2026/2027
Galen College NUR 265 Medical
Surgical Nursing Final Exam
Comprehensive Practice Test Bank
and Study Resource Guide 2026/2027
Question 1:
An older adult patient aged 68 years is categorized into which subgroup of late
adulthood?
A. Middle old
B. Old old
C. Young old
D. Elite old
Correct Answer: C. Young old
Rationale: Late adulthood is classified into distinct subgroups based on age to guide
assessment and care planning. Individuals aged 65–74 years are categorized as
“young old,” representing the earliest phase of older adulthood where many
individuals remain functionally independent. “Middle old” refers to ages 75–84, “old
old” refers to 85–99, and “elite old” refers to those aged 100 years and above.
Therefore, a 68-year-old patient falls within the young old category.
Question 2:
Which classification best describes a 90-year-old adult?
A. Young old
B. Middle old
C. Old old
D. Elite old
Correct Answer: C. Old old
Rationale: Older adulthood is divided into four subgroups to reflect increasing frailty
and care needs. Individuals aged 85–99 years are classified as “old old,” often
experiencing increased physical limitations and chronic conditions. “Young old” is
65–74, “middle old” is 75–84, and “elite old” is 100 years and above. A 90-year-old
clearly falls into the old old category.
,2026/2027
Question 3:
Which intervention is most appropriate for promoting wellness in older adults?
A. Avoiding all physical activity
B. Annual influenza vaccination
C. Increasing smoking frequency
D. Eliminating social interaction
Correct Answer: B. Annual influenza vaccination
Rationale: Preventive healthcare is essential in older adults. Annual influenza
vaccination reduces morbidity and mortality from seasonal flu, which can be severe in
this population. Other recommended practices include pneumococcal and shingles
vaccines, regular exercise, fall prevention, and social engagement. Smoking and
isolation increase health risks and are inappropriate.
Question 4:
Which condition is the most common cause of accidents in older adults?
A. Medication toxicity
B. Motor vehicle accidents only
C. Falls
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C. Falls
Rationale: Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidents among older adults due
to decreased mobility, balance issues, and chronic illness. While motor vehicle
accidents can occur, falls are far more prevalent. Medication toxicity may contribute
indirectly but is not the primary cause of injury-related admissions.
Question 5:
Which is a key feature of Geriatric Failure to Thrive (GFTT)?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Under-nutrition and depression
C. Hyperactivity and agitation
D. Acute infection only
Correct Answer: B. Under-nutrition and depression
Rationale: GFTT is a complex geriatric syndrome characterized by undernutrition,
impaired mobility, depression, and cognitive decline. It often results in functional
, 2026/2027
deterioration and increased mortality risk. It is not associated with increased appetite
or isolated acute infection.
Question 6:
Which condition is the most common mental health disorder in older adults?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Depression
D. Panic disorder
Correct Answer: C. Depression
Rationale: Depression is the most prevalent mental health condition among older
adults. It may present with cognitive, physical, and affective symptoms and is often
underdiagnosed. It may be primary (neurochemical imbalance) or secondary to
chronic illness or situational stress.
Question 7:
Which condition is characterized by acute onset and fluctuating consciousness?
A. Dementia
B. Delirium
C. Depression
D. Parkinson disease
Correct Answer: B. Delirium
Rationale: Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance in attention and cognition
often triggered by infection, medication, or hospitalization. Unlike dementia, it
develops rapidly and is reversible if the underlying cause is treated.
Question 8:
Which condition is characterized by progressive and chronic cognitive decline?
A. Delirium
B. Dementia
C. Stroke
D. Anxiety disorder
Correct Answer: B. Dementia
Galen College NUR 265 Medical
Surgical Nursing Final Exam
Comprehensive Practice Test Bank
and Study Resource Guide 2026/2027
Question 1:
An older adult patient aged 68 years is categorized into which subgroup of late
adulthood?
A. Middle old
B. Old old
C. Young old
D. Elite old
Correct Answer: C. Young old
Rationale: Late adulthood is classified into distinct subgroups based on age to guide
assessment and care planning. Individuals aged 65–74 years are categorized as
“young old,” representing the earliest phase of older adulthood where many
individuals remain functionally independent. “Middle old” refers to ages 75–84, “old
old” refers to 85–99, and “elite old” refers to those aged 100 years and above.
Therefore, a 68-year-old patient falls within the young old category.
Question 2:
Which classification best describes a 90-year-old adult?
A. Young old
B. Middle old
C. Old old
D. Elite old
Correct Answer: C. Old old
Rationale: Older adulthood is divided into four subgroups to reflect increasing frailty
and care needs. Individuals aged 85–99 years are classified as “old old,” often
experiencing increased physical limitations and chronic conditions. “Young old” is
65–74, “middle old” is 75–84, and “elite old” is 100 years and above. A 90-year-old
clearly falls into the old old category.
,2026/2027
Question 3:
Which intervention is most appropriate for promoting wellness in older adults?
A. Avoiding all physical activity
B. Annual influenza vaccination
C. Increasing smoking frequency
D. Eliminating social interaction
Correct Answer: B. Annual influenza vaccination
Rationale: Preventive healthcare is essential in older adults. Annual influenza
vaccination reduces morbidity and mortality from seasonal flu, which can be severe in
this population. Other recommended practices include pneumococcal and shingles
vaccines, regular exercise, fall prevention, and social engagement. Smoking and
isolation increase health risks and are inappropriate.
Question 4:
Which condition is the most common cause of accidents in older adults?
A. Medication toxicity
B. Motor vehicle accidents only
C. Falls
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C. Falls
Rationale: Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidents among older adults due
to decreased mobility, balance issues, and chronic illness. While motor vehicle
accidents can occur, falls are far more prevalent. Medication toxicity may contribute
indirectly but is not the primary cause of injury-related admissions.
Question 5:
Which is a key feature of Geriatric Failure to Thrive (GFTT)?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Under-nutrition and depression
C. Hyperactivity and agitation
D. Acute infection only
Correct Answer: B. Under-nutrition and depression
Rationale: GFTT is a complex geriatric syndrome characterized by undernutrition,
impaired mobility, depression, and cognitive decline. It often results in functional
, 2026/2027
deterioration and increased mortality risk. It is not associated with increased appetite
or isolated acute infection.
Question 6:
Which condition is the most common mental health disorder in older adults?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Depression
D. Panic disorder
Correct Answer: C. Depression
Rationale: Depression is the most prevalent mental health condition among older
adults. It may present with cognitive, physical, and affective symptoms and is often
underdiagnosed. It may be primary (neurochemical imbalance) or secondary to
chronic illness or situational stress.
Question 7:
Which condition is characterized by acute onset and fluctuating consciousness?
A. Dementia
B. Delirium
C. Depression
D. Parkinson disease
Correct Answer: B. Delirium
Rationale: Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance in attention and cognition
often triggered by infection, medication, or hospitalization. Unlike dementia, it
develops rapidly and is reversible if the underlying cause is treated.
Question 8:
Which condition is characterized by progressive and chronic cognitive decline?
A. Delirium
B. Dementia
C. Stroke
D. Anxiety disorder
Correct Answer: B. Dementia
