,NUR 257 Concepts of Aging & Chronic
Illness Exam Prep — Comprehensive
Review + Practice MCQs — Galen
College of Nursing 2025/2026
# SECTION 1: THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES OF AGING (Questions 1–15)
1. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about theories of aging. Which theory states that aging results
from random cellular damage that accumulates over time?
A. Programmed theory
B. Error theory (Stochastic theory)
C. Cross-linkage theory
D. Immunological theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The error theory, also known as the stochastic theory, proposes that aging results from random
errors in DNA replication and protein synthesis that accumulate over time, leading to cellular damage and
dysfunction. The programmed theory suggests aging is genetically predetermined. The cross-linkage theory
proposes that aging is caused by the formation of cross-links between proteins. The immunological theory
proposes that the immune system declines with age, leading to increased susceptibility to disease .
2. According to the Hayflick limit, what determines the maximum number of times a cell can divide before
entering senescence?
A. Accumulated free radical damage
,B. Telomere length
C. Hormonal changes
D. Mitochondrial DNA mutations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Hayflick limit describes the observation that normal human cells divide only a limited number of
times (approximately 40–60) before entering replicative senescence. Telomere shortening is the mechanism
underlying this limit. Each cell division shortens the telomeres, and when they reach a critical length, the cell
can no longer divide .
3. Which psychosocial 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. Subculture theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Activity theory proposes that successful aging requires continued activity, social engagement, and
role replacement. It suggests that older adults who remain active and engaged are better adjusted and more
satisfied with life. Disengagement theory proposes mutual withdrawal between society and the aging
individual .
4. An older adult has recently retired and is struggling to find meaningful activities. According to Erikson's
theory, which developmental task is this individual working through?
, A. Trust vs. mistrust
B. Integrity vs. despair
C. Generativity vs. stagnation
D. Identity vs. role confusion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Erikson's final developmental stage is integrity vs. despair, which occurs in late adulthood.
Successful resolution involves accepting one's life and finding meaning and satisfaction. Difficulty finding
purpose after retirement may indicate struggle with this stage .
5. The nurse is assessing an 82-year-old patient who has stopped attending church, stopped visiting friends,
and states, "I've lived my life; it's time to let the younger generation take over." Which sociological theory of
aging best explains this behavior?
A. Activity theory
B. Continuity theory
C. Disengagement theory
D. Socioemotional selectivity theory
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Disengagement theory proposes that aging involves a mutual withdrawal between the older adult
and society. The individual gradually reduces social interactions and roles, which is viewed as a natural and
acceptable process. The patient's statements and behaviors reflect this withdrawal .
Illness Exam Prep — Comprehensive
Review + Practice MCQs — Galen
College of Nursing 2025/2026
# SECTION 1: THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES OF AGING (Questions 1–15)
1. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about theories of aging. Which theory states that aging results
from random cellular damage that accumulates over time?
A. Programmed theory
B. Error theory (Stochastic theory)
C. Cross-linkage theory
D. Immunological theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The error theory, also known as the stochastic theory, proposes that aging results from random
errors in DNA replication and protein synthesis that accumulate over time, leading to cellular damage and
dysfunction. The programmed theory suggests aging is genetically predetermined. The cross-linkage theory
proposes that aging is caused by the formation of cross-links between proteins. The immunological theory
proposes that the immune system declines with age, leading to increased susceptibility to disease .
2. According to the Hayflick limit, what determines the maximum number of times a cell can divide before
entering senescence?
A. Accumulated free radical damage
,B. Telomere length
C. Hormonal changes
D. Mitochondrial DNA mutations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Hayflick limit describes the observation that normal human cells divide only a limited number of
times (approximately 40–60) before entering replicative senescence. Telomere shortening is the mechanism
underlying this limit. Each cell division shortens the telomeres, and when they reach a critical length, the cell
can no longer divide .
3. Which psychosocial 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. Subculture theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Activity theory proposes that successful aging requires continued activity, social engagement, and
role replacement. It suggests that older adults who remain active and engaged are better adjusted and more
satisfied with life. Disengagement theory proposes mutual withdrawal between society and the aging
individual .
4. An older adult has recently retired and is struggling to find meaningful activities. According to Erikson's
theory, which developmental task is this individual working through?
, A. Trust vs. mistrust
B. Integrity vs. despair
C. Generativity vs. stagnation
D. Identity vs. role confusion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Erikson's final developmental stage is integrity vs. despair, which occurs in late adulthood.
Successful resolution involves accepting one's life and finding meaning and satisfaction. Difficulty finding
purpose after retirement may indicate struggle with this stage .
5. The nurse is assessing an 82-year-old patient who has stopped attending church, stopped visiting friends,
and states, "I've lived my life; it's time to let the younger generation take over." Which sociological theory of
aging best explains this behavior?
A. Activity theory
B. Continuity theory
C. Disengagement theory
D. Socioemotional selectivity theory
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Disengagement theory proposes that aging involves a mutual withdrawal between the older adult
and society. The individual gradually reduces social interactions and roles, which is viewed as a natural and
acceptable process. The patient's statements and behaviors reflect this withdrawal .
