GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
NUR 257 Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness
Academic Year: 2026/2027 Comprehensive Question Bank Exam 1
NCLEX-style · Gerontology Concepts
Question 1
The generation born between 1915 and 1945 is often referred to as:
A. Baby boomers
B. The "in between" generation
C. The silent generation
D. Generation X
Correct answer: B. The "in between" generation
Rationale: The "in between" generation refers to those born between 1915 and 1945, often
known as the Silent Generation. Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964.
, Question 2
Which of the following is a normal reproductive change in the aging female?
A. Increased estrogen production
B. Decreased estrogen production and vaginal atrophy
C. Enlarged ovaries
D. Increased uterine size
Correct answer: B. Decreased estrogen production and vaginal atrophy
Rationale: Aging females experience decreased estrogen production, ovarian degeneration,
and vaginal atrophy. Menopause is a key milestone. These changes can affect sexual
function and comfort.
Question 3
Which of the following activities promote wellness in older adults?
A. Vaccines and check-ups
B. Physical activity and diet
C. Socialization
D. All of the above
Correct answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Wellness promotion includes vaccines, regular check-ups, cancer screenings,
physical activity, a healthy diet, and socialization. These are essential for maintaining health
and preventing disease in older adults.
, Question 4
In the stages of widowhood, the reactionary phase is characterized by which of the
following?
A. Returning to normal activities
B. Response to loss
C. Beginning new adventures
D. Integration into society
Correct answer: B. Response to loss
Rationale: The reactionary phase is the immediate response to the loss, often characterized
by shock, numbness, and acute grief. It is the first stage in the widowhood model.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a post-operative patient who develops fever and thick, purulent
sputum. Which nursing action is the priority?
A. Collect a sputum culture
B. Administer prescribed antipyretics
C. Increase oral fluid intake
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct answer: A. Collect a sputum culture
Rationale: The priority is to obtain a sputum culture before antibiotics to identify the
causative organism. While notifying the provider is important, the immediate nursing action
is collecting the specimen. Antipyretics and fluids are supportive but do not address the
underlying infection.
, Question 6
Total dietary fat should be reduced to what percentage of daily caloric intake for older
adults?
A. No more than 20%
B. No more than 30%
C. No more than 40%
D. No more than 50%
Correct answer: B. No more than 30%
Rationale: Dietary fat should be limited to no more than 30% of total daily caloric intake to
reduce cardiovascular risk and maintain healthy weight in older adults.
Question 7
At what age should routine vaginal and cervical cancer screening typically be
discontinued?
A. 50–55
B. 55–60
C. 60–65
D. 70–75
Correct answer: C. 60–65
Rationale: Routine vaginal and cervical cancer screening (Pap smears) is typically
discontinued at age 60–65 if the patient has had adequate prior screening and is not at high
risk. Shared decision-making is recommended.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
NUR 257 Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness
Academic Year: 2026/2027 Comprehensive Question Bank Exam 1
NCLEX-style · Gerontology Concepts
Question 1
The generation born between 1915 and 1945 is often referred to as:
A. Baby boomers
B. The "in between" generation
C. The silent generation
D. Generation X
Correct answer: B. The "in between" generation
Rationale: The "in between" generation refers to those born between 1915 and 1945, often
known as the Silent Generation. Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964.
, Question 2
Which of the following is a normal reproductive change in the aging female?
A. Increased estrogen production
B. Decreased estrogen production and vaginal atrophy
C. Enlarged ovaries
D. Increased uterine size
Correct answer: B. Decreased estrogen production and vaginal atrophy
Rationale: Aging females experience decreased estrogen production, ovarian degeneration,
and vaginal atrophy. Menopause is a key milestone. These changes can affect sexual
function and comfort.
Question 3
Which of the following activities promote wellness in older adults?
A. Vaccines and check-ups
B. Physical activity and diet
C. Socialization
D. All of the above
Correct answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Wellness promotion includes vaccines, regular check-ups, cancer screenings,
physical activity, a healthy diet, and socialization. These are essential for maintaining health
and preventing disease in older adults.
, Question 4
In the stages of widowhood, the reactionary phase is characterized by which of the
following?
A. Returning to normal activities
B. Response to loss
C. Beginning new adventures
D. Integration into society
Correct answer: B. Response to loss
Rationale: The reactionary phase is the immediate response to the loss, often characterized
by shock, numbness, and acute grief. It is the first stage in the widowhood model.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a post-operative patient who develops fever and thick, purulent
sputum. Which nursing action is the priority?
A. Collect a sputum culture
B. Administer prescribed antipyretics
C. Increase oral fluid intake
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct answer: A. Collect a sputum culture
Rationale: The priority is to obtain a sputum culture before antibiotics to identify the
causative organism. While notifying the provider is important, the immediate nursing action
is collecting the specimen. Antipyretics and fluids are supportive but do not address the
underlying infection.
, Question 6
Total dietary fat should be reduced to what percentage of daily caloric intake for older
adults?
A. No more than 20%
B. No more than 30%
C. No more than 40%
D. No more than 50%
Correct answer: B. No more than 30%
Rationale: Dietary fat should be limited to no more than 30% of total daily caloric intake to
reduce cardiovascular risk and maintain healthy weight in older adults.
Question 7
At what age should routine vaginal and cervical cancer screening typically be
discontinued?
A. 50–55
B. 55–60
C. 60–65
D. 70–75
Correct answer: C. 60–65
Rationale: Routine vaginal and cervical cancer screening (Pap smears) is typically
discontinued at age 60–65 if the patient has had adequate prior screening and is not at high
risk. Shared decision-making is recommended.
