NUR 257 EXAM 2: CONCEPTS OF AGING
& CHRONIC ILLNESS
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
1. Which clinical feature is most characteristic of delirium rather than dementia?
A. Gradual, progressive decline in memory
B. Intact attention span in early stages
C. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
D. Irreversible cognitive impairment
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course,
and disturbances in consciousness and attention, whereas dementia is typically gradual
and progressive.
2. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication class should be avoided in older adults
due to the high risk of falls and fractures?
A. ACE Inhibitors
B. Proton Pump Inhibitors
,C. Benzodiazepines
D. Statins
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of cognitive impairment,
delirium, falls, and fractures in the elderly.
3. Which physiological change of aging significantly impacts the distribution of water-soluble
drugs?
A. Decreased total body water
B. Decreased total body fat
C. Increased total body water
D. Increased lean muscle mass
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Older adults have decreased total body water, which can lead to
higher serum concentrations of water-soluble drugs.
4. A patient is diagnosed with sarcopenia. Which intervention is most effective for
management?
A. Strict bed rest
B. Resistance strength training
C. Low-protein diet
, D. Increased fluid intake
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength, is best
managed through resistance exercise and adequate protein intake.
5. What is the primary goal of palliative care in chronic illness management?
A. Curing the underlying disease
B. Providing care only in the last 6 months of life
C. Improving quality of life through symptom management
D. Speeding up the dying process
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving
quality of life for patients with serious illnesses at any stage.
6. Which type of urinary incontinence is characterized by the sudden, urgent need to void
followed by involuntary leakage?
A. Urge incontinence
B. Stress incontinence
C. Overflow incontinence
D. Functional incontinence
& CHRONIC ILLNESS
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
1. Which clinical feature is most characteristic of delirium rather than dementia?
A. Gradual, progressive decline in memory
B. Intact attention span in early stages
C. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
D. Irreversible cognitive impairment
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course,
and disturbances in consciousness and attention, whereas dementia is typically gradual
and progressive.
2. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication class should be avoided in older adults
due to the high risk of falls and fractures?
A. ACE Inhibitors
B. Proton Pump Inhibitors
,C. Benzodiazepines
D. Statins
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of cognitive impairment,
delirium, falls, and fractures in the elderly.
3. Which physiological change of aging significantly impacts the distribution of water-soluble
drugs?
A. Decreased total body water
B. Decreased total body fat
C. Increased total body water
D. Increased lean muscle mass
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Older adults have decreased total body water, which can lead to
higher serum concentrations of water-soluble drugs.
4. A patient is diagnosed with sarcopenia. Which intervention is most effective for
management?
A. Strict bed rest
B. Resistance strength training
C. Low-protein diet
, D. Increased fluid intake
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength, is best
managed through resistance exercise and adequate protein intake.
5. What is the primary goal of palliative care in chronic illness management?
A. Curing the underlying disease
B. Providing care only in the last 6 months of life
C. Improving quality of life through symptom management
D. Speeding up the dying process
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving
quality of life for patients with serious illnesses at any stage.
6. Which type of urinary incontinence is characterized by the sudden, urgent need to void
followed by involuntary leakage?
A. Urge incontinence
B. Stress incontinence
C. Overflow incontinence
D. Functional incontinence
