,Verified NUR 257 Exam 1 Test Bank & Guaranteed
Success Exam Prep Guide | Concepts of Aging &
Chronic Illness | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nursing student is studying theories of aging. Which theory proposes that cells have a
limited number of divisions before they stop replicating?
A) Free radical theory
B) Telomere shortening theory
C) Hayflick's theory
D) Oxidative stress theory
Correct Answer: C) Hayflick's theory
Rationale: Hayflick's theory (also called the cellular senescence theory) proposes that cells have
a limited number of divisions (approximately 40-60) before they stop replicating. Telomere
shortening theory focuses on the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes; free radical and
oxidative stress theories focus on damage from reactive oxygen species.
2. According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, which conflict is the primary task
of older adulthood?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Identity vs. Role Confusion
C) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D) Intimacy vs. Isolation
,Correct Answer: C) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, the primary conflict of
late adulthood (age 65 and older) is Ego Integrity vs. Despair. Successful resolution results in a
sense of wisdom and acceptance of one's life; failure leads to despair and regret.
3. The nurse is assessing an older adult client who reports feeling that their life has been
meaningful and fulfilling. According to Erikson, this client has successfully resolved which
developmental stage?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
C) Industry vs. Inferiority
D) Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: B) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson's psychosocial development
theory. Successful resolution results in a sense of fulfillment and acceptance of one's life.
Feelings of meaning and fulfillment indicate successful resolution of this stage.
4. A nurse is teaching family members about the trajectory of chronic illness. Which statement
accurately describes the chronic illness trajectory?
A) Chronic illnesses are typically acute in nature and resolve quickly
B) Chronic illnesses often have periods of stability and exacerbation
, C) Chronic illnesses always follow a predictable, linear progression
D) Chronic illnesses do not require self-management
Correct Answer: B) Chronic illnesses often have periods of stability and exacerbation
Rationale: The chronic illness trajectory is characterized by periods of stability (when symptoms
are well-controlled) and exacerbations (when symptoms worsen). Understanding this trajectory
is central to NUR 257 content on aging and long-term management. Chronic illnesses are not
acute, do not follow a predictable linear progression, and self-management is a key component.
5. Which statement best describes an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?
A) Bathing and dressing
B) Shopping and managing medications
C) Toileting and transferring
D) Feeding and continence
Correct Answer: B) Shopping and managing medications
Rationale: IADLs are complex activities necessary for independent community living, distinct
from basic ADLs. Shopping, meal preparation, and medication management require higher
cognitive and physical function. Bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, feeding, and
continence are basic ADLs.
Success Exam Prep Guide | Concepts of Aging &
Chronic Illness | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nursing student is studying theories of aging. Which theory proposes that cells have a
limited number of divisions before they stop replicating?
A) Free radical theory
B) Telomere shortening theory
C) Hayflick's theory
D) Oxidative stress theory
Correct Answer: C) Hayflick's theory
Rationale: Hayflick's theory (also called the cellular senescence theory) proposes that cells have
a limited number of divisions (approximately 40-60) before they stop replicating. Telomere
shortening theory focuses on the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes; free radical and
oxidative stress theories focus on damage from reactive oxygen species.
2. According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, which conflict is the primary task
of older adulthood?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Identity vs. Role Confusion
C) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D) Intimacy vs. Isolation
,Correct Answer: C) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, the primary conflict of
late adulthood (age 65 and older) is Ego Integrity vs. Despair. Successful resolution results in a
sense of wisdom and acceptance of one's life; failure leads to despair and regret.
3. The nurse is assessing an older adult client who reports feeling that their life has been
meaningful and fulfilling. According to Erikson, this client has successfully resolved which
developmental stage?
A) Generativity vs. Stagnation
B) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
C) Industry vs. Inferiority
D) Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: B) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson's psychosocial development
theory. Successful resolution results in a sense of fulfillment and acceptance of one's life.
Feelings of meaning and fulfillment indicate successful resolution of this stage.
4. A nurse is teaching family members about the trajectory of chronic illness. Which statement
accurately describes the chronic illness trajectory?
A) Chronic illnesses are typically acute in nature and resolve quickly
B) Chronic illnesses often have periods of stability and exacerbation
, C) Chronic illnesses always follow a predictable, linear progression
D) Chronic illnesses do not require self-management
Correct Answer: B) Chronic illnesses often have periods of stability and exacerbation
Rationale: The chronic illness trajectory is characterized by periods of stability (when symptoms
are well-controlled) and exacerbations (when symptoms worsen). Understanding this trajectory
is central to NUR 257 content on aging and long-term management. Chronic illnesses are not
acute, do not follow a predictable linear progression, and self-management is a key component.
5. Which statement best describes an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?
A) Bathing and dressing
B) Shopping and managing medications
C) Toileting and transferring
D) Feeding and continence
Correct Answer: B) Shopping and managing medications
Rationale: IADLs are complex activities necessary for independent community living, distinct
from basic ADLs. Shopping, meal preparation, and medication management require higher
cognitive and physical function. Bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, feeding, and
continence are basic ADLs.
