NUR 257 CHRONIC HEALTH CONCEPTS FINAL EXAM – 300 MULTIPLE CHOICE
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
,SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF AGING & CHRONIC ILLNESS (Questions 1-30)
Question 1
The nurse is educating a group of nursing students about normal physiological
changes of aging. Which statement by a student indicates correct understanding?
A) "Blood pressure typically decreases with age due to decreased cardiac output."
B) "Gastric emptying slows, which affects medication absorption."
C) "Kidney function increases with age to compensate for other organ decline."
D) "The immune system becomes more responsive to vaccines as we age."
Answer: B
Rationale: Aging is associated with decreased gastrointestinal motility, leading to
delayed gastric emptying that can affect medication absorption. Blood pressure
typically increases with age, kidney function declines (decreased GFR), and the
immune system exhibits immunosenescence with decreased vaccine response.
Question 2
The nurse is caring for an older adult client. Which age-related change in the skin
is associated with increased risk of injury?
A) Increased melanocyte activity
B) Thinning of the skin and increased fragility
C) Increased subcutaneous fat deposition
D) Increased skin elasticity
Answer: B
,Rationale: Aging skin shows thinning and increased fragility, placing older adults
at higher risk for skin tears and injury. Melanocyte activity decreases,
subcutaneous fat decreases, and skin elasticity decreases with age.
Question 3
Which social theory of aging suggests that successful aging involves maintaining
activities and roles from middle age as long as possible?
A) Disengagement theory
B) Activity theory
C) Continuity theory
D) Socioemotional selectivity theory
Answer: B
Rationale: Activity theory proposes that successful aging requires continued
activity, social engagement, and role replacement. Disengagement theory
proposes withdrawal from society; Continuity theory suggests maintaining
consistent behavior patterns; Socioemotional selectivity theory focuses on
emotional regulation.
Question 4
An older adult patient reflects on life achievements and expresses a sense of
satisfaction and peace. According to Erikson, which developmental stage is the
patient successfully navigating?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Intimacy vs. Isolation
C) Integrity vs. Despair
D) Identity vs. Role Confusion
, Answer: C
Rationale: Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson's psychosocial
development in late adulthood. Individuals reflect on their lives and either feel
fulfillment or regret. A sense of peace and satisfaction indicates achievement of
ego integrity.
Question 5
Which characteristic is typical of a chronic illness?
A) Sudden onset with rapid recovery
B) Short duration with complete resolution
C) Long duration with variable patterns of remission and exacerbation
D) Infectious etiology with clear cure
Answer: C
Rationale: Chronic illnesses are characterized by long duration, often with periods
of remission (symptoms controlled or absent) and exacerbation (symptoms
worsen). They are typically not curable and require ongoing management.
Question 6
A client with a chronic illness is experiencing an exacerbation. What does this
mean?
A) The disease is in remission
B) Symptoms are worsening or increasing
C) The client is cured
D) The disease is stable
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
,SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF AGING & CHRONIC ILLNESS (Questions 1-30)
Question 1
The nurse is educating a group of nursing students about normal physiological
changes of aging. Which statement by a student indicates correct understanding?
A) "Blood pressure typically decreases with age due to decreased cardiac output."
B) "Gastric emptying slows, which affects medication absorption."
C) "Kidney function increases with age to compensate for other organ decline."
D) "The immune system becomes more responsive to vaccines as we age."
Answer: B
Rationale: Aging is associated with decreased gastrointestinal motility, leading to
delayed gastric emptying that can affect medication absorption. Blood pressure
typically increases with age, kidney function declines (decreased GFR), and the
immune system exhibits immunosenescence with decreased vaccine response.
Question 2
The nurse is caring for an older adult client. Which age-related change in the skin
is associated with increased risk of injury?
A) Increased melanocyte activity
B) Thinning of the skin and increased fragility
C) Increased subcutaneous fat deposition
D) Increased skin elasticity
Answer: B
,Rationale: Aging skin shows thinning and increased fragility, placing older adults
at higher risk for skin tears and injury. Melanocyte activity decreases,
subcutaneous fat decreases, and skin elasticity decreases with age.
Question 3
Which social theory of aging suggests that successful aging involves maintaining
activities and roles from middle age as long as possible?
A) Disengagement theory
B) Activity theory
C) Continuity theory
D) Socioemotional selectivity theory
Answer: B
Rationale: Activity theory proposes that successful aging requires continued
activity, social engagement, and role replacement. Disengagement theory
proposes withdrawal from society; Continuity theory suggests maintaining
consistent behavior patterns; Socioemotional selectivity theory focuses on
emotional regulation.
Question 4
An older adult patient reflects on life achievements and expresses a sense of
satisfaction and peace. According to Erikson, which developmental stage is the
patient successfully navigating?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Intimacy vs. Isolation
C) Integrity vs. Despair
D) Identity vs. Role Confusion
, Answer: C
Rationale: Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson's psychosocial
development in late adulthood. Individuals reflect on their lives and either feel
fulfillment or regret. A sense of peace and satisfaction indicates achievement of
ego integrity.
Question 5
Which characteristic is typical of a chronic illness?
A) Sudden onset with rapid recovery
B) Short duration with complete resolution
C) Long duration with variable patterns of remission and exacerbation
D) Infectious etiology with clear cure
Answer: C
Rationale: Chronic illnesses are characterized by long duration, often with periods
of remission (symptoms controlled or absent) and exacerbation (symptoms
worsen). They are typically not curable and require ongoing management.
Question 6
A client with a chronic illness is experiencing an exacerbation. What does this
mean?
A) The disease is in remission
B) Symptoms are worsening or increasing
C) The client is cured
D) The disease is stable
