BSN 425 Exam 1: Gerontological Nursing Updated
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 4)
1. Which segment of the older adult population is currently the fastest-growing
in the United States?
A. 65 to 74 years old
B. 75 to 84 years old
C. 85 years and older
D. 60 to 64 years old
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ‘old-old’ population, those 85 and older, is the fastest-growing
demographic due to advancements in healthcare and living conditions.
2. A nurse identifies that a patient believes all older adults are slow and
forgetful. What term describes this prejudice?
A. Racism
B. Ageism
C. Ethnocentrism
D. Skepticism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ageism is the systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people
because they are old.
,3. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, which task should an older
adult be working through?
A. Identity vs. Role Confusion
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The developmental task of late adulthood is Integrity vs. Despair, where the
individual reflects on their life achievements.
4. Which stochastic theory of aging suggests that internal and external stressors
cause damage to the DNA over time?
A. Programmed Theory
B. Endocrine Theory
C. Immunological Theory
D. Somatic Mutation Theory
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Somatic Mutation Theory is a stochastic theory suggesting that aging results
from the accumulation of mutations in somatic cells.
5. The nurse uses the SPICES tool to assess an older patient. What does the ‘S’ at
the end of the acronym represent?
A. Social Support
B. Skin Breakdown
C. Sensory Deficit
D. Sexual Health
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SPICES stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating, Incontinence,
Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown.
, 6. Which theory of aging compares the human body to a machine that
eventually fails due to repeated use?
A. Disengagement Theory
B. Continuity Theory
C. Free Radical Theory
D. Wear and Tear Theory
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory suggests that cells and tissues have vital parts that
wear out after years of use.
7. An older adult prefers to maintain their current lifestyle and roles as long as
possible. Which psychosocial theory does this reflect?
A. Disengagement Theory
B. Continuity Theory
C. Activity Theory
D. Gerotranscendence Theory
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Continuity theory suggests that personality and basic patterns of behavior
remain unchanged as an individual ages.
8. Which assessment tool is specifically used to measure the ability to perform
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?
A. Katz Index
B. Lawton Scale
C. Mini-Mental State Exam
D. Beers Criteria
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living is a common tool
for assessing basic functional status.
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College (Version 4)
1. Which segment of the older adult population is currently the fastest-growing
in the United States?
A. 65 to 74 years old
B. 75 to 84 years old
C. 85 years and older
D. 60 to 64 years old
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ‘old-old’ population, those 85 and older, is the fastest-growing
demographic due to advancements in healthcare and living conditions.
2. A nurse identifies that a patient believes all older adults are slow and
forgetful. What term describes this prejudice?
A. Racism
B. Ageism
C. Ethnocentrism
D. Skepticism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ageism is the systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people
because they are old.
,3. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, which task should an older
adult be working through?
A. Identity vs. Role Confusion
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The developmental task of late adulthood is Integrity vs. Despair, where the
individual reflects on their life achievements.
4. Which stochastic theory of aging suggests that internal and external stressors
cause damage to the DNA over time?
A. Programmed Theory
B. Endocrine Theory
C. Immunological Theory
D. Somatic Mutation Theory
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Somatic Mutation Theory is a stochastic theory suggesting that aging results
from the accumulation of mutations in somatic cells.
5. The nurse uses the SPICES tool to assess an older patient. What does the ‘S’ at
the end of the acronym represent?
A. Social Support
B. Skin Breakdown
C. Sensory Deficit
D. Sexual Health
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SPICES stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating, Incontinence,
Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown.
, 6. Which theory of aging compares the human body to a machine that
eventually fails due to repeated use?
A. Disengagement Theory
B. Continuity Theory
C. Free Radical Theory
D. Wear and Tear Theory
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Wear and Tear theory suggests that cells and tissues have vital parts that
wear out after years of use.
7. An older adult prefers to maintain their current lifestyle and roles as long as
possible. Which psychosocial theory does this reflect?
A. Disengagement Theory
B. Continuity Theory
C. Activity Theory
D. Gerotranscendence Theory
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Continuity theory suggests that personality and basic patterns of behavior
remain unchanged as an individual ages.
8. Which assessment tool is specifically used to measure the ability to perform
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?
A. Katz Index
B. Lawton Scale
C. Mini-Mental State Exam
D. Beers Criteria
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living is a common tool
for assessing basic functional status.
