HESI PN GERONTOLOGY EXAM REVIEW 2026
TEST PAPER QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS FULL
SOLUTION VERIFIED
◉ activity theory. Answer: "successful aging"
Maintaining a high level of activity and involvement
-measured by individuals satisfaction with life
*psychosocial theory
◉ pacemaker theory. Answer: programmed decline or cessation of
many components occurs in the nervous and endocrine systems
*biologic theory
◉ immunity theory. Answer: Programmed accumulation of damage
and decline in immune system - "immunossenescence"
Oxidative stress - damage
*biologic theory
◉ wear and tear theory. Answer: after repeated use damaged cells in
body structures wear out from harmful effects of internal and
external stressors, free radicals
*biologic theory
,◉ programmed theory. Answer: "biological clock"
starts at conception
-genetic program determines changes as one ages
*biologic theory
◉ erik eriksons theory. Answer: 8 stages of developmental tasks
thru out life span
-8th stage is integrity versus despair
*developmental theory
◉ maslows theory. Answer: hierarchy of needs ranks an individuals
needs from most basic to complex
-physiologic
-safety & security
-love & belonging
-self esteem
-self actualization
◉ physiologic changes of aging. Answer: 1. aging affects every cell in
every organ, but not same rate
2. -loss in compensatory reserve
, -loss in efficiency of body repairing damaged tissue
-deceased immune system processes
3. disease not always present with classic signs & symptoms
4. physiologic changes increase rapidly with increasing age
5. Influenced by genetic makeup & environment
◉ health maintenance factors for older adult. Answer: -physical
activity to reduce blood pressure
-increases aerobic capacity & nutrition
◉ The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an older female client with a
20 year history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who is admitted for
carpel tunnel release. Which finding associated with RA should the
PN document?. Answer: Small joint involvement
◉ A frail elderly client is admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of
pneumonia. Which finding is most important for the practical nurse
(PN) to report to the healthcare provider?. Answer: Confusion and
dehydration
◉ The home health practical nurse (PN) visits an older female client
with an ileal conduit who has been experiencing chronic urinary
tract infections (UTI). Which intervention should the PN recommend
the client do to manage the frequency of UTIs?. Answer: Attaching a
larger bag while sleeping
TEST PAPER QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS FULL
SOLUTION VERIFIED
◉ activity theory. Answer: "successful aging"
Maintaining a high level of activity and involvement
-measured by individuals satisfaction with life
*psychosocial theory
◉ pacemaker theory. Answer: programmed decline or cessation of
many components occurs in the nervous and endocrine systems
*biologic theory
◉ immunity theory. Answer: Programmed accumulation of damage
and decline in immune system - "immunossenescence"
Oxidative stress - damage
*biologic theory
◉ wear and tear theory. Answer: after repeated use damaged cells in
body structures wear out from harmful effects of internal and
external stressors, free radicals
*biologic theory
,◉ programmed theory. Answer: "biological clock"
starts at conception
-genetic program determines changes as one ages
*biologic theory
◉ erik eriksons theory. Answer: 8 stages of developmental tasks
thru out life span
-8th stage is integrity versus despair
*developmental theory
◉ maslows theory. Answer: hierarchy of needs ranks an individuals
needs from most basic to complex
-physiologic
-safety & security
-love & belonging
-self esteem
-self actualization
◉ physiologic changes of aging. Answer: 1. aging affects every cell in
every organ, but not same rate
2. -loss in compensatory reserve
, -loss in efficiency of body repairing damaged tissue
-deceased immune system processes
3. disease not always present with classic signs & symptoms
4. physiologic changes increase rapidly with increasing age
5. Influenced by genetic makeup & environment
◉ health maintenance factors for older adult. Answer: -physical
activity to reduce blood pressure
-increases aerobic capacity & nutrition
◉ The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an older female client with a
20 year history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who is admitted for
carpel tunnel release. Which finding associated with RA should the
PN document?. Answer: Small joint involvement
◉ A frail elderly client is admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of
pneumonia. Which finding is most important for the practical nurse
(PN) to report to the healthcare provider?. Answer: Confusion and
dehydration
◉ The home health practical nurse (PN) visits an older female client
with an ileal conduit who has been experiencing chronic urinary
tract infections (UTI). Which intervention should the PN recommend
the client do to manage the frequency of UTIs?. Answer: Attaching a
larger bag while sleeping
