NUR 257 EXAM 3 – GALEN CONCEPTS OF AGING & CHRONIC ILLNESS– QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
2026/2027
Core Domains
• Theories and Demographics of Aging
• Physiologic Changes of Aging
• Chronic Illness Concepts and Trajectories
• Psychosocial and Cognitive Aspects of Aging
• Functional Assessment and Safety
• Polypharmacy and Pharmacokinetics in Older Adults
• Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Issues
• End-of-Life and Palliative Care
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Caregiver Support and Community Resources
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses the nursing student's mastery of concepts related to aging and chronic illness
as presented in NUR 257. The exam evaluates knowledge of foundational gerontologic theory, applied professional
,practice, regulatory and legal compliance, ethical standards, and real-world clinical decision-making. Multiple-choice
and scenario-based questions require critical thinking and application of evidence-based principles to the care of older
adults and individuals living with chronic conditions. Emphasis is placed on safe, patient-centered care, interdisciplinary
collaboration, and the promotion of optimal function and quality of life across the aging continuum.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about normal age-related changes. Which statement by a
participant indicates a correct understanding of these changes?
A. "My heart muscle will get stronger as I age."
B. "My kidney function will gradually decline over time."
C. "My sense of taste will become more acute."
D. "My skin will produce more oil, keeping it moist."
🟢 Correct Answer: B. "My kidney function will gradually decline over time."
🔴 Explanation: Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate decrease with age, reducing the kidney's ability to
concentrate urine and excrete drugs. This is a normal physiologic change of aging.
,2. A 78-year-old client is prescribed a new medication. Which factor related to aging most increases the risk for
adverse drug reactions?
A. Increased gastric motility
B. Decreased body fat percentage
C. Decreased serum albumin levels
D. Increased hepatic enzyme activity
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Decreased serum albumin levels
🔴 Explanation: Decreased serum albumin reduces drug binding, leading to higher levels of free (active) drug in the
bloodstream, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
3. The nurse is assessing an older adult for signs of dehydration. Which finding is most indicative of dehydration
in this population?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Tachycardia
C. Dark, concentrated urine
D. Confusion
, 🟢 Correct Answer: D. Confusion
🔴 Explanation: Older adults often present atypically; acute confusion is a common and sensitive indicator of
dehydration and other acute illnesses in this population.
4. Which theory of aging proposes that aging results from the cumulative effects of random damage to cells and
tissues over time?
A. Programmed theory
B. Stochastic theory
C. Cross-linkage theory
D. Immunologic theory
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Stochastic theory
🔴 Explanation: Stochastic theories view aging as a result of random, cumulative damage from internal and external
stressors, rather than a predetermined genetic program.
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
2026/2027
Core Domains
• Theories and Demographics of Aging
• Physiologic Changes of Aging
• Chronic Illness Concepts and Trajectories
• Psychosocial and Cognitive Aspects of Aging
• Functional Assessment and Safety
• Polypharmacy and Pharmacokinetics in Older Adults
• Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Issues
• End-of-Life and Palliative Care
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Caregiver Support and Community Resources
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses the nursing student's mastery of concepts related to aging and chronic illness
as presented in NUR 257. The exam evaluates knowledge of foundational gerontologic theory, applied professional
,practice, regulatory and legal compliance, ethical standards, and real-world clinical decision-making. Multiple-choice
and scenario-based questions require critical thinking and application of evidence-based principles to the care of older
adults and individuals living with chronic conditions. Emphasis is placed on safe, patient-centered care, interdisciplinary
collaboration, and the promotion of optimal function and quality of life across the aging continuum.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about normal age-related changes. Which statement by a
participant indicates a correct understanding of these changes?
A. "My heart muscle will get stronger as I age."
B. "My kidney function will gradually decline over time."
C. "My sense of taste will become more acute."
D. "My skin will produce more oil, keeping it moist."
🟢 Correct Answer: B. "My kidney function will gradually decline over time."
🔴 Explanation: Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate decrease with age, reducing the kidney's ability to
concentrate urine and excrete drugs. This is a normal physiologic change of aging.
,2. A 78-year-old client is prescribed a new medication. Which factor related to aging most increases the risk for
adverse drug reactions?
A. Increased gastric motility
B. Decreased body fat percentage
C. Decreased serum albumin levels
D. Increased hepatic enzyme activity
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Decreased serum albumin levels
🔴 Explanation: Decreased serum albumin reduces drug binding, leading to higher levels of free (active) drug in the
bloodstream, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
3. The nurse is assessing an older adult for signs of dehydration. Which finding is most indicative of dehydration
in this population?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Tachycardia
C. Dark, concentrated urine
D. Confusion
, 🟢 Correct Answer: D. Confusion
🔴 Explanation: Older adults often present atypically; acute confusion is a common and sensitive indicator of
dehydration and other acute illnesses in this population.
4. Which theory of aging proposes that aging results from the cumulative effects of random damage to cells and
tissues over time?
A. Programmed theory
B. Stochastic theory
C. Cross-linkage theory
D. Immunologic theory
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Stochastic theory
🔴 Explanation: Stochastic theories view aging as a result of random, cumulative damage from internal and external
stressors, rather than a predetermined genetic program.
