BSN 425 Exam 1: Gerontological Nursing Updated
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 2)
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body acts like a machine that
eventually breaks down due to accumulated damage over time?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Cross-Link Theory
D. Gene Theory
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Wear and Tear Theory proposes that body parts and functions wear out
over time due to repeated use and environmental stressors.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the
primary developmental task for older adults?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Older adults (65+) face the task of Integrity vs. Despair, reflecting on their
lives to find a sense of fulfillment or regret.
,3. Which segment of the older adult population is the fastest growing in the
United States?
A. Young-old (65–74)
B. Middle-old (75–84)
C. Old-old (85+)
D. Baby Boomers (under 65)
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Demographic data shows that the 85 and older age group is the fastest-
growing segment of the U.S. population.
4. What term describes the systematic stereotyping of and discrimination
against people because they are old?
A. Racism
B. Sexism
C. Gerontophobia
D. Ageism
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Ageism refers to prejudices and discrimination based solely on a person’s
age, often leading to negative perceptions of older adults.
5. Which Stochastic theory of aging involves the binding of glucose to proteins,
causing tissues to become less flexible?
A. Error Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Somatic Mutation Theory
D. Cross-Link Theory
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Cross-Link theory suggests that the accumulation of cross-linked proteins
damages cells and slows down biological processes.
, 6. Medicare Part A primarily covers which of the following services?
A. Outpatient physician visits
B. Inpatient hospital stays
C. Prescription drugs
D. Preventive screenings
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Medicare Part A is hospital insurance, covering inpatient care, skilled nursing
facilities, hospice, and some home health.
7. What is the primary goal of a functional assessment in gerontological
nursing?
A. To diagnose chronic diseases
B. To determine the patient’s financial status
C. To identify the patient’s level of independence in daily activities
D. To assess cognitive decline exclusively
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Functional assessment focuses on an older adult’s ability to perform
activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities (IADLs).
8. The SPICES tool is used for which purpose in gerontological nursing?
A. Evaluating nutritional intake
B. Identifying common syndromes in older adults
C. Assessing psychological wellbeing
D. Measuring cardiovascular health
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SPICES is an acronym for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating,
Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown.
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 2)
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body acts like a machine that
eventually breaks down due to accumulated damage over time?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Cross-Link Theory
D. Gene Theory
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Wear and Tear Theory proposes that body parts and functions wear out
over time due to repeated use and environmental stressors.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the
primary developmental task for older adults?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Older adults (65+) face the task of Integrity vs. Despair, reflecting on their
lives to find a sense of fulfillment or regret.
,3. Which segment of the older adult population is the fastest growing in the
United States?
A. Young-old (65–74)
B. Middle-old (75–84)
C. Old-old (85+)
D. Baby Boomers (under 65)
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Demographic data shows that the 85 and older age group is the fastest-
growing segment of the U.S. population.
4. What term describes the systematic stereotyping of and discrimination
against people because they are old?
A. Racism
B. Sexism
C. Gerontophobia
D. Ageism
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Ageism refers to prejudices and discrimination based solely on a person’s
age, often leading to negative perceptions of older adults.
5. Which Stochastic theory of aging involves the binding of glucose to proteins,
causing tissues to become less flexible?
A. Error Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Somatic Mutation Theory
D. Cross-Link Theory
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Cross-Link theory suggests that the accumulation of cross-linked proteins
damages cells and slows down biological processes.
, 6. Medicare Part A primarily covers which of the following services?
A. Outpatient physician visits
B. Inpatient hospital stays
C. Prescription drugs
D. Preventive screenings
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Medicare Part A is hospital insurance, covering inpatient care, skilled nursing
facilities, hospice, and some home health.
7. What is the primary goal of a functional assessment in gerontological
nursing?
A. To diagnose chronic diseases
B. To determine the patient’s financial status
C. To identify the patient’s level of independence in daily activities
D. To assess cognitive decline exclusively
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Functional assessment focuses on an older adult’s ability to perform
activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities (IADLs).
8. The SPICES tool is used for which purpose in gerontological nursing?
A. Evaluating nutritional intake
B. Identifying common syndromes in older adults
C. Assessing psychological wellbeing
D. Measuring cardiovascular health
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SPICES is an acronym for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating,
Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown.
