Rasmussen University NUR 2214 Exam 2 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Older
Adult Q&A | Geriatric Nursing
1. Which cardiovascular change is considered a normal part of the aging
process?
A) Increased resting heart rate
B) Thickening and stiffening of heart valves
C) Decreased systolic blood pressure
D) Increased cardiac output
Correct Answer: Thickening and stiffening of heart valves
Rationale: Age-related fibrosis and calcification cause valve thickening and
stiffening, such as aortic sclerosis. Resting heart rate usually remains
unchanged, systolic blood pressure tends to rise, and cardiac output declines
with age.
2. An older adult's respiratory assessment shows a decreased cough reflex.
This finding increases the client's risk for which complication?
A) Hyperventilation
B) Aspiration pneumonia
C) Pulmonary embolism
D) Asthma exacerbation
Correct Answer: Aspiration pneumonia
Rationale: A reduced cough and gag reflex allows oropharyngeal contents to
be aspirated into the lungs, leading to pneumonia. This is a significant age-
related change that increases morbidity and mortality in older adults.
,3. Which age-related renal change most significantly affects drug dosing in
older adults?
A) Increased renal blood flow
B) Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
C) Decreased number of nephrons
D) Increased creatinine clearance
Correct Answer: Decreased number of nephrons
Rationale: The number of nephrons decreases by 30-40% by age 80,
reducing GFR and drug excretion. Creatinine clearance declines despite
stable serum creatinine due to muscle loss, making careful drug dosing
essential.
4. An older adult reports feeling full quickly and has experienced
unintentional weight loss. What is the most likely cause?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Early satiety related to delayed gastric emptying
C) Increased appetite
D) Malabsorption syndrome
Correct Answer: Early satiety related to delayed gastric emptying
Rationale: Age-related changes in the gastrointestinal system, including
delayed gastric emptying, can cause early satiety and unintentional weight
loss. This is a common concern that requires nutritional assessment and
intervention.
5. The Free Radical Theory of aging states that aging is caused by:
,A) The accumulation of cross-linked proteins that damage cells
B) A biological clock that programs the body for a limited lifespan
C) The destruction of healthy DNA, cells, and connective tissues by unstable
molecules
D) The gradual wear and tear of body systems over time
Correct Answer: The destruction of healthy DNA, cells, and connective
tissues by unstable molecules
Rationale: The Free Radical Theory states that "free radicals" are formed
from incomplete molecule formation or overexposure to harmful substances,
leading to the destruction of healthy DNA, cells, and connective tissues,
reducing function and viability.
6. A nurse is teaching a client about antioxidants. Which statement by the
client indicates understanding?
A) "Antioxidants are harmful molecules that accelerate aging."
B) "Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and can be found in fruits and
vegetables."
C) "Antioxidants are only available as prescription medications."
D) "Antioxidants have no effect on the aging process."
Correct Answer: "Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and can be found in
fruits and vegetables."
Rationale: Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and can be found in food
elements such as vitamins and various fruits and vegetables. A diet rich in
antioxidants may help reduce the damaging effects of free radicals.
, 7. Which of the following lifestyle modifications can help limit the spread of
free radicals?
A) Increasing sun exposure
B) Smoking cessation
C) Eating a high-fat diet
D) Avoiding all fruits and vegetables
Correct Answer: Smoking cessation
Rationale: Free radical spread can be limited by smoking cessation, limiting
sun and UV light exposure, and dietary management. These modifications
can reduce oxidative stress and promote healthier aging.
8. The Cross-Linkage Theory of aging is also known as:
A) The free radical theory
B) The glycosylation theory of aging
C) The biological clock theory
D) The wear and tear theory
Correct Answer: The glycosylation theory of aging
Rationale: The Cross-Linkage Theory, also referred to as the glycosylation
theory of aging, states that the accumulation of cross-linked proteins
damages cells and tissues, slowing down bodily processes and resulting in
aging.
9. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is experiencing severe pain
after a traumatic injury. Which pain management strategy is most likely to be
successful?
Adult Q&A | Geriatric Nursing
1. Which cardiovascular change is considered a normal part of the aging
process?
A) Increased resting heart rate
B) Thickening and stiffening of heart valves
C) Decreased systolic blood pressure
D) Increased cardiac output
Correct Answer: Thickening and stiffening of heart valves
Rationale: Age-related fibrosis and calcification cause valve thickening and
stiffening, such as aortic sclerosis. Resting heart rate usually remains
unchanged, systolic blood pressure tends to rise, and cardiac output declines
with age.
2. An older adult's respiratory assessment shows a decreased cough reflex.
This finding increases the client's risk for which complication?
A) Hyperventilation
B) Aspiration pneumonia
C) Pulmonary embolism
D) Asthma exacerbation
Correct Answer: Aspiration pneumonia
Rationale: A reduced cough and gag reflex allows oropharyngeal contents to
be aspirated into the lungs, leading to pneumonia. This is a significant age-
related change that increases morbidity and mortality in older adults.
,3. Which age-related renal change most significantly affects drug dosing in
older adults?
A) Increased renal blood flow
B) Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
C) Decreased number of nephrons
D) Increased creatinine clearance
Correct Answer: Decreased number of nephrons
Rationale: The number of nephrons decreases by 30-40% by age 80,
reducing GFR and drug excretion. Creatinine clearance declines despite
stable serum creatinine due to muscle loss, making careful drug dosing
essential.
4. An older adult reports feeling full quickly and has experienced
unintentional weight loss. What is the most likely cause?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Early satiety related to delayed gastric emptying
C) Increased appetite
D) Malabsorption syndrome
Correct Answer: Early satiety related to delayed gastric emptying
Rationale: Age-related changes in the gastrointestinal system, including
delayed gastric emptying, can cause early satiety and unintentional weight
loss. This is a common concern that requires nutritional assessment and
intervention.
5. The Free Radical Theory of aging states that aging is caused by:
,A) The accumulation of cross-linked proteins that damage cells
B) A biological clock that programs the body for a limited lifespan
C) The destruction of healthy DNA, cells, and connective tissues by unstable
molecules
D) The gradual wear and tear of body systems over time
Correct Answer: The destruction of healthy DNA, cells, and connective
tissues by unstable molecules
Rationale: The Free Radical Theory states that "free radicals" are formed
from incomplete molecule formation or overexposure to harmful substances,
leading to the destruction of healthy DNA, cells, and connective tissues,
reducing function and viability.
6. A nurse is teaching a client about antioxidants. Which statement by the
client indicates understanding?
A) "Antioxidants are harmful molecules that accelerate aging."
B) "Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and can be found in fruits and
vegetables."
C) "Antioxidants are only available as prescription medications."
D) "Antioxidants have no effect on the aging process."
Correct Answer: "Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and can be found in
fruits and vegetables."
Rationale: Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and can be found in food
elements such as vitamins and various fruits and vegetables. A diet rich in
antioxidants may help reduce the damaging effects of free radicals.
, 7. Which of the following lifestyle modifications can help limit the spread of
free radicals?
A) Increasing sun exposure
B) Smoking cessation
C) Eating a high-fat diet
D) Avoiding all fruits and vegetables
Correct Answer: Smoking cessation
Rationale: Free radical spread can be limited by smoking cessation, limiting
sun and UV light exposure, and dietary management. These modifications
can reduce oxidative stress and promote healthier aging.
8. The Cross-Linkage Theory of aging is also known as:
A) The free radical theory
B) The glycosylation theory of aging
C) The biological clock theory
D) The wear and tear theory
Correct Answer: The glycosylation theory of aging
Rationale: The Cross-Linkage Theory, also referred to as the glycosylation
theory of aging, states that the accumulation of cross-linked proteins
damages cells and tissues, slowing down bodily processes and resulting in
aging.
9. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is experiencing severe pain
after a traumatic injury. Which pain management strategy is most likely to be
successful?
