GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
NUR 257 Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness
Academic Year: 2026/2027 Comprehensive Question Bank Exam 2
NCLEX-style · Gerontology Concepts
Question 1
Which of the following is a component of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)?
A. Orientation and short-term memory
B. Calculation ability and language
C. Ability to copy a figure
D. All of the above
Correct answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: The MMSE screens orientation, short-term memory, attention, calculation,
language, and ability to copy a figure. It is the #1 exam choice for cognitive screening.
, Question 2
What should you do when assessing older adults?
A. Rush through the assessment to save time
B. Listen patiently
C. Avoid asking personal questions
D. Speak loudly and slowly
Correct answer: B. Listen patiently
Rationale: Patience is critical when assessing older adults. They may need more time to
respond, process information, or recall details. Rushing can lead to incomplete data and
distress.
Question 3
What is an important consideration regarding pauses during assessment of older adults?
A. Pauses indicate confusion and should be avoided
B. Allow for pauses
C. Pauses mean the patient is not paying attention
D. Pauses should be filled with conversation
Correct answer: B. Allow for pauses
Rationale: Allowing pauses gives older adults time to process questions and formulate
responses. It respects their pace and can reduce anxiety during the assessment.
, Question 4
What type of questions should be asked during the assessment of older adults?
A. Only yes/no questions
B. Questions that are not often asked
C. Only questions about medical history
D. Complex medical terminology
Correct answer: B. Questions that are not often asked
Rationale: Asking questions that are not routinely asked helps uncover hidden issues such
as mental health, sexual function, financial concerns, or social isolation that may not
otherwise be disclosed.
Question 5
From where should data be obtained when assessing older adults?
A. Only from the patient
B. Obtain data from all available sources
C. Only from family members
D. Only from medical records
Correct answer: B. Obtain data from all available sources
Rationale: Data should be gathered from multiple sources including the patient, family,
caregivers, medical records, and observations to ensure a comprehensive and accurate
assessment.
, Question 6
What should you know about the assessment of older adults?
A. It is simpler than younger adults
B. Know normal changes
C. It requires less time
D. Only physical assessment is needed
Correct answer: B. Know normal changes
Rationale: Understanding normal age-related changes is essential to distinguish them from
pathological conditions. This prevents over-treatment of normal aging and under-treatment
of disease.
Question 7
How should the pace of the assessment be adjusted for older adults?
A. Pace the assessment according to the client's stamina
B. Always complete the assessment as quickly as possible
C. Maintain the same pace for all patients
D. Speed up the assessment to avoid fatigue
Correct answer: A. Pace the assessment according to the client's stamina
Rationale: Older adults may tire easily; pacing the assessment to match their stamina
ensures accurate data collection and prevents distress or fatigue.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
NUR 257 Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness
Academic Year: 2026/2027 Comprehensive Question Bank Exam 2
NCLEX-style · Gerontology Concepts
Question 1
Which of the following is a component of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)?
A. Orientation and short-term memory
B. Calculation ability and language
C. Ability to copy a figure
D. All of the above
Correct answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: The MMSE screens orientation, short-term memory, attention, calculation,
language, and ability to copy a figure. It is the #1 exam choice for cognitive screening.
, Question 2
What should you do when assessing older adults?
A. Rush through the assessment to save time
B. Listen patiently
C. Avoid asking personal questions
D. Speak loudly and slowly
Correct answer: B. Listen patiently
Rationale: Patience is critical when assessing older adults. They may need more time to
respond, process information, or recall details. Rushing can lead to incomplete data and
distress.
Question 3
What is an important consideration regarding pauses during assessment of older adults?
A. Pauses indicate confusion and should be avoided
B. Allow for pauses
C. Pauses mean the patient is not paying attention
D. Pauses should be filled with conversation
Correct answer: B. Allow for pauses
Rationale: Allowing pauses gives older adults time to process questions and formulate
responses. It respects their pace and can reduce anxiety during the assessment.
, Question 4
What type of questions should be asked during the assessment of older adults?
A. Only yes/no questions
B. Questions that are not often asked
C. Only questions about medical history
D. Complex medical terminology
Correct answer: B. Questions that are not often asked
Rationale: Asking questions that are not routinely asked helps uncover hidden issues such
as mental health, sexual function, financial concerns, or social isolation that may not
otherwise be disclosed.
Question 5
From where should data be obtained when assessing older adults?
A. Only from the patient
B. Obtain data from all available sources
C. Only from family members
D. Only from medical records
Correct answer: B. Obtain data from all available sources
Rationale: Data should be gathered from multiple sources including the patient, family,
caregivers, medical records, and observations to ensure a comprehensive and accurate
assessment.
, Question 6
What should you know about the assessment of older adults?
A. It is simpler than younger adults
B. Know normal changes
C. It requires less time
D. Only physical assessment is needed
Correct answer: B. Know normal changes
Rationale: Understanding normal age-related changes is essential to distinguish them from
pathological conditions. This prevents over-treatment of normal aging and under-treatment
of disease.
Question 7
How should the pace of the assessment be adjusted for older adults?
A. Pace the assessment according to the client's stamina
B. Always complete the assessment as quickly as possible
C. Maintain the same pace for all patients
D. Speed up the assessment to avoid fatigue
Correct answer: A. Pace the assessment according to the client's stamina
Rationale: Older adults may tire easily; pacing the assessment to match their stamina
ensures accurate data collection and prevents distress or fatigue.
