NURS 260 FINAL EXAM WITH 100%
DETAILED CORRECT ANSWERS
2025/2026 STUDY SET
Section 1: Aging Theories & Gerontological Concepts (Questions 1–20)
1. An older, widowed male spends most of his time home alone, reflecting on his past. He has
resigned from his community positions. What aging theory does this client's behavior
represent?
A. Activity theory
B. Disengagement theory
C. Continuity theory
D. Gerotranscendence theory
Answer: B – Disengagement theory
Rationale: Disengagement theory suggests that aging involves a mutual withdrawal between
the older person and society. The client's resignation from community roles and preference for
solitude reflect this theoretical perspective .
2. The nurse teaches the importance of using sunscreen. Which theory of aging is the nurse's
teaching based upon?
A. Genetic theory
B. Cross-linking theory
C. Free radical theory (Radiation)
D. Immunity theory
Answer: C – Free radical theory (Radiation)
Rationale: The free radical theory (also associated with stochastic theories of aging) suggests
that damage from ultraviolet radiation and other environmental factors accelerates aging.
Sunscreen education directly addresses this preventable damage .
3. A nurse is caring for an older adult who is very healthy and active, volunteering regularly.
Which aging theory best supports this client's lifestyle?
A. Disengagement theory
B. Activity theory
,C. Age-stratification theory
D. Exchange theory
Answer: B – Activity theory
Rationale: Activity theory proposes that older adults who remain active and engaged in social
roles have higher life satisfaction. This client's volunteer work exemplifies successful aging
through continued social participation.
4. What are the stochastic theories of aging?
A. Theories that view aging as a predetermined biological clock
B. Theories that view aging as resulting from random assaults from the internal and external
environment
C. Theories that focus exclusively on social withdrawal
D. Theories that emphasize spiritual development in later life
Answer: B – Theories that view aging as resulting from random assaults from the internal and
external environment
Rationale: Stochastic theories include the free radical, error, and cross-linking theories, which
attribute aging to accumulated damage from environmental and internal random events .
5. What are the non-stochastic theories of aging?
A. Theories that explain biological aging as resulting from a complex, predetermined process
B. Theories based on random cellular damage
C. Theories focusing on social engagement
D. Theories that reject biological explanations
Answer: A – Theories that explain biological aging as resulting from a complex,
predetermined process
Rationale: Non-stochastic (programmed) theories include genetic, programmed senescence, and
endocrine theories, suggesting that aging follows a biological timetable rather than random
damage .
6. The nurse caring for older adults recognizes that the "Geriatric Giants" include: (Select all
that apply)
A. Falls
B. Incontinence
C. Confusion
D. Iatrogenic disorders
E. Hypertension
Answers: A, B, C, D – Falls, Incontinence, Confusion, Iatrogenic disorders
Rationale: The "Geriatric Giants," first described by Dr. Bernard Isaacs, include falls,
incontinence, confusion (impaired intellect), and iatrogenic disorders. These are common,
debilitating conditions affecting older adults that require comprehensive assessment .
, 7. An older adult whose adult children have recently moved out of state appears depressed
with flat affect. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "You should see a psychiatrist immediately."
B. "It's very normal to experience a sense of loss right now."
C. "Why are you so upset about something that happens to everyone?"
D. "Don't worry, your children will come back to visit."
Answer: B – "It's very normal to experience a sense of loss right now."
Rationale: Normalizing the client's feelings of loss provides validation and emotional support.
This response acknowledges the legitimacy of the client's grief without minimizing or
pathologizing it .
8. The daughter of an older client is seen sitting outside, crying while talking with their spouse
over the phone. What should the nurse say to the daughter?
A. "Your mother can see you crying, please pull yourself together."
B. "Would you like me to call someone to come pick you up?"
C. "This must be very overwhelming for you."
D. "You should not be crying in front of the nurses' station."
Answer: C – "This must be very overwhelming for you."
Rationale: Acknowledging the caregiver's emotional distress with empathy and without
judgment validates their experience. This therapeutic communication opens the door for further
support .
9. What is ethnogeriatrics?
A. The study of aging in non-human species
B. The effects of ethnicity and culture on the health and well-being of older adults
C. The genetic basis of age-related diseases
D. The economic impact of an aging population
Answer: B – The effects of ethnicity and culture on the health and well-being of older adults
Rationale: Ethnogeriatrics recognizes that cultural background significantly influences health
beliefs, practices, and outcomes in older adults. It integrates cultural competence into geriatric
care .
10. What factors are influenced by ethnic norms in older adults? (Select all that apply)
A. Diet
B. Response to pain
C. Compliance with self-care and treatments
D. Trust with healthcare providers
E. All of the above
Answer: E – All of the above
Rationale: Ethnic and cultural norms significantly influence dietary practices, pain expression,
DETAILED CORRECT ANSWERS
2025/2026 STUDY SET
Section 1: Aging Theories & Gerontological Concepts (Questions 1–20)
1. An older, widowed male spends most of his time home alone, reflecting on his past. He has
resigned from his community positions. What aging theory does this client's behavior
represent?
A. Activity theory
B. Disengagement theory
C. Continuity theory
D. Gerotranscendence theory
Answer: B – Disengagement theory
Rationale: Disengagement theory suggests that aging involves a mutual withdrawal between
the older person and society. The client's resignation from community roles and preference for
solitude reflect this theoretical perspective .
2. The nurse teaches the importance of using sunscreen. Which theory of aging is the nurse's
teaching based upon?
A. Genetic theory
B. Cross-linking theory
C. Free radical theory (Radiation)
D. Immunity theory
Answer: C – Free radical theory (Radiation)
Rationale: The free radical theory (also associated with stochastic theories of aging) suggests
that damage from ultraviolet radiation and other environmental factors accelerates aging.
Sunscreen education directly addresses this preventable damage .
3. A nurse is caring for an older adult who is very healthy and active, volunteering regularly.
Which aging theory best supports this client's lifestyle?
A. Disengagement theory
B. Activity theory
,C. Age-stratification theory
D. Exchange theory
Answer: B – Activity theory
Rationale: Activity theory proposes that older adults who remain active and engaged in social
roles have higher life satisfaction. This client's volunteer work exemplifies successful aging
through continued social participation.
4. What are the stochastic theories of aging?
A. Theories that view aging as a predetermined biological clock
B. Theories that view aging as resulting from random assaults from the internal and external
environment
C. Theories that focus exclusively on social withdrawal
D. Theories that emphasize spiritual development in later life
Answer: B – Theories that view aging as resulting from random assaults from the internal and
external environment
Rationale: Stochastic theories include the free radical, error, and cross-linking theories, which
attribute aging to accumulated damage from environmental and internal random events .
5. What are the non-stochastic theories of aging?
A. Theories that explain biological aging as resulting from a complex, predetermined process
B. Theories based on random cellular damage
C. Theories focusing on social engagement
D. Theories that reject biological explanations
Answer: A – Theories that explain biological aging as resulting from a complex,
predetermined process
Rationale: Non-stochastic (programmed) theories include genetic, programmed senescence, and
endocrine theories, suggesting that aging follows a biological timetable rather than random
damage .
6. The nurse caring for older adults recognizes that the "Geriatric Giants" include: (Select all
that apply)
A. Falls
B. Incontinence
C. Confusion
D. Iatrogenic disorders
E. Hypertension
Answers: A, B, C, D – Falls, Incontinence, Confusion, Iatrogenic disorders
Rationale: The "Geriatric Giants," first described by Dr. Bernard Isaacs, include falls,
incontinence, confusion (impaired intellect), and iatrogenic disorders. These are common,
debilitating conditions affecting older adults that require comprehensive assessment .
, 7. An older adult whose adult children have recently moved out of state appears depressed
with flat affect. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "You should see a psychiatrist immediately."
B. "It's very normal to experience a sense of loss right now."
C. "Why are you so upset about something that happens to everyone?"
D. "Don't worry, your children will come back to visit."
Answer: B – "It's very normal to experience a sense of loss right now."
Rationale: Normalizing the client's feelings of loss provides validation and emotional support.
This response acknowledges the legitimacy of the client's grief without minimizing or
pathologizing it .
8. The daughter of an older client is seen sitting outside, crying while talking with their spouse
over the phone. What should the nurse say to the daughter?
A. "Your mother can see you crying, please pull yourself together."
B. "Would you like me to call someone to come pick you up?"
C. "This must be very overwhelming for you."
D. "You should not be crying in front of the nurses' station."
Answer: C – "This must be very overwhelming for you."
Rationale: Acknowledging the caregiver's emotional distress with empathy and without
judgment validates their experience. This therapeutic communication opens the door for further
support .
9. What is ethnogeriatrics?
A. The study of aging in non-human species
B. The effects of ethnicity and culture on the health and well-being of older adults
C. The genetic basis of age-related diseases
D. The economic impact of an aging population
Answer: B – The effects of ethnicity and culture on the health and well-being of older adults
Rationale: Ethnogeriatrics recognizes that cultural background significantly influences health
beliefs, practices, and outcomes in older adults. It integrates cultural competence into geriatric
care .
10. What factors are influenced by ethnic norms in older adults? (Select all that apply)
A. Diet
B. Response to pain
C. Compliance with self-care and treatments
D. Trust with healthcare providers
E. All of the above
Answer: E – All of the above
Rationale: Ethnic and cultural norms significantly influence dietary practices, pain expression,
