"Test Bank for Ebersole & Hess' Gerontological Nursing &
Healthy Aging in Canada (3rd Edition): Complete 100-
Question Review with Evidence-Based Rationales"
### Chapter 1: Introduction to Healthy Aging
**1. Which statement best reflects the concept of "healthy aging" as defined by the WHO and
adopted by the Public Health Agency of Canada?**
A) Absence of chronic disease
B) Ability to live independently without help
C) Developing and maintaining functional ability that enables well-being in older age
D) Remaining free from disability until death
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Healthy aging emphasizes functional ability rather than merely the absence of
disease. The WHO framework and the Public Health Agency of Canada recognize that many
older adults live with chronic conditions but still maintain well-being through supportive
environments and personal capabilities. Option A reflects a narrow biomedical view, while B and
D are unrealistic and exclusionary standards that do not align with contemporary gerontological
nursing philosophy .
**2. According to Statistics Canada, which age group is the fastest-growing segment of the
Canadian population?**
,A) 55–64 years
B) 65–74 years
C) 75–84 years
D) 85+ years
**Correct Answer: D**
**Rationale:** The 85+ age group is the fastest-growing demographic in Canada due to
increased life expectancy and the aging of the baby boomer cohort. This has significant
implications for gerontological nursing practice, including increased demand for complex care,
dementia care, and support for activities of daily living. Understanding demographic trends
helps nurses advocate for appropriate resources and age-friendly policies .
**3. A nurse is caring for an 82-year-old client who recently moved to a long-term care facility.
The client states, "I'm too old to learn how to use that call bell." What is the nurse's best
response?**
A) "You're right, but your daughter can show you."
B) "Most people your age feel that way."
C) "Learning new things keeps the brain healthy. Let's try together."
D) "I'll check on you every hour instead."
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** This response promotes neuroplasticity and autonomy while actively combating
ageism. Older adults retain the capacity for learning and adaptation throughout life. By offering
to learn together, the nurse creates a supportive, non-threatening environment that respects
the client's dignity and encourages engagement. Option A reinforces dependence on family, B
,normalizes ageist stereotypes, and D avoids the learning opportunity entirely and may not meet
the client's need for timely assistance .
**4. Which term describes negative attitudes and discrimination based on age?**
A) Racism
B) Sexism
C) Ageism
D) Ableism
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against individuals
based on their age. It can be institutional, interpersonal, or internalized. Ageism has been linked
to poorer health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality risk in older adults.
Gerontological nurses have an ethical responsibility to recognize and challenge ageist attitudes
in themselves, colleagues, and systems .
**5. A nurse hears another staff member say, "All older people are confused and slow." What
should the nurse do first?**
A) Report to the manager immediately
B) Ignore it as harmless
C) Privately discuss ageism and its impact with the staff member
D) Agree to avoid conflict
**Correct Answer: C**
, **Rationale:** The most appropriate first step is to address ageism directly but respectfully
through education. A private conversation allows the colleague to reflect without feeling
publicly shamed, which is more likely to produce lasting change. If the behaviour persists or
indicates a pattern, escalation to management may be warranted. Ignoring ageism perpetuates
harm, and agreeing with the statement is professionally inappropriate .
**6. Which of the following is a key principle of the Canada Health Act?**
A) User fees for seniors
B) Portability, universality, accessibility, comprehensiveness, public administration
C) Private healthcare only
D) Age-based rationing
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The Canada Health Act (1984) establishes five principles that guide Canadian
Medicare: public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, and accessibility.
These principles ensure that all insured Canadian residents have reasonable access to medically
necessary hospital and physician services without financial barriers. Understanding these
principles is essential for gerontological nurses advocating for older adults' access to care .
### Chapter 2: Gerontological Nursing History, Education, and Roles
**7. Which Canadian document outlines the standards for gerontological nursing practice?**
A) Canada Health Act
B) Canadian Gerontological Nursing Standards and Competencies
C) Mental Health Act
Healthy Aging in Canada (3rd Edition): Complete 100-
Question Review with Evidence-Based Rationales"
### Chapter 1: Introduction to Healthy Aging
**1. Which statement best reflects the concept of "healthy aging" as defined by the WHO and
adopted by the Public Health Agency of Canada?**
A) Absence of chronic disease
B) Ability to live independently without help
C) Developing and maintaining functional ability that enables well-being in older age
D) Remaining free from disability until death
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Healthy aging emphasizes functional ability rather than merely the absence of
disease. The WHO framework and the Public Health Agency of Canada recognize that many
older adults live with chronic conditions but still maintain well-being through supportive
environments and personal capabilities. Option A reflects a narrow biomedical view, while B and
D are unrealistic and exclusionary standards that do not align with contemporary gerontological
nursing philosophy .
**2. According to Statistics Canada, which age group is the fastest-growing segment of the
Canadian population?**
,A) 55–64 years
B) 65–74 years
C) 75–84 years
D) 85+ years
**Correct Answer: D**
**Rationale:** The 85+ age group is the fastest-growing demographic in Canada due to
increased life expectancy and the aging of the baby boomer cohort. This has significant
implications for gerontological nursing practice, including increased demand for complex care,
dementia care, and support for activities of daily living. Understanding demographic trends
helps nurses advocate for appropriate resources and age-friendly policies .
**3. A nurse is caring for an 82-year-old client who recently moved to a long-term care facility.
The client states, "I'm too old to learn how to use that call bell." What is the nurse's best
response?**
A) "You're right, but your daughter can show you."
B) "Most people your age feel that way."
C) "Learning new things keeps the brain healthy. Let's try together."
D) "I'll check on you every hour instead."
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** This response promotes neuroplasticity and autonomy while actively combating
ageism. Older adults retain the capacity for learning and adaptation throughout life. By offering
to learn together, the nurse creates a supportive, non-threatening environment that respects
the client's dignity and encourages engagement. Option A reinforces dependence on family, B
,normalizes ageist stereotypes, and D avoids the learning opportunity entirely and may not meet
the client's need for timely assistance .
**4. Which term describes negative attitudes and discrimination based on age?**
A) Racism
B) Sexism
C) Ageism
D) Ableism
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against individuals
based on their age. It can be institutional, interpersonal, or internalized. Ageism has been linked
to poorer health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality risk in older adults.
Gerontological nurses have an ethical responsibility to recognize and challenge ageist attitudes
in themselves, colleagues, and systems .
**5. A nurse hears another staff member say, "All older people are confused and slow." What
should the nurse do first?**
A) Report to the manager immediately
B) Ignore it as harmless
C) Privately discuss ageism and its impact with the staff member
D) Agree to avoid conflict
**Correct Answer: C**
, **Rationale:** The most appropriate first step is to address ageism directly but respectfully
through education. A private conversation allows the colleague to reflect without feeling
publicly shamed, which is more likely to produce lasting change. If the behaviour persists or
indicates a pattern, escalation to management may be warranted. Ignoring ageism perpetuates
harm, and agreeing with the statement is professionally inappropriate .
**6. Which of the following is a key principle of the Canada Health Act?**
A) User fees for seniors
B) Portability, universality, accessibility, comprehensiveness, public administration
C) Private healthcare only
D) Age-based rationing
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The Canada Health Act (1984) establishes five principles that guide Canadian
Medicare: public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, and accessibility.
These principles ensure that all insured Canadian residents have reasonable access to medically
necessary hospital and physician services without financial barriers. Understanding these
principles is essential for gerontological nurses advocating for older adults' access to care .
### Chapter 2: Gerontological Nursing History, Education, and Roles
**7. Which Canadian document outlines the standards for gerontological nursing practice?**
A) Canada Health Act
B) Canadian Gerontological Nursing Standards and Competencies
C) Mental Health Act
