NUR 257 EXAM 1: CONCEPTS OF AGING
& CHRONIC ILLNESS
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
1. Which biological theory of aging suggests that errors in DNA and RNA synthesis lead to the
production of abnormal proteins and eventual cell death?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Error Catastrophe Theory
C. Wear and Tear Theory
D. Programmed Longevity Theory
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Error Catastrophe Theory proposes that over time, mistakes
in transcription or translation of genetic material result in faulty proteins that impair
cellular function.
2. According to the Corbin and Strauss Chronic Illness Trajectory Model, the phase
characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms or a life-threatening situation is known as:
A. Stable Phase
,B. Comeback Phase
C. Crisis Phase
D. Downward Phase
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Crisis Phase is marked by a life-threatening situation or
emergency that necessitates immediate professional medical attention.
3. An older adult patient is experiencing a reduction in the metabolism of drugs. Which
physiological change is most responsible for this?
A. Increased total body water
B. Decreased hepatic blood flow
C. Increased gastric pH
D. Decreased body fat percentage
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Decreased hepatic blood flow and reduced liver mass in older
adults lead to a decline in the first-pass metabolism of many drugs.
4. The nurse is using the SPICES tool to assess an older adult. What does the ‘S’ at the end of
the acronym stand for?
A. Skin breakdown
B. Sleep disorders
, C. Social support
D. Sensory loss
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: SPICES stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with
eating/feeding, Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown.
5. Which assessment tool is specifically used to measure an older adult’s ability to perform
activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and toileting?
A. Lawton IADL Scale
B. Geriatric Depression Scale
C. Mini-Mental State Examination
D. Katz Index
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
focuses on basic self-care tasks like bathing and feeding.
6. A patient exhibits ‘presbyopia.’ How should the nurse best adapt the environment?
A. Provide large-print reading materials
B. Speak in a lower-pitched voice
C. Reduce background noise
& CHRONIC ILLNESS
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
1. Which biological theory of aging suggests that errors in DNA and RNA synthesis lead to the
production of abnormal proteins and eventual cell death?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Error Catastrophe Theory
C. Wear and Tear Theory
D. Programmed Longevity Theory
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Error Catastrophe Theory proposes that over time, mistakes
in transcription or translation of genetic material result in faulty proteins that impair
cellular function.
2. According to the Corbin and Strauss Chronic Illness Trajectory Model, the phase
characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms or a life-threatening situation is known as:
A. Stable Phase
,B. Comeback Phase
C. Crisis Phase
D. Downward Phase
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Crisis Phase is marked by a life-threatening situation or
emergency that necessitates immediate professional medical attention.
3. An older adult patient is experiencing a reduction in the metabolism of drugs. Which
physiological change is most responsible for this?
A. Increased total body water
B. Decreased hepatic blood flow
C. Increased gastric pH
D. Decreased body fat percentage
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Decreased hepatic blood flow and reduced liver mass in older
adults lead to a decline in the first-pass metabolism of many drugs.
4. The nurse is using the SPICES tool to assess an older adult. What does the ‘S’ at the end of
the acronym stand for?
A. Skin breakdown
B. Sleep disorders
, C. Social support
D. Sensory loss
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: SPICES stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with
eating/feeding, Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown.
5. Which assessment tool is specifically used to measure an older adult’s ability to perform
activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and toileting?
A. Lawton IADL Scale
B. Geriatric Depression Scale
C. Mini-Mental State Examination
D. Katz Index
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
focuses on basic self-care tasks like bathing and feeding.
6. A patient exhibits ‘presbyopia.’ How should the nurse best adapt the environment?
A. Provide large-print reading materials
B. Speak in a lower-pitched voice
C. Reduce background noise
