NUR 257 EXAMS 1–4 – CONCEPTS OF AGING & CHRONIC ILLNESS STUDY GUIDE |
TESTBANK | PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | EXAM PREPARATION |
ADVANCED REVIEW | COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM | LATEST UPDATE
2026/2027
Examiner:
Nursing Program Faculty / School of Nursing (Course-Based Examination)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Theories of Aging
2. Physiological Changes Associated with Aging
3. Functional Assessment of Older Adults
4. Chronic Illness Management
5. Geriatric Pharmacology
6. Cognitive Disorders and Delirium
7. Dementia Care
8. Nutrition and Hydration
9. Mobility, Falls, and Safety
10. Sensory Changes
11. Cardiovascular Disorders
12. Respiratory Disorders
13. Endocrine Disorders
14. Musculoskeletal Disorders
15. Renal and Urinary Disorders
16. Pain Assessment and Management
17. Palliative and End-of-Life Care
18. Ethical and Legal Considerations
19. Interprofessional Collaboration
20. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
AGING || CHRONIC ILLNESS || GERIATRIC NURSING || FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT ||
POLYPHARMACY || DELIRIUM || DEMENTIA || FALL PREVENTION || NUTRITION ||
,FRAILTY || PAIN MANAGEMENT || CARE TRANSITIONS || ETHICS || PALLIATIVE
CARE || HEALTH PROMOTION || EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE || PATIENT SAFETY ||
INTERDISCIPLINARY CARE || QUALITY IMPROVEMENT || CLINICAL JUDGMENT
Disclaimer: This is an original practice testbank created for educational and
examination preparation purposes. It is not an actual examination and is not affiliated
with or endorsed by any testing organization.
QUESTION 1.
An 84-year-old client with hypertension, osteoarthritis, and stage 3 chronic kidney
disease reports increasing fatigue and dizziness upon standing. Which nursing action
best demonstrates application of comprehensive geriatric assessment principles?
A. Focus on treating the dizziness because it presents the greatest immediate risk.
B. Assess orthostatic vital signs, medication regimen, hydration status, functional
ability, and fall history before developing the care plan.
C. Recommend discontinuing antihypertensive medications until symptoms resolve.
D. Encourage bed rest until laboratory studies are completed.
Correct Answer: B. Assess orthostatic vital signs, medication regimen,
hydration status, functional ability, and fall history before developing the care
plan.
Explanation: Comprehensive geriatric assessment integrates physiologic, functional,
psychosocial, and medication-related factors because multiple interacting
conditions often contribute to symptoms in older adults. Orthostatic hypotension,
adverse drug effects, dehydration, and functional decline should all be evaluated
before interventions are implemented. The remaining options address isolated
concerns or introduce potentially unsafe management decisions.
────────────────────────────────────────
QUESTION 2.
A nurse is planning care for an older adult newly diagnosed with heart failure and
diabetes who expresses confidence in learning new self-management skills despite
physical limitations. Which theory of aging is most consistent with supporting this
patient's strengths?
,A. Disengagement theory
B. Continuity theory
C. Wear-and-tear theory
D. Free radical theory
Correct Answer: B. Continuity theory
Explanation: Continuity theory proposes that older adults adapt successfully by
maintaining established behaviors, values, and coping strategies while adjusting to
new challenges. This perspective supports individualized self-management based
on lifelong strengths. The other theories either describe biologic aging processes or
suggest withdrawal from social roles rather than adaptive functioning.
────────────────────────────────────────
QUESTION 3.
A hospitalized 79-year-old develops sudden confusion, fluctuating attention, and
altered sleep patterns 24 hours after admission. Which nursing assessment finding
most strongly supports delirium rather than dementia?
A. Progressive memory impairment over several years
B. Stable cognitive deficits without fluctuations
C. Abrupt onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
D. Gradual decline in executive functioning
Correct Answer: C. Abrupt onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course,
impaired attention, and altered consciousness, often resulting from an underlying
medical condition. Dementia generally develops gradually and progresses over
months to years without marked daily fluctuations. Prompt identification of
delirium is essential because many causes are reversible.
────────────────────────────────────────
QUESTION 4.
An older adult taking eight prescription medications, two herbal supplements, and an
, over-the-counter antihistamine is admitted after a fall. Which nursing priority is most
appropriate?
A. Encourage discontinuation of all supplements without further evaluation.
B. Review the complete medication profile for potentially inappropriate medications,
interactions, duplications, and adverse effects.
C. Delay medication reconciliation until discharge planning begins.
D. Focus solely on medications prescribed within the previous month.
Correct Answer: B. Review the complete medication profile for potentially
inappropriate medications, interactions, duplications, and adverse effects.
Explanation: Polypharmacy significantly increases the risk of adverse drug events,
falls, and hospitalization among older adults. A comprehensive medication review
includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements to identify
interactions and unnecessary therapies. Limiting the assessment or delaying
reconciliation may overlook important contributors to the patient's condition.
────────────────────────────────────────
QUESTION 5.
A frail older adult with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reports increasing
fatigue and weight loss over the past month. Which finding most strongly indicates
the need for immediate nutritional intervention?
A. Body mass index of 27 kg/m² with stable intake
B. Weight loss of 8% over one month accompanied by decreased muscle mass
C. Preference for smaller meals throughout the day
D. Mild decrease in taste perception
Correct Answer: B. Weight loss of 8% over one month accompanied by
decreased muscle mass
Explanation: Significant unintentional weight loss with evidence of muscle wasting
suggests protein-calorie malnutrition and increases the risk of poor healing,
infection, and functional decline. Early nutritional intervention is warranted. The
TESTBANK | PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | EXAM PREPARATION |
ADVANCED REVIEW | COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM | LATEST UPDATE
2026/2027
Examiner:
Nursing Program Faculty / School of Nursing (Course-Based Examination)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Theories of Aging
2. Physiological Changes Associated with Aging
3. Functional Assessment of Older Adults
4. Chronic Illness Management
5. Geriatric Pharmacology
6. Cognitive Disorders and Delirium
7. Dementia Care
8. Nutrition and Hydration
9. Mobility, Falls, and Safety
10. Sensory Changes
11. Cardiovascular Disorders
12. Respiratory Disorders
13. Endocrine Disorders
14. Musculoskeletal Disorders
15. Renal and Urinary Disorders
16. Pain Assessment and Management
17. Palliative and End-of-Life Care
18. Ethical and Legal Considerations
19. Interprofessional Collaboration
20. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
AGING || CHRONIC ILLNESS || GERIATRIC NURSING || FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT ||
POLYPHARMACY || DELIRIUM || DEMENTIA || FALL PREVENTION || NUTRITION ||
,FRAILTY || PAIN MANAGEMENT || CARE TRANSITIONS || ETHICS || PALLIATIVE
CARE || HEALTH PROMOTION || EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE || PATIENT SAFETY ||
INTERDISCIPLINARY CARE || QUALITY IMPROVEMENT || CLINICAL JUDGMENT
Disclaimer: This is an original practice testbank created for educational and
examination preparation purposes. It is not an actual examination and is not affiliated
with or endorsed by any testing organization.
QUESTION 1.
An 84-year-old client with hypertension, osteoarthritis, and stage 3 chronic kidney
disease reports increasing fatigue and dizziness upon standing. Which nursing action
best demonstrates application of comprehensive geriatric assessment principles?
A. Focus on treating the dizziness because it presents the greatest immediate risk.
B. Assess orthostatic vital signs, medication regimen, hydration status, functional
ability, and fall history before developing the care plan.
C. Recommend discontinuing antihypertensive medications until symptoms resolve.
D. Encourage bed rest until laboratory studies are completed.
Correct Answer: B. Assess orthostatic vital signs, medication regimen,
hydration status, functional ability, and fall history before developing the care
plan.
Explanation: Comprehensive geriatric assessment integrates physiologic, functional,
psychosocial, and medication-related factors because multiple interacting
conditions often contribute to symptoms in older adults. Orthostatic hypotension,
adverse drug effects, dehydration, and functional decline should all be evaluated
before interventions are implemented. The remaining options address isolated
concerns or introduce potentially unsafe management decisions.
────────────────────────────────────────
QUESTION 2.
A nurse is planning care for an older adult newly diagnosed with heart failure and
diabetes who expresses confidence in learning new self-management skills despite
physical limitations. Which theory of aging is most consistent with supporting this
patient's strengths?
,A. Disengagement theory
B. Continuity theory
C. Wear-and-tear theory
D. Free radical theory
Correct Answer: B. Continuity theory
Explanation: Continuity theory proposes that older adults adapt successfully by
maintaining established behaviors, values, and coping strategies while adjusting to
new challenges. This perspective supports individualized self-management based
on lifelong strengths. The other theories either describe biologic aging processes or
suggest withdrawal from social roles rather than adaptive functioning.
────────────────────────────────────────
QUESTION 3.
A hospitalized 79-year-old develops sudden confusion, fluctuating attention, and
altered sleep patterns 24 hours after admission. Which nursing assessment finding
most strongly supports delirium rather than dementia?
A. Progressive memory impairment over several years
B. Stable cognitive deficits without fluctuations
C. Abrupt onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
D. Gradual decline in executive functioning
Correct Answer: C. Abrupt onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course,
impaired attention, and altered consciousness, often resulting from an underlying
medical condition. Dementia generally develops gradually and progresses over
months to years without marked daily fluctuations. Prompt identification of
delirium is essential because many causes are reversible.
────────────────────────────────────────
QUESTION 4.
An older adult taking eight prescription medications, two herbal supplements, and an
, over-the-counter antihistamine is admitted after a fall. Which nursing priority is most
appropriate?
A. Encourage discontinuation of all supplements without further evaluation.
B. Review the complete medication profile for potentially inappropriate medications,
interactions, duplications, and adverse effects.
C. Delay medication reconciliation until discharge planning begins.
D. Focus solely on medications prescribed within the previous month.
Correct Answer: B. Review the complete medication profile for potentially
inappropriate medications, interactions, duplications, and adverse effects.
Explanation: Polypharmacy significantly increases the risk of adverse drug events,
falls, and hospitalization among older adults. A comprehensive medication review
includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements to identify
interactions and unnecessary therapies. Limiting the assessment or delaying
reconciliation may overlook important contributors to the patient's condition.
────────────────────────────────────────
QUESTION 5.
A frail older adult with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reports increasing
fatigue and weight loss over the past month. Which finding most strongly indicates
the need for immediate nutritional intervention?
A. Body mass index of 27 kg/m² with stable intake
B. Weight loss of 8% over one month accompanied by decreased muscle mass
C. Preference for smaller meals throughout the day
D. Mild decrease in taste perception
Correct Answer: B. Weight loss of 8% over one month accompanied by
decreased muscle mass
Explanation: Significant unintentional weight loss with evidence of muscle wasting
suggests protein-calorie malnutrition and increases the risk of poor healing,
infection, and functional decline. Early nutritional intervention is warranted. The
