,NUR 2214 Module 1 Quiz | Nursing Care of the Older Adult (2026) Q&A
| Rasmussen College
1. Which of the following best describes the term ageism as it relates to the care of
older adults?
A) The biological process of cellular aging that occurs over time
B) Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on a person's age
C) A person's perception of their own age compared to their chronological age
D) The functional ability of an individual to perform activities of daily living
Correct Answer: Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on a person's age
Rationale: Ageism refers to negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory
practices directed toward individuals based on their age. It can lead to inadequate
care, dismissal of complaints, and therapeutic nihilism in older adult populations.
Recognizing and combating ageism is a core professional responsibility in
gerontological nursing.
2. A nurse is developing a plan of care for an older adult hospitalized for an acute
illness. Which of the following should the nurse prioritize?
A) Using a standardized geriatric nursing care plan for all older adults
B) Minimizing the patient's activity level during hospitalization
C) Considering the patient's preadmission functional abilities when setting goals
,D) Restricting family involvement to prevent overstimulation
Correct Answer: Considering the patient's preadmission functional abilities when
setting goals
Rationale: The nurse should use the older adult's preadmission functional status as
a baseline for setting realistic, individualized goals. Standardized plans do not
account for individual variation, and minimizing activity promotes deconditioning.
Family involvement is generally encouraged in gerontological care.
3. Which theory of aging proposes that highly unstable molecules produced
during cellular metabolism cause damage to cells and contribute to diseases such
as diabetes, arthritis, and cancer?
A) Wear-and-tear theory
B) Free radical theory
C) Cross-linkage theory
D) Immunologic theory
Correct Answer: Free radical theory
Rationale: The free radical theory posits that unstable molecules (free radicals)
generated during cellular metabolism damage DNA, proteins, and lipids,
accelerating aging and contributing to chronic diseases. Antioxidants found in
fruits, vegetables, and vitamins can neutralize free radicals and limit their damage.
, 4. A nurse is teaching an older adult about dietary strategies to slow the aging
process. Which of the following recommendations aligns with the free radical
theory of aging?
A) Increasing intake of processed foods for convenience
B) Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables
C) Avoiding all physical activity to reduce metabolic stress
D) Increasing sun exposure to boost vitamin D synthesis
Correct Answer: Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables
Rationale: Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are implicated in cellular
damage and aging. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and vitamins supports this
defense. Processed foods, inactivity, and excessive sun exposure do not align with
free radical mitigation.
5. Which theory of aging suggests that cell divisions are genetically
preprogrammed and that a person's lifespan is determined by the number of
possible cell divisions?
A) Activity theory
B) Biological clock theory
C) Continuity theory
D) Age stratification theory
| Rasmussen College
1. Which of the following best describes the term ageism as it relates to the care of
older adults?
A) The biological process of cellular aging that occurs over time
B) Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on a person's age
C) A person's perception of their own age compared to their chronological age
D) The functional ability of an individual to perform activities of daily living
Correct Answer: Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on a person's age
Rationale: Ageism refers to negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory
practices directed toward individuals based on their age. It can lead to inadequate
care, dismissal of complaints, and therapeutic nihilism in older adult populations.
Recognizing and combating ageism is a core professional responsibility in
gerontological nursing.
2. A nurse is developing a plan of care for an older adult hospitalized for an acute
illness. Which of the following should the nurse prioritize?
A) Using a standardized geriatric nursing care plan for all older adults
B) Minimizing the patient's activity level during hospitalization
C) Considering the patient's preadmission functional abilities when setting goals
,D) Restricting family involvement to prevent overstimulation
Correct Answer: Considering the patient's preadmission functional abilities when
setting goals
Rationale: The nurse should use the older adult's preadmission functional status as
a baseline for setting realistic, individualized goals. Standardized plans do not
account for individual variation, and minimizing activity promotes deconditioning.
Family involvement is generally encouraged in gerontological care.
3. Which theory of aging proposes that highly unstable molecules produced
during cellular metabolism cause damage to cells and contribute to diseases such
as diabetes, arthritis, and cancer?
A) Wear-and-tear theory
B) Free radical theory
C) Cross-linkage theory
D) Immunologic theory
Correct Answer: Free radical theory
Rationale: The free radical theory posits that unstable molecules (free radicals)
generated during cellular metabolism damage DNA, proteins, and lipids,
accelerating aging and contributing to chronic diseases. Antioxidants found in
fruits, vegetables, and vitamins can neutralize free radicals and limit their damage.
, 4. A nurse is teaching an older adult about dietary strategies to slow the aging
process. Which of the following recommendations aligns with the free radical
theory of aging?
A) Increasing intake of processed foods for convenience
B) Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables
C) Avoiding all physical activity to reduce metabolic stress
D) Increasing sun exposure to boost vitamin D synthesis
Correct Answer: Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables
Rationale: Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are implicated in cellular
damage and aging. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and vitamins supports this
defense. Processed foods, inactivity, and excessive sun exposure do not align with
free radical mitigation.
5. Which theory of aging suggests that cell divisions are genetically
preprogrammed and that a person's lifespan is determined by the number of
possible cell divisions?
A) Activity theory
B) Biological clock theory
C) Continuity theory
D) Age stratification theory
