NURSING CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT
- QUIZ 1 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, which conflict is most characteristic of late
adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Ego Integrity vs. Despair occurs in late adulthood (65+), where
the individual reflects on their life to determine if it was meaningful.
2. Which biological theory of aging suggests that cells have a genetically determined life
span?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Cross-linkage Theory
,C. Wear and Tear Theory
D. Programmed Aging Theory
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Programmed Aging (or Hayflick Limit) theory suggests that
cells are biologically programmed to divide only a certain number of times.
3. An older adult patient experiences a decline in high-frequency hearing. This condition is
known as:
A. Otosclerosis
B. Tinnitus
C. Presbycusis
D. Presbyopia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Presbycusis is the age-related sensorineural hearing loss,
typically characterized by the loss of high-pitched sounds.
4. What is the most effective communication technique for a nurse to use with an older adult
who has a mild hearing impairment?
A. Speak loudly and in a high-pitched tone.
B. Face the patient and speak clearly in a normal or lower tone.
C. Stand behind the patient while speaking.
, D. Exaggerate mouth movements while speaking.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Facing the patient allows for lip reading and visual cues, while a
lower pitch is easier to hear than high frequencies.
5. Which pharmacokinetic change is most common in older adults due to decreased hepatic
blood flow?
A. Increased rate of drug metabolism
B. Decreased drug metabolism leading to toxicity
C. Decreased drug half-life
D. Enhanced first-pass effect
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Decreased hepatic blood flow and enzyme activity reduce the
rate at which drugs are metabolized, increasing the risk for drug accumulation and toxicity.
6. A nurse identifies that an older adult is at risk for orthostatic hypotension. Which
intervention is a priority?
A. Restrict fluid intake to 1000 mL per day.
B. Encourage the patient to change positions slowly.
C. Administer a diuretic in the evening.
D. Keep the patient on strict bedrest.
- QUIZ 1 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, which conflict is most characteristic of late
adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Ego Integrity vs. Despair occurs in late adulthood (65+), where
the individual reflects on their life to determine if it was meaningful.
2. Which biological theory of aging suggests that cells have a genetically determined life
span?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Cross-linkage Theory
,C. Wear and Tear Theory
D. Programmed Aging Theory
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Programmed Aging (or Hayflick Limit) theory suggests that
cells are biologically programmed to divide only a certain number of times.
3. An older adult patient experiences a decline in high-frequency hearing. This condition is
known as:
A. Otosclerosis
B. Tinnitus
C. Presbycusis
D. Presbyopia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Presbycusis is the age-related sensorineural hearing loss,
typically characterized by the loss of high-pitched sounds.
4. What is the most effective communication technique for a nurse to use with an older adult
who has a mild hearing impairment?
A. Speak loudly and in a high-pitched tone.
B. Face the patient and speak clearly in a normal or lower tone.
C. Stand behind the patient while speaking.
, D. Exaggerate mouth movements while speaking.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Facing the patient allows for lip reading and visual cues, while a
lower pitch is easier to hear than high frequencies.
5. Which pharmacokinetic change is most common in older adults due to decreased hepatic
blood flow?
A. Increased rate of drug metabolism
B. Decreased drug metabolism leading to toxicity
C. Decreased drug half-life
D. Enhanced first-pass effect
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Decreased hepatic blood flow and enzyme activity reduce the
rate at which drugs are metabolized, increasing the risk for drug accumulation and toxicity.
6. A nurse identifies that an older adult is at risk for orthostatic hypotension. Which
intervention is a priority?
A. Restrict fluid intake to 1000 mL per day.
B. Encourage the patient to change positions slowly.
C. Administer a diuretic in the evening.
D. Keep the patient on strict bedrest.
