JERSEY COLLEGE NUR202 | GERIATRIC NURSING MASTER STUDY GUIDE
NUR202
GERIATRIC NURSING
Management Concepts for Elder Care
Comprehensive Master Study Guide
Jersey College Professional Nursing (RN/ADN) • 2026/2027 Alignment Edition
Aligned to current Jersey College course listing, 2026 booklist, and the latest publicly available NUR202 syllabus/course
calendar.
Original educational study aid — not an official Jersey College publication and not a reproduction of any secure assessment.
Independent study aid • 2026/2027 alignment edition | Page 1
, JERSEY COLLEGE NUR202 | GERIATRIC NURSING MASTER STUDY GUIDE
1. Course Alignment and How to Use This Guide
Jersey College currently lists NUR202 as Geriatric Nursing: Management Concepts for Elder Care within Level II of the
Professional Nursing program. The course carries 6.0 quarter credits: 3.0 theory and 3.0 practicum. The current course
description specifies 30 theory clock hours and 90 practicum clock hours, with NUR201 as a pre- or co-requisite. The
course explicitly uses the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) as a framework for holistic assessment and nursing interventions.
[1–3]
The latest publicly available NUR202 syllabus describes two unit exams, a midterm, and a final. The published weighting
is 15% + 15% for the two unit exams, 30% for the midterm, and 40% for the final. It also states that tests may integrate
class content, assigned texts, practicum work, prior/concurrent nursing knowledge, and clinical judgment. This guide
therefore emphasizes concept integration, nursing priorities, and application rather than memorizing isolated facts. [3]
Jersey College alignment item Verified detail
Course NUR202 — Geriatric Nursing: Management Concepts for Elder Care
Credits / hours 6.0 quarter credits; 30 theory hours + 90 practicum hours
Framework Roy Adaptation Model (RAM)
Major course themes Aging theories, health promotion, pain, medication safety,
legal/ethical issues, end-of-life care, public policy, teaching, family
dynamics, interdisciplinary care
Published assessment pattern Exam 1, Midterm, Exam 2, Final; other assignments may be pass/fail
Current 2026 learning materials Meiner, Gerontologic Nursing; Elsevier SurePath Geri
Important alignment note: Jersey College can revise schedules and exam emphasis by term. The detailed weekly topic
map available publicly is from Fall 2023, while the Spring 2024 syllabus and 2025 course description confirm the same core
course identity and objectives. The 2026 booklist still maps NUR202 to gerontologic nursing resources. Use your current
instructor calendar as the final authority.
Official Course Objectives Translated into Study Tasks
Objective theme What you should be able to do
RAM assessment Organize geriatric data into physiologic, self-concept, role function,
and interdependence modes; identify stimuli and adaptation
problems.
Culture Recognize how culture, beliefs, health literacy, language, family
roles, and access influence care.
Communication Adapt communication for sensory loss, cognition changes, aphasia,
low health literacy, and family participation.
Nursing process Move from assessment → nursing diagnosis/problem → goals →
evidence-based intervention → evaluation.
Safety Prioritize fall prevention, medication safety, skin protection,
hydration, nutrition, infection prevention, and functional preservation.
Clinical judgment Differentiate expected aging changes from acute or pathologic
findings; identify the most urgent nursing problem.
Legal/ethical practice Apply autonomy, capacity, informed consent, advance directives,
confidentiality, mandated reporting, and least-restrictive care.
Standards / teamwork Know when to collaborate with pharmacy, PT/OT, social work,
nutrition, speech therapy, providers, case management, and
hospice/palliative care.
High-Level Published Topic Sequence
Course phase Major publicly listed NUR202 topics
Exam 1 block Gerontologic nursing foundations, theories of aging, pain,
comprehensive assessment, sleep, activity
Midterm block Respiratory function; infection/inflammation; nutrition/elimination; GI,
urinary, endocrine/diabetes; safety; drugs and aging; chronic illness
and rehabilitation
Exam 2 block Cardiovascular; cognitive/neurologic; healthcare delivery settings;
sensory; musculoskeletal
Final block Integumentary; cultural/family influences;
socioeconomic/environmental influences; legal/ethical issues; loss
and end-of-life; cumulative integration
Independent study aid • 2026/2027 alignment edition | Page 2
, JERSEY COLLEGE NUR202 | GERIATRIC NURSING MASTER STUDY GUIDE
2. Foundations of Gerontologic Nursing
Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Gerontologic Nursing
Gerontology is the broad study of aging and older adults across biological, psychological, social, cultural, and economic
domains.
Geriatrics is the clinical care of older adults, especially prevention, diagnosis, management of disease, function, frailty, and
multimorbidity.
Gerontologic nursing integrates aging science with nursing assessment, prevention, functional support, chronic disease
management, medication safety, psychosocial care, caregiver support, and advocacy.
Chronologic age alone does not determine physiologic reserve. Two people of the same age can have very different
functional capacity, cognition, comorbidity burden, and goals.
Exam focus: When a question contrasts “normal aging” with illness, choose the finding that represents a new functional
decline, acute change, or physiologic instability as the higher priority. Aging changes increase vulnerability but should not
automatically be treated as disease.
Major Theories of Aging
Theory / concept Core idea Nursing implication
Programmed / genetic Aging is partly influenced by genetically Focus on modifiable health behaviors even
regulated cellular processes and biologic when biologic aging is unavoidable.
timing.
Telomere / cellular senescence Repeated cell division and accumulated cell Older adults may recover more slowly from
stress reduce repair capacity. illness, surgery, immobility, and injury.
Oxidative stress / free radical Reactive molecules contribute to cellular Support balanced nutrition, chronic disease
damage over time. control, activity, and avoidance of harmful
exposures.
Immunologic Immune regulation changes with age, A serious infection may present atypically;
affecting infection risk and inflammatory monitor function and cognition as well as
responses. temperature.
Wear-and-tear / cumulative damage Long-term exposure to mechanical and Prevention, ergonomics, mobility, exercise,
physiologic stress contributes to declining and risk-factor control remain important.
reserve.
Activity theory Well-being is supported by continued Promote engagement adapted to the
meaningful activity and social participation. person’s ability and preferences.
Continuity theory People tend to preserve familiar values, Individualize care around lifelong routines,
habits, roles, and coping patterns. identity, and preferred coping styles.
Disengagement theory Describes progressive withdrawal from Do not assume withdrawal is normal or
social roles; now viewed as limited and not desirable; assess depression, isolation,
universally healthy. sensory loss, and environmental barriers.
Healthy Aging Principles
Preserve function: mobility, strength, balance, continence, cognition, nutrition, sleep, vision/hearing, and social connection.
Prevent iatrogenic harm: unnecessary medications, restraints, bed rest, sleep disruption, urinary catheters, avoidable
hospital complications, and fragmented care.
Manage multimorbidity by aligning treatments with the older adult’s goals, function, prognosis, caregiver capacity, and
treatment burden.
Promote self-efficacy: involve the patient in choices, use teach-back, simplify plans, and reinforce capabilities rather than
deficits.
Use person-centered goals: “What matters?” is often as important as “What is the diagnosis?”
3. Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) Applied to NUR202
Jersey College explicitly identifies the Roy Adaptation Model as the organizing framework for NUR202 geriatric
assessment and intervention. In RAM, the person is viewed as an adaptive system responding to internal and external
stimuli. Nursing supports adaptive responses and reduces ineffective responses. [2–3]
The Four Adaptive Modes
RAM mode What to assess in an older adult Examples of nursing problems
Independent study aid • 2026/2027 alignment edition | Page 3
NUR202
GERIATRIC NURSING
Management Concepts for Elder Care
Comprehensive Master Study Guide
Jersey College Professional Nursing (RN/ADN) • 2026/2027 Alignment Edition
Aligned to current Jersey College course listing, 2026 booklist, and the latest publicly available NUR202 syllabus/course
calendar.
Original educational study aid — not an official Jersey College publication and not a reproduction of any secure assessment.
Independent study aid • 2026/2027 alignment edition | Page 1
, JERSEY COLLEGE NUR202 | GERIATRIC NURSING MASTER STUDY GUIDE
1. Course Alignment and How to Use This Guide
Jersey College currently lists NUR202 as Geriatric Nursing: Management Concepts for Elder Care within Level II of the
Professional Nursing program. The course carries 6.0 quarter credits: 3.0 theory and 3.0 practicum. The current course
description specifies 30 theory clock hours and 90 practicum clock hours, with NUR201 as a pre- or co-requisite. The
course explicitly uses the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) as a framework for holistic assessment and nursing interventions.
[1–3]
The latest publicly available NUR202 syllabus describes two unit exams, a midterm, and a final. The published weighting
is 15% + 15% for the two unit exams, 30% for the midterm, and 40% for the final. It also states that tests may integrate
class content, assigned texts, practicum work, prior/concurrent nursing knowledge, and clinical judgment. This guide
therefore emphasizes concept integration, nursing priorities, and application rather than memorizing isolated facts. [3]
Jersey College alignment item Verified detail
Course NUR202 — Geriatric Nursing: Management Concepts for Elder Care
Credits / hours 6.0 quarter credits; 30 theory hours + 90 practicum hours
Framework Roy Adaptation Model (RAM)
Major course themes Aging theories, health promotion, pain, medication safety,
legal/ethical issues, end-of-life care, public policy, teaching, family
dynamics, interdisciplinary care
Published assessment pattern Exam 1, Midterm, Exam 2, Final; other assignments may be pass/fail
Current 2026 learning materials Meiner, Gerontologic Nursing; Elsevier SurePath Geri
Important alignment note: Jersey College can revise schedules and exam emphasis by term. The detailed weekly topic
map available publicly is from Fall 2023, while the Spring 2024 syllabus and 2025 course description confirm the same core
course identity and objectives. The 2026 booklist still maps NUR202 to gerontologic nursing resources. Use your current
instructor calendar as the final authority.
Official Course Objectives Translated into Study Tasks
Objective theme What you should be able to do
RAM assessment Organize geriatric data into physiologic, self-concept, role function,
and interdependence modes; identify stimuli and adaptation
problems.
Culture Recognize how culture, beliefs, health literacy, language, family
roles, and access influence care.
Communication Adapt communication for sensory loss, cognition changes, aphasia,
low health literacy, and family participation.
Nursing process Move from assessment → nursing diagnosis/problem → goals →
evidence-based intervention → evaluation.
Safety Prioritize fall prevention, medication safety, skin protection,
hydration, nutrition, infection prevention, and functional preservation.
Clinical judgment Differentiate expected aging changes from acute or pathologic
findings; identify the most urgent nursing problem.
Legal/ethical practice Apply autonomy, capacity, informed consent, advance directives,
confidentiality, mandated reporting, and least-restrictive care.
Standards / teamwork Know when to collaborate with pharmacy, PT/OT, social work,
nutrition, speech therapy, providers, case management, and
hospice/palliative care.
High-Level Published Topic Sequence
Course phase Major publicly listed NUR202 topics
Exam 1 block Gerontologic nursing foundations, theories of aging, pain,
comprehensive assessment, sleep, activity
Midterm block Respiratory function; infection/inflammation; nutrition/elimination; GI,
urinary, endocrine/diabetes; safety; drugs and aging; chronic illness
and rehabilitation
Exam 2 block Cardiovascular; cognitive/neurologic; healthcare delivery settings;
sensory; musculoskeletal
Final block Integumentary; cultural/family influences;
socioeconomic/environmental influences; legal/ethical issues; loss
and end-of-life; cumulative integration
Independent study aid • 2026/2027 alignment edition | Page 2
, JERSEY COLLEGE NUR202 | GERIATRIC NURSING MASTER STUDY GUIDE
2. Foundations of Gerontologic Nursing
Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Gerontologic Nursing
Gerontology is the broad study of aging and older adults across biological, psychological, social, cultural, and economic
domains.
Geriatrics is the clinical care of older adults, especially prevention, diagnosis, management of disease, function, frailty, and
multimorbidity.
Gerontologic nursing integrates aging science with nursing assessment, prevention, functional support, chronic disease
management, medication safety, psychosocial care, caregiver support, and advocacy.
Chronologic age alone does not determine physiologic reserve. Two people of the same age can have very different
functional capacity, cognition, comorbidity burden, and goals.
Exam focus: When a question contrasts “normal aging” with illness, choose the finding that represents a new functional
decline, acute change, or physiologic instability as the higher priority. Aging changes increase vulnerability but should not
automatically be treated as disease.
Major Theories of Aging
Theory / concept Core idea Nursing implication
Programmed / genetic Aging is partly influenced by genetically Focus on modifiable health behaviors even
regulated cellular processes and biologic when biologic aging is unavoidable.
timing.
Telomere / cellular senescence Repeated cell division and accumulated cell Older adults may recover more slowly from
stress reduce repair capacity. illness, surgery, immobility, and injury.
Oxidative stress / free radical Reactive molecules contribute to cellular Support balanced nutrition, chronic disease
damage over time. control, activity, and avoidance of harmful
exposures.
Immunologic Immune regulation changes with age, A serious infection may present atypically;
affecting infection risk and inflammatory monitor function and cognition as well as
responses. temperature.
Wear-and-tear / cumulative damage Long-term exposure to mechanical and Prevention, ergonomics, mobility, exercise,
physiologic stress contributes to declining and risk-factor control remain important.
reserve.
Activity theory Well-being is supported by continued Promote engagement adapted to the
meaningful activity and social participation. person’s ability and preferences.
Continuity theory People tend to preserve familiar values, Individualize care around lifelong routines,
habits, roles, and coping patterns. identity, and preferred coping styles.
Disengagement theory Describes progressive withdrawal from Do not assume withdrawal is normal or
social roles; now viewed as limited and not desirable; assess depression, isolation,
universally healthy. sensory loss, and environmental barriers.
Healthy Aging Principles
Preserve function: mobility, strength, balance, continence, cognition, nutrition, sleep, vision/hearing, and social connection.
Prevent iatrogenic harm: unnecessary medications, restraints, bed rest, sleep disruption, urinary catheters, avoidable
hospital complications, and fragmented care.
Manage multimorbidity by aligning treatments with the older adult’s goals, function, prognosis, caregiver capacity, and
treatment burden.
Promote self-efficacy: involve the patient in choices, use teach-back, simplify plans, and reinforce capabilities rather than
deficits.
Use person-centered goals: “What matters?” is often as important as “What is the diagnosis?”
3. Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) Applied to NUR202
Jersey College explicitly identifies the Roy Adaptation Model as the organizing framework for NUR202 geriatric
assessment and intervention. In RAM, the person is viewed as an adaptive system responding to internal and external
stimuli. Nursing supports adaptive responses and reduces ineffective responses. [2–3]
The Four Adaptive Modes
RAM mode What to assess in an older adult Examples of nursing problems
Independent study aid • 2026/2027 alignment edition | Page 3
