NUR 257 Exam 1 | Concepts of Aging
VERIFIED EXAM PREP & SUCCESS GUIDE - GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
(1) According to the Stochastic (Error) theory of aging, what is the primary cause
of cellular aging?
A. A pre-programmed 'biological clock'.
B. Random accumulation of damage from free radicals and environmental toxins.
C. A specific gene mutation that occurs at age 65.
D. A planned decline in the immune system.
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Aging Concept Rationale: Stochastic theories suggest that aging results from random,
cumulative damage to cells over time, such as oxidative stress (free radicals).
(2) Which psychosocial theory of aging suggests that successful aging involves
maintaining the same activities and relationships as one had in middle age?
A. Disengagement Theory
B. Activity Theory
C. Continuity Theory
D. Gerotranscendence
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Aging Concept Rationale: Activity theory posits that remaining active and socially
engaged is necessary for a high quality of life in old age.
,(3) Which segment of the older adult population is currently growing the fastest in
the United States?
A. 65-74 years old
B. 75-84 years old
C. 85 years and older
D. 55-64 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Aging Concept Rationale: The 'oldest-old' (85+) is the fastest-growing segment of the
population due to advancements in healthcare and living conditions.
(4) In the Chronic Illness Trajectory Model, the 'Crisis' phase is characterized by:
A. A life-threatening situation requiring emergency care.
B. A period of stability where symptoms are managed.
C. The initial onset of symptoms before a diagnosis.
D. Gradual worsening of the condition over years.
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Aging Concept Rationale: The Crisis phase involves a life-threatening emergency that
suspends normal activities until the situation is stabilized.
,(5) Which age-related cardiovascular change leads to a decreased ability to
respond to stress or exercise?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Increased elasticity of blood vessels
C. Decreased cardiac output and reduced baroreceptor sensitivity
D. Thinning of the left ventricular wall
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Aging Concept Rationale: Aging leads to reduced cardiac reserve and slower
baroreceptor responses, making older adults more prone to orthostatic hypotension and
decreased exercise tolerance.
(6) What is a normal age-related change in the respiratory system that increases
the risk of pneumonia in older adults?
A. Increased lung compliance
B. Increased cilia movement
C. Decreased cough reflex and weakened respiratory muscles
D. Decreased residual volume
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Aging Concept Rationale: A weakened cough reflex and decreased ciliary action make it
harder for older adults to clear secretions, increasing infection risk.
, (7) An older adult's skin is more prone to tearing and injury primarily due to:
A. Increased subcutaneous fat
B. Flattening of the dermo-epidermal junction
C. Increased collagen production
D. Hyperactive sebaceous glands
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Aging Concept Rationale: Flattening of the junction between the dermis and epidermis
reduces the structural bond, making the skin fragile and prone to 'skin tears.'
(8) Which term describes a nurse's ability to provide care that respects the
patient's cultural beliefs and values?
A. Ethnocentrism
B. Cultural Competence
C. Stereotyping
D. Assimilation
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Aging Concept Rationale: Cultural competence is the ongoing process of providing
respectful and effective care across diverse backgrounds.
VERIFIED EXAM PREP & SUCCESS GUIDE - GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
(1) According to the Stochastic (Error) theory of aging, what is the primary cause
of cellular aging?
A. A pre-programmed 'biological clock'.
B. Random accumulation of damage from free radicals and environmental toxins.
C. A specific gene mutation that occurs at age 65.
D. A planned decline in the immune system.
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Aging Concept Rationale: Stochastic theories suggest that aging results from random,
cumulative damage to cells over time, such as oxidative stress (free radicals).
(2) Which psychosocial theory of aging suggests that successful aging involves
maintaining the same activities and relationships as one had in middle age?
A. Disengagement Theory
B. Activity Theory
C. Continuity Theory
D. Gerotranscendence
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Aging Concept Rationale: Activity theory posits that remaining active and socially
engaged is necessary for a high quality of life in old age.
,(3) Which segment of the older adult population is currently growing the fastest in
the United States?
A. 65-74 years old
B. 75-84 years old
C. 85 years and older
D. 55-64 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Aging Concept Rationale: The 'oldest-old' (85+) is the fastest-growing segment of the
population due to advancements in healthcare and living conditions.
(4) In the Chronic Illness Trajectory Model, the 'Crisis' phase is characterized by:
A. A life-threatening situation requiring emergency care.
B. A period of stability where symptoms are managed.
C. The initial onset of symptoms before a diagnosis.
D. Gradual worsening of the condition over years.
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Aging Concept Rationale: The Crisis phase involves a life-threatening emergency that
suspends normal activities until the situation is stabilized.
,(5) Which age-related cardiovascular change leads to a decreased ability to
respond to stress or exercise?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Increased elasticity of blood vessels
C. Decreased cardiac output and reduced baroreceptor sensitivity
D. Thinning of the left ventricular wall
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Aging Concept Rationale: Aging leads to reduced cardiac reserve and slower
baroreceptor responses, making older adults more prone to orthostatic hypotension and
decreased exercise tolerance.
(6) What is a normal age-related change in the respiratory system that increases
the risk of pneumonia in older adults?
A. Increased lung compliance
B. Increased cilia movement
C. Decreased cough reflex and weakened respiratory muscles
D. Decreased residual volume
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Aging Concept Rationale: A weakened cough reflex and decreased ciliary action make it
harder for older adults to clear secretions, increasing infection risk.
, (7) An older adult's skin is more prone to tearing and injury primarily due to:
A. Increased subcutaneous fat
B. Flattening of the dermo-epidermal junction
C. Increased collagen production
D. Hyperactive sebaceous glands
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Aging Concept Rationale: Flattening of the junction between the dermis and epidermis
reduces the structural bond, making the skin fragile and prone to 'skin tears.'
(8) Which term describes a nurse's ability to provide care that respects the
patient's cultural beliefs and values?
A. Ethnocentrism
B. Cultural Competence
C. Stereotyping
D. Assimilation
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Aging Concept Rationale: Cultural competence is the ongoing process of providing
respectful and effective care across diverse backgrounds.
