR 2214 Week 2 Quiz V2 | NUR 2214
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 2
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about the ‘Wear-and-Tear’ theory of aging.
Which statement should the nurse include to best describe this theory?
A. Body parts and functions decline over time due to repeated use and accumulated stress.
B. Aging is determined by a specific biological clock that triggers certain genes.
C. Free radicals damage DNA and proteins, leading to cellular dysfunction.
D. The immune system loses the ability to distinguish between self and non-self cells.
Answer: A
Rationale: The wear-and-tear theory is a stochastic theory that compares the human body
to a machine. It suggests that continuous use of the body results in irreversible damage to
cells and tissues over time. Nurses can use this concept to explain why certain joints or
systems may fail after decades of physical exertion.
2. Which developmental task, identified by Erikson, is the primary focus for an individual in
late adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
,C. Autonomy vs. Shame
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: B
Rationale: Erikson’s final stage of psychosocial development involves reflecting on life’s
accomplishments. Achieving ego integrity means the individual feels a sense of fulfillment
and acceptance of their life path. Failure to achieve this leads to despair and the fear that
time is too short to start another life.
3. When assessing an 80-year-old client, the nurse notes that the skin is dry, thin, and fragile.
Which age-related change is primarily responsible for these findings?
A. Increased vascularity of the dermis and thickened epidermis.
B. Decreased subcutaneous fat and reduced sebaceous gland activity.
C. Hypertrophy of the sweat glands and increased collagen production.
D. Faster turnover of epidermal cells and increased moisture retention.
Answer: B
Rationale: As people age, there is a natural reduction in subcutaneous fat which makes the
skin appear thinner and more prone to injury. Additionally, sebaceous and sweat gland
activity decreases, leading to dryness and poor thermoregulation. This makes older adults
more susceptible to skin tears and pressure injuries.
, 4. According to the Free Radical Theory of aging, which substance can help neutralize the
unstable molecules that cause cellular damage?
A. Saturated fats
B. Antioxidants
C. Simple carbohydrates
D. High-density lipoproteins
Answer: B
Rationale: Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that damage cell membranes and
DNA through oxidation. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E, work by donating electrons
to stabilize these molecules before they can cause harm. This theory emphasizes the
importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for healthy aging.
5. A client tells the nurse, ‘I have slowed down quite a bit and I don’t go out much anymore.
I’m happy just being alone and reflecting on my life.’ Which psychosocial theory of aging does
this reflect?
A. Activity Theory
B. Disengagement Theory
C. Continuity Theory
D. Subculture Theory
Answer: B
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 2
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about the ‘Wear-and-Tear’ theory of aging.
Which statement should the nurse include to best describe this theory?
A. Body parts and functions decline over time due to repeated use and accumulated stress.
B. Aging is determined by a specific biological clock that triggers certain genes.
C. Free radicals damage DNA and proteins, leading to cellular dysfunction.
D. The immune system loses the ability to distinguish between self and non-self cells.
Answer: A
Rationale: The wear-and-tear theory is a stochastic theory that compares the human body
to a machine. It suggests that continuous use of the body results in irreversible damage to
cells and tissues over time. Nurses can use this concept to explain why certain joints or
systems may fail after decades of physical exertion.
2. Which developmental task, identified by Erikson, is the primary focus for an individual in
late adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
,C. Autonomy vs. Shame
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: B
Rationale: Erikson’s final stage of psychosocial development involves reflecting on life’s
accomplishments. Achieving ego integrity means the individual feels a sense of fulfillment
and acceptance of their life path. Failure to achieve this leads to despair and the fear that
time is too short to start another life.
3. When assessing an 80-year-old client, the nurse notes that the skin is dry, thin, and fragile.
Which age-related change is primarily responsible for these findings?
A. Increased vascularity of the dermis and thickened epidermis.
B. Decreased subcutaneous fat and reduced sebaceous gland activity.
C. Hypertrophy of the sweat glands and increased collagen production.
D. Faster turnover of epidermal cells and increased moisture retention.
Answer: B
Rationale: As people age, there is a natural reduction in subcutaneous fat which makes the
skin appear thinner and more prone to injury. Additionally, sebaceous and sweat gland
activity decreases, leading to dryness and poor thermoregulation. This makes older adults
more susceptible to skin tears and pressure injuries.
, 4. According to the Free Radical Theory of aging, which substance can help neutralize the
unstable molecules that cause cellular damage?
A. Saturated fats
B. Antioxidants
C. Simple carbohydrates
D. High-density lipoproteins
Answer: B
Rationale: Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that damage cell membranes and
DNA through oxidation. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E, work by donating electrons
to stabilize these molecules before they can cause harm. This theory emphasizes the
importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for healthy aging.
5. A client tells the nurse, ‘I have slowed down quite a bit and I don’t go out much anymore.
I’m happy just being alone and reflecting on my life.’ Which psychosocial theory of aging does
this reflect?
A. Activity Theory
B. Disengagement Theory
C. Continuity Theory
D. Subculture Theory
Answer: B
