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GALEN NUR 257 EXAM 1 – CONCEPTS OF AGING &
CHRONIC ILLNESS 2026/2027 COMPLETE (150) CURRENT
TESTING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES.
NUR
Prepare effectively for the Galen NUR 257 Exam 1 with this focused study resource. It
supports review of aging concepts, chronic illness, gerontological nursing, health
promotion, disease management, patient assessment, and nursing interventions. Use
the material to reinforce your understanding, review key topics, and identify areas that
may require additional study. This resource is suited for Galen nursing students, NUR
257 learners, and candidates preparing for Exam 1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
Section 1: Theories of Aging & Developmental Stages (Questions 1–15)
According to Erikson's developmental stages, which conflict is the primary
focus for older adults?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
C) Identity vs. Role Confusion
D) Trust vs. Mistrust
Answer: B) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: Older adults focus on Ego Integrity vs. Despair, reflecting on
their lives to achieve a sense of fulfillment or facing regret. This is the final
stage of Erikson's theory, occurring in late adulthood.
Which biological theory of aging suggests that damage from unstable
molecules leads to cell malfunction?
A) Wear and Tear Theory
B) Free Radical Theory
C) Programmed Aging Theory
D) Endocrine Theory
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Answer: B) Free Radical Theory
Rationale: The Free Radical Theory posits that aging is caused by oxidative
damage from unstable free radical molecules. These unstable molecules
cause cellular damage that accumulates over time.
Which theory of aging suggests that the body functions at peak performance
during early years but wears down over time due to use?
A) Wear and Tear Theory
B) Free Radical Theory
C) Cross-linkage Theory
D) Programmed Theory
Answer: A) Wear and Tear Theory
Rationale: The Wear and Tear Theory posits that cells and tissues simply
wear out from repeated use, damage, and stress over time, much like a
machine that deteriorates with use.
A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about biological theories of
aging. Which theory proposes that cells have a limited number of divisions
before they stop replicating?
A) Free Radical Theory
B) Wear and Tear Theory
C) Cellular Senescence Theory
D) Cross-linkage Theory
Answer: C) Cellular Senescence Theory
Rationale: The Cellular Senescence (or Telomere) Theory proposes that
cells have a limited number of divisions (Hayflick limit) before they stop
replicating. Telomeres shorten with each cell division.
According to the psychosocial theory of aging that proposes older adults
withdraw from societal roles to focus on themselves, which theory is being
described?
A) Activity Theory
B) Continuity Theory
C) Disengagement Theory
D) Socioemotional Selectivity Theory
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Answer: C) Disengagement Theory
Rationale: Disengagement Theory proposes that aging is a process of
mutual withdrawal between the older adult and society. It suggests that
this withdrawal is natural and beneficial for both the individual and
society.
A 78-year-old patient expresses satisfaction with their life accomplishments
and has few regrets. According to Erikson, this patient has successfully
resolved which stage?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Identity vs. Role Confusion
C) Integrity vs. Despair
D) Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: C) Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: When older adults reflect on their lives and feel a sense of
fulfillment and satisfaction, they achieve ego integrity. If they feel their
life was wasted or regretful, they experience despair.
The Activity Theory of aging suggests that:
A) Older adults should withdraw from society
B) Staying active and engaged promotes successful aging
C) Aging is a programmed biological process
D) Personality remains stable throughout life
Answer: B) Staying active and engaged promotes successful aging
Rationale: Activity Theory proposes that successful aging is associated
with maintaining social interactions, roles, and activities from middle age.
Continued engagement leads to higher life satisfaction.
A nurse is educating a group of older adults about healthy aging. Which
statement by a participant indicates understanding of biological aging?
A) "Aging is purely a psychological process."
B) "Everyone ages at the exact same rate."
C) "Biological aging involves cellular and physiological changes over time."
D) "Aging cannot be influenced by lifestyle choices."
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Answer: C) "Biological aging involves cellular and physiological changes
over time."
Rationale: Biological aging refers to the physical changes that occur in the
body over time, including cellular, molecular, and physiological changes.
Lifestyle choices can influence the rate of biological aging.
According to the Continuity Theory of aging, older adults:
A) Must completely change their lifestyle to age successfully
B) Maintain consistency in their habits, preferences, and relationships
C) Should withdraw from all social activities
D) Cannot adapt to new situations
Answer: B) Maintain consistency in their habits, preferences, and
relationships
Rationale: Continuity Theory proposes that older adults maintain
consistency in their internal and external structures—habits,
preferences, relationships—as they age, adapting their past patterns to
new situations.
A nurse is assessing an older adult's perception of aging. Which statement
reflects a positive attitude toward aging?
A) "Getting old means losing all my independence."
B) "I may have some physical limitations, but I still have much to offer."
C) "There's no point in trying new things at my age."
D) "Aging is just a time of decline and loss."
Answer: B) "I may have some physical limitations, but I still have much to
offer."
Rationale: A positive attitude toward aging acknowledges limitations
while maintaining a sense of purpose, value, and engagement. This
perspective promotes successful aging and mental health.
Which of the following is an example of chronological aging?
A) A 70-year-old who runs marathons
B) A person celebrating their 80th birthday
C) An older adult developing arthritis
D) A 65-year-old retiring from work
GALEN NUR 257 EXAM 1 – CONCEPTS OF AGING &
CHRONIC ILLNESS 2026/2027 COMPLETE (150) CURRENT
TESTING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES.
NUR
Prepare effectively for the Galen NUR 257 Exam 1 with this focused study resource. It
supports review of aging concepts, chronic illness, gerontological nursing, health
promotion, disease management, patient assessment, and nursing interventions. Use
the material to reinforce your understanding, review key topics, and identify areas that
may require additional study. This resource is suited for Galen nursing students, NUR
257 learners, and candidates preparing for Exam 1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
Section 1: Theories of Aging & Developmental Stages (Questions 1–15)
According to Erikson's developmental stages, which conflict is the primary
focus for older adults?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
C) Identity vs. Role Confusion
D) Trust vs. Mistrust
Answer: B) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: Older adults focus on Ego Integrity vs. Despair, reflecting on
their lives to achieve a sense of fulfillment or facing regret. This is the final
stage of Erikson's theory, occurring in late adulthood.
Which biological theory of aging suggests that damage from unstable
molecules leads to cell malfunction?
A) Wear and Tear Theory
B) Free Radical Theory
C) Programmed Aging Theory
D) Endocrine Theory
, Page 2 of 51
Answer: B) Free Radical Theory
Rationale: The Free Radical Theory posits that aging is caused by oxidative
damage from unstable free radical molecules. These unstable molecules
cause cellular damage that accumulates over time.
Which theory of aging suggests that the body functions at peak performance
during early years but wears down over time due to use?
A) Wear and Tear Theory
B) Free Radical Theory
C) Cross-linkage Theory
D) Programmed Theory
Answer: A) Wear and Tear Theory
Rationale: The Wear and Tear Theory posits that cells and tissues simply
wear out from repeated use, damage, and stress over time, much like a
machine that deteriorates with use.
A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about biological theories of
aging. Which theory proposes that cells have a limited number of divisions
before they stop replicating?
A) Free Radical Theory
B) Wear and Tear Theory
C) Cellular Senescence Theory
D) Cross-linkage Theory
Answer: C) Cellular Senescence Theory
Rationale: The Cellular Senescence (or Telomere) Theory proposes that
cells have a limited number of divisions (Hayflick limit) before they stop
replicating. Telomeres shorten with each cell division.
According to the psychosocial theory of aging that proposes older adults
withdraw from societal roles to focus on themselves, which theory is being
described?
A) Activity Theory
B) Continuity Theory
C) Disengagement Theory
D) Socioemotional Selectivity Theory
, Page 3 of 51
Answer: C) Disengagement Theory
Rationale: Disengagement Theory proposes that aging is a process of
mutual withdrawal between the older adult and society. It suggests that
this withdrawal is natural and beneficial for both the individual and
society.
A 78-year-old patient expresses satisfaction with their life accomplishments
and has few regrets. According to Erikson, this patient has successfully
resolved which stage?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Identity vs. Role Confusion
C) Integrity vs. Despair
D) Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: C) Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: When older adults reflect on their lives and feel a sense of
fulfillment and satisfaction, they achieve ego integrity. If they feel their
life was wasted or regretful, they experience despair.
The Activity Theory of aging suggests that:
A) Older adults should withdraw from society
B) Staying active and engaged promotes successful aging
C) Aging is a programmed biological process
D) Personality remains stable throughout life
Answer: B) Staying active and engaged promotes successful aging
Rationale: Activity Theory proposes that successful aging is associated
with maintaining social interactions, roles, and activities from middle age.
Continued engagement leads to higher life satisfaction.
A nurse is educating a group of older adults about healthy aging. Which
statement by a participant indicates understanding of biological aging?
A) "Aging is purely a psychological process."
B) "Everyone ages at the exact same rate."
C) "Biological aging involves cellular and physiological changes over time."
D) "Aging cannot be influenced by lifestyle choices."
, Page 4 of 51
Answer: C) "Biological aging involves cellular and physiological changes
over time."
Rationale: Biological aging refers to the physical changes that occur in the
body over time, including cellular, molecular, and physiological changes.
Lifestyle choices can influence the rate of biological aging.
According to the Continuity Theory of aging, older adults:
A) Must completely change their lifestyle to age successfully
B) Maintain consistency in their habits, preferences, and relationships
C) Should withdraw from all social activities
D) Cannot adapt to new situations
Answer: B) Maintain consistency in their habits, preferences, and
relationships
Rationale: Continuity Theory proposes that older adults maintain
consistency in their internal and external structures—habits,
preferences, relationships—as they age, adapting their past patterns to
new situations.
A nurse is assessing an older adult's perception of aging. Which statement
reflects a positive attitude toward aging?
A) "Getting old means losing all my independence."
B) "I may have some physical limitations, but I still have much to offer."
C) "There's no point in trying new things at my age."
D) "Aging is just a time of decline and loss."
Answer: B) "I may have some physical limitations, but I still have much to
offer."
Rationale: A positive attitude toward aging acknowledges limitations
while maintaining a sense of purpose, value, and engagement. This
perspective promotes successful aging and mental health.
Which of the following is an example of chronological aging?
A) A 70-year-old who runs marathons
B) A person celebrating their 80th birthday
C) An older adult developing arthritis
D) A 65-year-old retiring from work
