Galen College NUR 255 Exam 1 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Aging & Chronic
Illness | Nursing
1. According to Peplau's model of the nurse-patient relationship, which phase
involves the client identifying their needs and beginning to trust the nurse?
A) Pre-interaction phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Working phase
D) Termination phase
Correct Answer: Orientation phase
Rationale: In Peplau's model, the orientation phase is the initial stage where
the nurse builds trust, establishes rapport, and the client begins to recognize
their needs. The pre-interaction phase occurs before meeting the patient, the
working phase involves active problem-solving, and the termination phase
concludes the relationship.
2. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following must be
met first to create an environment conducive to therapeutic communication?
A) Self-esteem needs
B) Safety and security needs
C) Physiological needs
D) Love and belonging needs
Correct Answer: Physiological needs
Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy places physiological needs (food, water,
oxygen, sleep) at the base of the pyramid. These must be met before higher-
level needs can be addressed. A patient who is hungry, in pain, or struggling
to breathe cannot effectively engage in therapeutic communication.
,3. The nurse is caring for a patient who is exhibiting signs of moderate
anxiety. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Use a calm, firm approach and speak in short, simple sentences
B) Leave the patient alone to process their feelings
C) Encourage the patient to talk about their fears in detail
D) Administer a sedative medication immediately
Correct Answer: Use a calm, firm approach and speak in short, simple
sentences
Rationale: Moderate anxiety narrows the patient's perceptual field, making it
difficult to process complex information. The nurse should use a calm, firm
approach, speak in short, simple sentences, and provide a quiet environment
to help the patient regain control.
4. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient's pain. Which of the following is
the most reliable indicator of pain in this population?
A) The patient's vital signs
B) The patient's self-report of pain
C) The nurse's observation of non-verbal cues
D) The patient's medical diagnosis
Correct Answer: The patient's self-report of pain
Rationale: Pain is a subjective experience, and the patient's self-report is the
most reliable indicator of pain. While vital signs and non-verbal cues may
provide additional information, they are not always reliable, especially in
older adults with chronic pain or cognitive impairment.
,5. The nurse is providing education to a group of older adults about health
promotion. Which of the following statements best reflects the concept of
healthy aging?
A) "Healthy aging means being free from all chronic diseases."
B) "Healthy aging is defined by functional ability rather than the absence of
disease."
C) "Healthy aging is only achievable for those who exercise regularly."
D) "Healthy aging is determined by chronological age alone."
Correct Answer: "Healthy aging is defined by functional ability rather than
the absence of disease."
Rationale: Healthy aging is often thought of in terms of functional ability
rather than the absence of disease. It is related to functional status,
socioeconomic factors, and degree of social interaction.
6. A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a patient who is
expressing anger about their diagnosis. Which response is most therapeutic?
A) "You shouldn't be angry; it won't help your situation."
B) "I understand you're feeling angry. Tell me more about what's bothering
you."
C) "Anger is a normal part of the grieving process, but you need to move
past it."
D) "If you continue to be angry, I'll have to come back later."
Correct Answer: "I understand you're feeling angry. Tell me more about
what's bothering you."
Rationale: This response validates the patient's feelings and uses the
therapeutic technique of exploring to encourage the patient to express their
, concerns. It demonstrates empathy and active listening, which are essential
for building trust and facilitating communication.
7. The fastest growing subset of the older population is which group?
A) Young-old (65-74)
B) Middle-old (75-84)
C) Old-old (85-99)
D) Elite old (100+)
Correct Answer: Old-old (85-99)
Rationale: The fastest-growing subset of the older population is the "old-old"
(85-99 years). This demographic shift has significant implications for
healthcare systems and the need for geriatric specialists.
8. A nurse is delegating care to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
Which statement would the nurse include when delegating care for a client
with Parkinson's disease?
A) "Allow the client to be as independent as possible with activities."
B) "Assist the client with frequent and meticulous oral care."
C) "Assess the client's ability to eat and swallow before each meal."
D) "Schedule appointments early in the morning to ensure rest in the
afternoon."
Correct Answer: "Allow the client to be as independent as possible with
activities."
Rationale: Clients with Parkinson's disease should be encouraged to be as
independent as possible, allowing them extra time to complete activities.
Illness | Nursing
1. According to Peplau's model of the nurse-patient relationship, which phase
involves the client identifying their needs and beginning to trust the nurse?
A) Pre-interaction phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Working phase
D) Termination phase
Correct Answer: Orientation phase
Rationale: In Peplau's model, the orientation phase is the initial stage where
the nurse builds trust, establishes rapport, and the client begins to recognize
their needs. The pre-interaction phase occurs before meeting the patient, the
working phase involves active problem-solving, and the termination phase
concludes the relationship.
2. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following must be
met first to create an environment conducive to therapeutic communication?
A) Self-esteem needs
B) Safety and security needs
C) Physiological needs
D) Love and belonging needs
Correct Answer: Physiological needs
Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy places physiological needs (food, water,
oxygen, sleep) at the base of the pyramid. These must be met before higher-
level needs can be addressed. A patient who is hungry, in pain, or struggling
to breathe cannot effectively engage in therapeutic communication.
,3. The nurse is caring for a patient who is exhibiting signs of moderate
anxiety. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Use a calm, firm approach and speak in short, simple sentences
B) Leave the patient alone to process their feelings
C) Encourage the patient to talk about their fears in detail
D) Administer a sedative medication immediately
Correct Answer: Use a calm, firm approach and speak in short, simple
sentences
Rationale: Moderate anxiety narrows the patient's perceptual field, making it
difficult to process complex information. The nurse should use a calm, firm
approach, speak in short, simple sentences, and provide a quiet environment
to help the patient regain control.
4. A nurse is assessing an older adult patient's pain. Which of the following is
the most reliable indicator of pain in this population?
A) The patient's vital signs
B) The patient's self-report of pain
C) The nurse's observation of non-verbal cues
D) The patient's medical diagnosis
Correct Answer: The patient's self-report of pain
Rationale: Pain is a subjective experience, and the patient's self-report is the
most reliable indicator of pain. While vital signs and non-verbal cues may
provide additional information, they are not always reliable, especially in
older adults with chronic pain or cognitive impairment.
,5. The nurse is providing education to a group of older adults about health
promotion. Which of the following statements best reflects the concept of
healthy aging?
A) "Healthy aging means being free from all chronic diseases."
B) "Healthy aging is defined by functional ability rather than the absence of
disease."
C) "Healthy aging is only achievable for those who exercise regularly."
D) "Healthy aging is determined by chronological age alone."
Correct Answer: "Healthy aging is defined by functional ability rather than
the absence of disease."
Rationale: Healthy aging is often thought of in terms of functional ability
rather than the absence of disease. It is related to functional status,
socioeconomic factors, and degree of social interaction.
6. A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a patient who is
expressing anger about their diagnosis. Which response is most therapeutic?
A) "You shouldn't be angry; it won't help your situation."
B) "I understand you're feeling angry. Tell me more about what's bothering
you."
C) "Anger is a normal part of the grieving process, but you need to move
past it."
D) "If you continue to be angry, I'll have to come back later."
Correct Answer: "I understand you're feeling angry. Tell me more about
what's bothering you."
Rationale: This response validates the patient's feelings and uses the
therapeutic technique of exploring to encourage the patient to express their
, concerns. It demonstrates empathy and active listening, which are essential
for building trust and facilitating communication.
7. The fastest growing subset of the older population is which group?
A) Young-old (65-74)
B) Middle-old (75-84)
C) Old-old (85-99)
D) Elite old (100+)
Correct Answer: Old-old (85-99)
Rationale: The fastest-growing subset of the older population is the "old-old"
(85-99 years). This demographic shift has significant implications for
healthcare systems and the need for geriatric specialists.
8. A nurse is delegating care to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
Which statement would the nurse include when delegating care for a client
with Parkinson's disease?
A) "Allow the client to be as independent as possible with activities."
B) "Assist the client with frequent and meticulous oral care."
C) "Assess the client's ability to eat and swallow before each meal."
D) "Schedule appointments early in the morning to ensure rest in the
afternoon."
Correct Answer: "Allow the client to be as independent as possible with
activities."
Rationale: Clients with Parkinson's disease should be encouraged to be as
independent as possible, allowing them extra time to complete activities.
