NUR 257: CONCEPTS OF AGING &
CHRONIC ILLNESS COMPREHENSIVE
REVIEW
1. Which physiological change of aging contributes most significantly to the increased risk of
drug toxicity in the elderly?
A. Increased total body water
B. Decreased hepatic blood flow and glomerular filtration rate
C. Increased serum albumin levels
D. Decreased gastric acidity levels
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Aging leads to a reduction in hepatic blood flow and a decrease
in GFR, which significantly impairs the metabolism and excretion of drugs, leading to
accumulation and toxicity.
2. An 82-year-old patient presents with new-onset confusion, agitation, and a low-grade
fever. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
,B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
D. Normal Age-Related Forgetfulness
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In older adults, acute confusion (delirium) is often the primary
symptom of an infection, such as a UTI, rather than typical symptoms like dysuria.
3. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which task is central to the late
adulthood stage?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair is the developmental stage for those 65 and
older, where individuals reflect on their life and feel a sense of fulfillment or failure.
4. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to evaluate the risk of pressure ulcers in
older adults?
A. Morse Fall Scale
B. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
, C. Katz Index
D. Braden Scale
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Braden Scale assesses sensory perception, moisture,
activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear to determine pressure ulcer risk.
5. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is using pursed-lip breathing.
What is the primary benefit of this technique?
A. To strengthen the intercostal muscles
B. To increase the respiratory rate
C. To reduce the need for supplemental oxygen
D. To prevent airway collapse by maintaining positive expiratory pressure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure in the airways,
preventing collapse and allowing for more effective expiration of CO2.
6. Which of the following is considered a ‘Geriatric Giant’ (Geriatric Syndrome)?
A. Urinary Incontinence
B. Type 2 Diabetes
C. Hypertension
CHRONIC ILLNESS COMPREHENSIVE
REVIEW
1. Which physiological change of aging contributes most significantly to the increased risk of
drug toxicity in the elderly?
A. Increased total body water
B. Decreased hepatic blood flow and glomerular filtration rate
C. Increased serum albumin levels
D. Decreased gastric acidity levels
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Aging leads to a reduction in hepatic blood flow and a decrease
in GFR, which significantly impairs the metabolism and excretion of drugs, leading to
accumulation and toxicity.
2. An 82-year-old patient presents with new-onset confusion, agitation, and a low-grade
fever. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
,B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
D. Normal Age-Related Forgetfulness
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In older adults, acute confusion (delirium) is often the primary
symptom of an infection, such as a UTI, rather than typical symptoms like dysuria.
3. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which task is central to the late
adulthood stage?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair is the developmental stage for those 65 and
older, where individuals reflect on their life and feel a sense of fulfillment or failure.
4. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to evaluate the risk of pressure ulcers in
older adults?
A. Morse Fall Scale
B. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
, C. Katz Index
D. Braden Scale
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Braden Scale assesses sensory perception, moisture,
activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear to determine pressure ulcer risk.
5. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is using pursed-lip breathing.
What is the primary benefit of this technique?
A. To strengthen the intercostal muscles
B. To increase the respiratory rate
C. To reduce the need for supplemental oxygen
D. To prevent airway collapse by maintaining positive expiratory pressure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure in the airways,
preventing collapse and allowing for more effective expiration of CO2.
6. Which of the following is considered a ‘Geriatric Giant’ (Geriatric Syndrome)?
A. Urinary Incontinence
B. Type 2 Diabetes
C. Hypertension
