PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 1 V1 | Gerontological
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body has a finite number of cell divisions before
death occurs?
A. Programmed Theory
B. Wear and Tear Theory
C. Free Radical Theory
D. Stochastic Theory
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Programmed Theory, specifically the Hayflick limit, proposes that cells
are genetically timed to stop dividing after a certain point. This biological clock determines
the lifespan of the organism at a cellular level. Other theories like Free Radical or Wear and
Tear focus on environmental or metabolic damage rather than pre-programmed genetic
limits.
2. A nurse is caring for an 85-year-old patient who expresses regret over past life choices and
feels life has been wasted. According to Erikson, which stage is this patient experiencing?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Integrity vs. Despair
,D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In late adulthood, individuals face the developmental task of Integrity
vs. Despair. Integrity is achieved when an individual feels satisfaction with their life
accomplishments. Despair results from a sense of failure and regret, leading to fear of death
as the patient is describing.
3. Which physiological change in the respiratory system is considered a normal part of the
aging process?
A. Increased elastic recoil of the lungs
B. Decreased gas exchange surface area
C. Increased vital capacity
D. Increased ciliary action in the bronchi
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Aging causes the alveoli to become enlarged and less elastic, which reduces
the total surface area available for gas exchange. This physiological decline contributes to
decreased oxygenation efficiency in older adults. Conversely, elastic recoil decreases and
vital capacity diminishes, while ciliary action becomes less effective.
4. An older adult patient reports having difficulty reading fine print and seeing close objects.
This condition is known as:
A. Cataracts
, B. Presbyopia
C. Glaucoma
D. Macular Degeneration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Presbyopia is the age-related loss of the lens’s ability to focus on nearby
objects due to decreased elasticity. It is a common refractive error that typically begins in
middle age and progresses with time. It is distinct from cataracts, which involve clouding of
the lens, or glaucoma, which involves increased intraocular pressure.
5. When administering medications to an elderly patient, the nurse knows that which
pharmacokinetic change increases the risk of drug toxicity?
A. Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
B. Decreased body fat percentage
C. Reduced hepatic blood flow
D. Increased serum albumin levels
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Reduced hepatic blood flow and liver mass in older adults lead to slower
metabolism of drugs. This delay in processing means drugs stay in the system longer,
potentially reaching toxic levels. In the elderly, GFR typically decreases, body fat
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body has a finite number of cell divisions before
death occurs?
A. Programmed Theory
B. Wear and Tear Theory
C. Free Radical Theory
D. Stochastic Theory
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Programmed Theory, specifically the Hayflick limit, proposes that cells
are genetically timed to stop dividing after a certain point. This biological clock determines
the lifespan of the organism at a cellular level. Other theories like Free Radical or Wear and
Tear focus on environmental or metabolic damage rather than pre-programmed genetic
limits.
2. A nurse is caring for an 85-year-old patient who expresses regret over past life choices and
feels life has been wasted. According to Erikson, which stage is this patient experiencing?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Integrity vs. Despair
,D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In late adulthood, individuals face the developmental task of Integrity
vs. Despair. Integrity is achieved when an individual feels satisfaction with their life
accomplishments. Despair results from a sense of failure and regret, leading to fear of death
as the patient is describing.
3. Which physiological change in the respiratory system is considered a normal part of the
aging process?
A. Increased elastic recoil of the lungs
B. Decreased gas exchange surface area
C. Increased vital capacity
D. Increased ciliary action in the bronchi
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Aging causes the alveoli to become enlarged and less elastic, which reduces
the total surface area available for gas exchange. This physiological decline contributes to
decreased oxygenation efficiency in older adults. Conversely, elastic recoil decreases and
vital capacity diminishes, while ciliary action becomes less effective.
4. An older adult patient reports having difficulty reading fine print and seeing close objects.
This condition is known as:
A. Cataracts
, B. Presbyopia
C. Glaucoma
D. Macular Degeneration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Presbyopia is the age-related loss of the lens’s ability to focus on nearby
objects due to decreased elasticity. It is a common refractive error that typically begins in
middle age and progresses with time. It is distinct from cataracts, which involve clouding of
the lens, or glaucoma, which involves increased intraocular pressure.
5. When administering medications to an elderly patient, the nurse knows that which
pharmacokinetic change increases the risk of drug toxicity?
A. Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
B. Decreased body fat percentage
C. Reduced hepatic blood flow
D. Increased serum albumin levels
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Reduced hepatic blood flow and liver mass in older adults lead to slower
metabolism of drugs. This delay in processing means drugs stay in the system longer,
potentially reaching toxic levels. In the elderly, GFR typically decreases, body fat
