NUR 257 EXAM 3 – GALEN
CONCEPTS OF AGING &
CHRONIC ILLNESS –
(2026/2027) ACTUAL
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS,
100% GUARANTEE PASS
NUR 257 Exam 3 – Galen Concepts of Aging & Chronic
Illness
Comprehensive Practice Exam (2026/2027) | 200 Questions
with Bolded Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales
Section 1: Theories of Aging (Questions 1–25)
1. According to the wear-and-tear theory of aging, the body functions at peak
performance during early years but then does what over time?
A. Regenerates damaged tissues indefinitely
B. Gradually wears down due to use
,C. Maintains function through genetic repair
D. Accelerates metabolism to compensate
Rationale: The wear-and-tear theory proposes that the body, like a machine, functions
optimally in youth but progressively deteriorates as a result of continued use and
environmental exposure .
2. Which biological theory of aging attributes cellular damage to unstable
molecules that accumulate over time?
A. Programmed theory
B. Cross-linkage theory
C. Free radical theory
D. Wear-and-tear theory
Rationale: The free radical theory holds that aging results from cumulative oxidative
damage caused by reactive oxygen species (free radicals) that impair cellular function
and contribute to age-related decline .
3. According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, which developmental stage
characterizes older adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Rationale: Erikson's final psychosocial stage, ego integrity versus despair, involves older
adults reflecting on their lives to achieve a sense of fulfillment or experiencing regret
and hopelessness .
4. The programmed theory of aging proposes that cellular aging is governed by
which mechanism?
A. Environmental toxins
B. A genetically predetermined biological clock
C. Random accumulation of errors
D. Chronic inflammatory processes
Rationale: The programmed theory posits that aging follows a genetically encoded
timeline with a built-in limit on cell division, known as the Hayflick limit .
5. The disengagement theory of aging is best described as which of the following?
,A. Older adults should maintain middle-age activity levels
B. Aging involves mutual withdrawal between the older adult and society
C. Cellular damage drives the aging process
D. Genetic factors determine the rate of aging
Rationale: Disengagement theory proposes that successful aging involves a natural,
mutual withdrawal between the older adult and society, which is viewed as beneficial for
both parties .
6. Which theory of aging emphasizes that remaining socially active and engaged
improves outcomes for older adults?
A. Disengagement theory
B. Activity theory
C. Continuity theory
D. Programmed theory
Rationale: Activity theory suggests that older adults who maintain active roles and
social engagement experience better physical and mental health outcomes compared to
those who withdraw .
7. The continuity theory of aging posits that older adults do which of the
following?
A. Abandon all previous roles
B. Maintain their established habits and lifestyle patterns
C. Withdraw from all social interactions
D. Adopt entirely new identities
Rationale: Continuity theory proposes that older adults preserve their existing habits,
preferences, and lifestyle patterns while adapting to age-related changes, thereby
maintaining a consistent identity .
8. The Hayflick limit refers to:
A. The maximum lifespan of a human being
B. The finite number of times a cell can divide before senescence
C. The length of telomeres at birth
D. The rate of free radical damage accumulation
Rationale: The Hayflick limit describes the observation that normal human cells divide
only a limited number of times (approximately 40-60) before entering replicative
senescence. Telomere shortening is the mechanism underlying this limit .
, 9. Which theory of aging proposes that aging results from accumulated damage
caused by reactive oxygen species?
A. Cross-linkage theory
B. Free radical theory
C. Programmed theory
D. Wear-and-tear theory
Rationale: The free radical theory specifically attributes aging to oxidative damage from
reactive oxygen species .
10. A 78-year-old patient asks the nurse why their skin has become thinner and
more fragile over the years. Which explanation best describes the underlying
biologic mechanism?
A. Decreased melanin production causing lighter skin pigmentation
B. Cross-linking of collagen fibers and reduced elastin synthesis
C. Increased sebaceous gland activity leading to dryness
D. Accelerated cell turnover causing rapid aging
Rationale: The cross-linking theory explains how collagen fibers become stiff and less
elastic over time, while elastin production drops—this is why older skin tears easily and
doesn't bounce back .
11. An 82-year-old retired teacher continues to volunteer at the local library,
attend book club, and maintain close friendships with three lifelong friends while
letting go of more superficial acquaintances. Which psychosocial theory of aging
does this exemplify?
A. Disengagement theory
B. Activity theory
C. Continuity theory
D. Socioemotional selectivity theory
Rationale: Socioemotional selectivity theory says older adults prioritize emotionally
meaningful relationships over expanding social networks—they're selective. This person
maintains deep connections and meaningful activity but has narrowed their social world
intentionally .
12. According to the free radical theory of aging, which dietary recommendation
would be most appropriate for an older adult?
CONCEPTS OF AGING &
CHRONIC ILLNESS –
(2026/2027) ACTUAL
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS,
100% GUARANTEE PASS
NUR 257 Exam 3 – Galen Concepts of Aging & Chronic
Illness
Comprehensive Practice Exam (2026/2027) | 200 Questions
with Bolded Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales
Section 1: Theories of Aging (Questions 1–25)
1. According to the wear-and-tear theory of aging, the body functions at peak
performance during early years but then does what over time?
A. Regenerates damaged tissues indefinitely
B. Gradually wears down due to use
,C. Maintains function through genetic repair
D. Accelerates metabolism to compensate
Rationale: The wear-and-tear theory proposes that the body, like a machine, functions
optimally in youth but progressively deteriorates as a result of continued use and
environmental exposure .
2. Which biological theory of aging attributes cellular damage to unstable
molecules that accumulate over time?
A. Programmed theory
B. Cross-linkage theory
C. Free radical theory
D. Wear-and-tear theory
Rationale: The free radical theory holds that aging results from cumulative oxidative
damage caused by reactive oxygen species (free radicals) that impair cellular function
and contribute to age-related decline .
3. According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, which developmental stage
characterizes older adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Rationale: Erikson's final psychosocial stage, ego integrity versus despair, involves older
adults reflecting on their lives to achieve a sense of fulfillment or experiencing regret
and hopelessness .
4. The programmed theory of aging proposes that cellular aging is governed by
which mechanism?
A. Environmental toxins
B. A genetically predetermined biological clock
C. Random accumulation of errors
D. Chronic inflammatory processes
Rationale: The programmed theory posits that aging follows a genetically encoded
timeline with a built-in limit on cell division, known as the Hayflick limit .
5. The disengagement theory of aging is best described as which of the following?
,A. Older adults should maintain middle-age activity levels
B. Aging involves mutual withdrawal between the older adult and society
C. Cellular damage drives the aging process
D. Genetic factors determine the rate of aging
Rationale: Disengagement theory proposes that successful aging involves a natural,
mutual withdrawal between the older adult and society, which is viewed as beneficial for
both parties .
6. Which theory of aging emphasizes that remaining socially active and engaged
improves outcomes for older adults?
A. Disengagement theory
B. Activity theory
C. Continuity theory
D. Programmed theory
Rationale: Activity theory suggests that older adults who maintain active roles and
social engagement experience better physical and mental health outcomes compared to
those who withdraw .
7. The continuity theory of aging posits that older adults do which of the
following?
A. Abandon all previous roles
B. Maintain their established habits and lifestyle patterns
C. Withdraw from all social interactions
D. Adopt entirely new identities
Rationale: Continuity theory proposes that older adults preserve their existing habits,
preferences, and lifestyle patterns while adapting to age-related changes, thereby
maintaining a consistent identity .
8. The Hayflick limit refers to:
A. The maximum lifespan of a human being
B. The finite number of times a cell can divide before senescence
C. The length of telomeres at birth
D. The rate of free radical damage accumulation
Rationale: The Hayflick limit describes the observation that normal human cells divide
only a limited number of times (approximately 40-60) before entering replicative
senescence. Telomere shortening is the mechanism underlying this limit .
, 9. Which theory of aging proposes that aging results from accumulated damage
caused by reactive oxygen species?
A. Cross-linkage theory
B. Free radical theory
C. Programmed theory
D. Wear-and-tear theory
Rationale: The free radical theory specifically attributes aging to oxidative damage from
reactive oxygen species .
10. A 78-year-old patient asks the nurse why their skin has become thinner and
more fragile over the years. Which explanation best describes the underlying
biologic mechanism?
A. Decreased melanin production causing lighter skin pigmentation
B. Cross-linking of collagen fibers and reduced elastin synthesis
C. Increased sebaceous gland activity leading to dryness
D. Accelerated cell turnover causing rapid aging
Rationale: The cross-linking theory explains how collagen fibers become stiff and less
elastic over time, while elastin production drops—this is why older skin tears easily and
doesn't bounce back .
11. An 82-year-old retired teacher continues to volunteer at the local library,
attend book club, and maintain close friendships with three lifelong friends while
letting go of more superficial acquaintances. Which psychosocial theory of aging
does this exemplify?
A. Disengagement theory
B. Activity theory
C. Continuity theory
D. Socioemotional selectivity theory
Rationale: Socioemotional selectivity theory says older adults prioritize emotionally
meaningful relationships over expanding social networks—they're selective. This person
maintains deep connections and meaningful activity but has narrowed their social world
intentionally .
12. According to the free radical theory of aging, which dietary recommendation
would be most appropriate for an older adult?
