BSN 425 Exam 1: Gerontological Nursing Updated
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College
1. According to the demographics of aging, which group is currently considered
the fastest-growing segment of the population in the United States?
A. Individuals aged 65 to 74
B. Individuals aged 45 to 64
C. Individuals aged 85 and older
D. Individuals aged 75 to 84
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ‘old-old’ population, those 85 and older, is the fastest-growing age group
due to improvements in healthcare and living conditions.
2. Which theory of aging suggests that the body is like a machine that eventually
breaks down due to continued use and accumulated stress?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Wear-and-Tear Theory
C. Programmed Theory
D. Cross-Link Theory
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Wear-and-Tear Theory proposes that cumulative damage to vital parts
of the body eventually leads to death of cells and the organism.
,3. In Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the primary
developmental task of the older adult?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair involves reflecting on life and feeling a sense of
satisfaction or failure/regret.
4. When assessing the cardiovascular system of an older adult, which finding is
considered a normal age-related change?
A. Decreased cardiac output during exercise
B. Increased compliance of the blood vessels
C. Increased heart rate at rest
D. Thinning of the left ventricular wall
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Aging leads to a reduced maximal heart rate and reduced cardiac output
during physical stress or exercise.
5. Which of the following is an example of an Instrumental Activity of Daily
Living (IADL)?
A. Bathing
B. Feeding oneself
C. Toileting
D. Managing finances
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: IADLs are more complex tasks necessary for independent living, such as
managing finances, shopping, or using a phone, whereas ADLs are basic self-care tasks.
, 6. Which biological theory of aging asserts that errors occur during cell division,
leading to the accumulation of faulty proteins?
A. Error Theory
B. Gene Theory
C. Immunity Theory
D. Neuroendocrine Theory
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Error Theory (or Catastrophe Theory) suggests that random errors in
DNA transcription and protein synthesis result in functional decline.
7. An older adult patient reports a decrease in height. The nurse understands
this is primarily caused by:
A. Dehydration of the muscles
B. Shortening of the long bones
C. Thinning of the intervertebral discs
D. Decrease in cranial bone density
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Height loss in older adults is typically due to the narrowing of the
intervertebral discs and compression of the spinal column.
8. Age-related changes in the respiratory system include which of the following?
A. Increased chest wall compliance
B. Decreased number and surface area of alveoli
C. Increased vital capacity
D. Decreased residual volume
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The number and surface area of alveoli decrease with age, leading to reduced
gas exchange efficiency.
and Verified Questions and Correct Answers -
Nightingale College
1. According to the demographics of aging, which group is currently considered
the fastest-growing segment of the population in the United States?
A. Individuals aged 65 to 74
B. Individuals aged 45 to 64
C. Individuals aged 85 and older
D. Individuals aged 75 to 84
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ‘old-old’ population, those 85 and older, is the fastest-growing age group
due to improvements in healthcare and living conditions.
2. Which theory of aging suggests that the body is like a machine that eventually
breaks down due to continued use and accumulated stress?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Wear-and-Tear Theory
C. Programmed Theory
D. Cross-Link Theory
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Wear-and-Tear Theory proposes that cumulative damage to vital parts
of the body eventually leads to death of cells and the organism.
,3. In Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the primary
developmental task of the older adult?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair involves reflecting on life and feeling a sense of
satisfaction or failure/regret.
4. When assessing the cardiovascular system of an older adult, which finding is
considered a normal age-related change?
A. Decreased cardiac output during exercise
B. Increased compliance of the blood vessels
C. Increased heart rate at rest
D. Thinning of the left ventricular wall
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Aging leads to a reduced maximal heart rate and reduced cardiac output
during physical stress or exercise.
5. Which of the following is an example of an Instrumental Activity of Daily
Living (IADL)?
A. Bathing
B. Feeding oneself
C. Toileting
D. Managing finances
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: IADLs are more complex tasks necessary for independent living, such as
managing finances, shopping, or using a phone, whereas ADLs are basic self-care tasks.
, 6. Which biological theory of aging asserts that errors occur during cell division,
leading to the accumulation of faulty proteins?
A. Error Theory
B. Gene Theory
C. Immunity Theory
D. Neuroendocrine Theory
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Error Theory (or Catastrophe Theory) suggests that random errors in
DNA transcription and protein synthesis result in functional decline.
7. An older adult patient reports a decrease in height. The nurse understands
this is primarily caused by:
A. Dehydration of the muscles
B. Shortening of the long bones
C. Thinning of the intervertebral discs
D. Decrease in cranial bone density
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Height loss in older adults is typically due to the narrowing of the
intervertebral discs and compression of the spinal column.
8. Age-related changes in the respiratory system include which of the following?
A. Increased chest wall compliance
B. Decreased number and surface area of alveoli
C. Increased vital capacity
D. Decreased residual volume
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The number and surface area of alveoli decrease with age, leading to reduced
gas exchange efficiency.
