NUR163 Final Exam Practice | Concepts of Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly Patients 2026/2027 Edition
Final Exam: NUR163 / NUR 163 (Latest )
Concepts of Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly Patients
Exam Practice | Questions and Verified Answers | 100%
Total Questions 75 Multiple Choice
Format 4 options (A-D), One Best Answer
Cognitive Mix 30% Recall | 50% Application | 20% Analysis
Style 75% Scenario-Based | 25% Direct Recall
Audience LPN / LVN Practical Nursing Students
Alignment 2026-2027 Practical Nursing Gerontology Curriculum
Instructions: Select the ONE best answer for each question. Each question includes a verified correct answer and a detailed
rationale grounded in practical nursing gerontology, normal aging physiology, evidence-based assessment tools, medication
safety (2023 AGS Beers Criteria), safety principles, ethical/legal standards, and the LPN/LVN scope of practice. Use the
rationales to reinforce clinical reasoning across the aging continuum.
Section 1: Aging Process and Theories of Aging
Q1 - Q10 | Biological, Psychological, Sociological Theories & Normal Physiological Changes
Q1: An 82-year-old retired professor states, 'I have lived a full life and made meaningful contributions to my
students.' According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, which developmental stage is this patient
demonstrating?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson's final stage, Ego Integrity vs. Despair, occurs in late adulthood (65+ years). Successful resolution leads to a
sense of life fulfillment, wisdom, and acceptance of one's life choices, as reflected by the patient's statement of a 'full life.'
Generativity (option B) occurs in middle adulthood and focuses on guiding the next generation, while autonomy (A) and identity
(D) belong to earlier developmental stages.
NUR163 | Practical Nursing Gerontology | 100% Verified Answers Page 1
,NUR163 Final Exam Practice | Concepts of Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly Patients 2026/2027 Edition
Q2: Which biological theory of aging proposes that accumulated oxidative damage from reactive oxygen
species (free radicals) progressively impairs cellular function over time?
A. Programmed theory of aging
B. Free radical theory
C. Wear and tear theory
D. Immunological theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The free radical theory (a stochastic theory) holds that reactive oxygen species cause cumulative oxidative damage
to lipids, proteins, and DNA, eventually producing cellular dysfunction and aging. Programmed theory (A) is non-stochastic and
genetically determined; wear and tear (C) compares the body to a machine wearing out; immunological theory (D) attributes
aging to declining immune function. The LPN should connect this theory to the value of antioxidants and healthy lifestyle in
older adults.
Q3: When explaining normal aging changes to a family, which cardiovascular change should the LPN identify
as an expected, non-pathological finding in an older adult?
A. Decreased systolic blood pressure with aging
B. Increased resting heart rate above 100 bpm
C. Increased arterial stiffness and elevated systolic blood pressure
D. Decreased myocardial oxygen demand
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Normal cardiovascular aging includes arterial stiffening (arteriosclerosis), reduced vascular compliance, and a rise in
systolic blood pressure, contributing to isolated systolic hypertension in older adults. Resting tachycardia (B) is pathological.
Systolic BP does not decrease with age (A), and myocardial oxygen demand does not fall (D). Recognizing normal changes
helps the LPN distinguish expected aging from disease and supports accurate assessment and reporting.
Q4: A 78-year-old widow volunteers three days a week at a hospital gift shop and reports feeling 'useful and
connected.' Which psychosocial theory of aging best explains the therapeutic value of this activity?
A. Disengagement theory
B. Activity theory
C. Continuity theory
D. Socioemotional selectivity theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Activity theory (Havighurst) posits that continued social engagement, productive roles, and meaningful activity
support psychological well-being and life satisfaction in older adults; the patient's volunteer work exemplifies this principle.
Disengagement theory (A) suggests mutual withdrawal, which is now considered outdated and harmful. Continuity theory (C)
emphasizes maintaining past patterns, while socioemotional selectivity theory (D) focuses on narrowing social networks toward
emotionally meaningful relationships.
NUR163 | Practical Nursing Gerontology | 100% Verified Answers Page 2
, NUR163 Final Exam Practice | Concepts of Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly Patients 2026/2027 Edition
Q5: Which statement accurately describes the programmed theory (non-stochastic) of aging?
A. Aging results from random DNA damage accumulated over the lifespan
B. Aging follows a genetically determined biological timetable influencing lifespan
C. Aging occurs because the body's immune system gradually loses self-tolerance
D. Aging is caused entirely by environmental toxins and lifestyle factors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Programmed theory proposes that aging follows a genetically predetermined biological schedule, influencing
cellular senescence, apoptosis, and maximum lifespan. It is non-stochastic (not random). Option A describes the stochastic error
catastrophe or DNA damage theory; option C describes the immunological theory; option D reflects environmental
explanations. The LPN should understand that programmed theory supports why longevity tends to run in families.
Q6: A 75-year-old patient complains of needing brighter light to read and difficulty focusing on near objects.
The LPN recognizes this as:
A. Pathological macular degeneration requiring immediate referral
B. Presbyopia, an expected age-related change in lens elasticity
C. Early glaucoma requiring intraocular pressure measurement
D. Diabetic retinopathy suggesting uncontrolled diabetes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Presbyopia is a normal age-related change caused by loss of lens elasticity and reduced ciliary muscle function,
resulting in difficulty focusing on near objects and requiring brighter light. It is not pathological and is corrected with reading
glasses. Macular degeneration (A), glaucoma (C), and diabetic retinopathy (D) are disease states with acute vision changes,
scotomas, or pain. Differentiating normal aging from pathology prevents unnecessary anxiety and ensures timely referral only
when warranted.
Q7: The 'wear and tear' theory of aging is best described as which of the following?
A. Aging is programmed through genetic switches that activate cell death
B. Aging results from the body wearing out like a machine from repeated use and damage
C. Aging reflects cumulative oxidative damage from free radicals
D. Aging results from declining T-cell function and immune surveillance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Wear and tear theory, a stochastic theory, compares the human body to a machine that deteriorates from accumulated
use, stress, and injury over time. Option A describes programmed theory, option C describes free radical theory, and option D
describes immunological theory. Although this theory does not account for cellular repair mechanisms, it underlines the LPN's
role in encouraging injury prevention, joint protection, and pacing of activities.
NUR163 | Practical Nursing Gerontology | 100% Verified Answers Page 3
Final Exam: NUR163 / NUR 163 (Latest )
Concepts of Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly Patients
Exam Practice | Questions and Verified Answers | 100%
Total Questions 75 Multiple Choice
Format 4 options (A-D), One Best Answer
Cognitive Mix 30% Recall | 50% Application | 20% Analysis
Style 75% Scenario-Based | 25% Direct Recall
Audience LPN / LVN Practical Nursing Students
Alignment 2026-2027 Practical Nursing Gerontology Curriculum
Instructions: Select the ONE best answer for each question. Each question includes a verified correct answer and a detailed
rationale grounded in practical nursing gerontology, normal aging physiology, evidence-based assessment tools, medication
safety (2023 AGS Beers Criteria), safety principles, ethical/legal standards, and the LPN/LVN scope of practice. Use the
rationales to reinforce clinical reasoning across the aging continuum.
Section 1: Aging Process and Theories of Aging
Q1 - Q10 | Biological, Psychological, Sociological Theories & Normal Physiological Changes
Q1: An 82-year-old retired professor states, 'I have lived a full life and made meaningful contributions to my
students.' According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, which developmental stage is this patient
demonstrating?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson's final stage, Ego Integrity vs. Despair, occurs in late adulthood (65+ years). Successful resolution leads to a
sense of life fulfillment, wisdom, and acceptance of one's life choices, as reflected by the patient's statement of a 'full life.'
Generativity (option B) occurs in middle adulthood and focuses on guiding the next generation, while autonomy (A) and identity
(D) belong to earlier developmental stages.
NUR163 | Practical Nursing Gerontology | 100% Verified Answers Page 1
,NUR163 Final Exam Practice | Concepts of Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly Patients 2026/2027 Edition
Q2: Which biological theory of aging proposes that accumulated oxidative damage from reactive oxygen
species (free radicals) progressively impairs cellular function over time?
A. Programmed theory of aging
B. Free radical theory
C. Wear and tear theory
D. Immunological theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The free radical theory (a stochastic theory) holds that reactive oxygen species cause cumulative oxidative damage
to lipids, proteins, and DNA, eventually producing cellular dysfunction and aging. Programmed theory (A) is non-stochastic and
genetically determined; wear and tear (C) compares the body to a machine wearing out; immunological theory (D) attributes
aging to declining immune function. The LPN should connect this theory to the value of antioxidants and healthy lifestyle in
older adults.
Q3: When explaining normal aging changes to a family, which cardiovascular change should the LPN identify
as an expected, non-pathological finding in an older adult?
A. Decreased systolic blood pressure with aging
B. Increased resting heart rate above 100 bpm
C. Increased arterial stiffness and elevated systolic blood pressure
D. Decreased myocardial oxygen demand
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Normal cardiovascular aging includes arterial stiffening (arteriosclerosis), reduced vascular compliance, and a rise in
systolic blood pressure, contributing to isolated systolic hypertension in older adults. Resting tachycardia (B) is pathological.
Systolic BP does not decrease with age (A), and myocardial oxygen demand does not fall (D). Recognizing normal changes
helps the LPN distinguish expected aging from disease and supports accurate assessment and reporting.
Q4: A 78-year-old widow volunteers three days a week at a hospital gift shop and reports feeling 'useful and
connected.' Which psychosocial theory of aging best explains the therapeutic value of this activity?
A. Disengagement theory
B. Activity theory
C. Continuity theory
D. Socioemotional selectivity theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Activity theory (Havighurst) posits that continued social engagement, productive roles, and meaningful activity
support psychological well-being and life satisfaction in older adults; the patient's volunteer work exemplifies this principle.
Disengagement theory (A) suggests mutual withdrawal, which is now considered outdated and harmful. Continuity theory (C)
emphasizes maintaining past patterns, while socioemotional selectivity theory (D) focuses on narrowing social networks toward
emotionally meaningful relationships.
NUR163 | Practical Nursing Gerontology | 100% Verified Answers Page 2
, NUR163 Final Exam Practice | Concepts of Practical Nursing in the Care of Elderly Patients 2026/2027 Edition
Q5: Which statement accurately describes the programmed theory (non-stochastic) of aging?
A. Aging results from random DNA damage accumulated over the lifespan
B. Aging follows a genetically determined biological timetable influencing lifespan
C. Aging occurs because the body's immune system gradually loses self-tolerance
D. Aging is caused entirely by environmental toxins and lifestyle factors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Programmed theory proposes that aging follows a genetically predetermined biological schedule, influencing
cellular senescence, apoptosis, and maximum lifespan. It is non-stochastic (not random). Option A describes the stochastic error
catastrophe or DNA damage theory; option C describes the immunological theory; option D reflects environmental
explanations. The LPN should understand that programmed theory supports why longevity tends to run in families.
Q6: A 75-year-old patient complains of needing brighter light to read and difficulty focusing on near objects.
The LPN recognizes this as:
A. Pathological macular degeneration requiring immediate referral
B. Presbyopia, an expected age-related change in lens elasticity
C. Early glaucoma requiring intraocular pressure measurement
D. Diabetic retinopathy suggesting uncontrolled diabetes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Presbyopia is a normal age-related change caused by loss of lens elasticity and reduced ciliary muscle function,
resulting in difficulty focusing on near objects and requiring brighter light. It is not pathological and is corrected with reading
glasses. Macular degeneration (A), glaucoma (C), and diabetic retinopathy (D) are disease states with acute vision changes,
scotomas, or pain. Differentiating normal aging from pathology prevents unnecessary anxiety and ensures timely referral only
when warranted.
Q7: The 'wear and tear' theory of aging is best described as which of the following?
A. Aging is programmed through genetic switches that activate cell death
B. Aging results from the body wearing out like a machine from repeated use and damage
C. Aging reflects cumulative oxidative damage from free radicals
D. Aging results from declining T-cell function and immune surveillance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Wear and tear theory, a stochastic theory, compares the human body to a machine that deteriorates from accumulated
use, stress, and injury over time. Option A describes programmed theory, option C describes free radical theory, and option D
describes immunological theory. Although this theory does not account for cellular repair mechanisms, it underlines the LPN's
role in encouraging injury prevention, joint protection, and pacing of activities.
NUR163 | Practical Nursing Gerontology | 100% Verified Answers Page 3
