gero touhy ch. 5
1. Name the theory of aging that suggests that the adverse physical effects of aging are
the result of a gradual loss of control mechanisms in the pituitary and hypothalamus.
a. Free-radical theory
b. Programmed theoryd
c. Schochtastic theory
d. Neuroendocrine theory correct answers ANS: D
The neuroendocrine theory attributes aging to gradual changes in or the loss of the
mechanisms that control the organs through chemical signals. The free-radical theory
attributes aging to the accumulation of destructive products of metabolic oxidation. The
programmed theory attributes aging to cells exhausting a predetermined number of
replications. A stochastic theory attributes aging to the accumulation of random damage
to DNA and other molecules.
2. Decreased functioning of which physical structure is likely to result in decreased
metabolism in older adults?
a. Kidney
b. Thyroid
c. Brain
d. skeleton correct answers ANS: B
Secretion of t
hyroid hormones tends to decrease with age, resulting in a greater likelihood of a slower
metabolism, hypothyroidism, and thinning hair and nails. Decreased kidney function
leads to decreased glomerular filtration rate and the ability of the kidneys to concentrate
urine and clear waste. Decreasing brain function tends to result in decreased cognitive
functioning. Osteoclastic activity tends to decrease with age, increasing the risk for
osteopenia and osteoporosis.
3. An older female patient is reading a large-print magazine and states that reading is
difficult for her in the evening. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
a. Put a high-intensity lamp at the head of her bed.
, b. Explain to her that the gray-yellow ring around her cornea, arcus senilis, is interfering
with visual acuity.
c. Put more powerful tubes in the fluorescent room lights.
d. Examine her retinas for signs of damage. correct answers ANS: A
The pupil becomes gradually smaller with age; therefore the eye requires three times as
much light. A high-intensity light on the object of interest is more effective than
increasing the overall room illumination. The arcus senilis does not affect vision. The
patient is describing a gradual overall change, not the more localized or sudden effects
of macular degeneration or retinal detachment.
Aging ordinarily leads to decreases in which of the following?
a. Creatinine clearance and insulin secretion
b. Blood carbon dioxide and saliva production
c. Left ventricle-wall thickness and skin healing time
d. Serum triiodothyronine (T3) and gastric pepsin correct answers ANS: D
Serum T3 and pepsin secretion both decrease with aging. Creatinine clearance
declines, but insulin secretion normally remains stable. Saliva production decreases, but
blood carbon dioxide normally remains unchanged. Left ventricle-wall thickness and
skin healing time both increase with aging.
Which change in the skin is abnormal in an older person?
a. Thinner and more fragile skin
b. Red, swollen 3-day-old wound
c. greater number of freckles
d. Loss of hair on the extremities correct answers ANS: B
Although the skin of an older person may require 48 to 72 hours to mount an initial
inflammatory response to a wound, increasing redness after that time, particularly with
purulent discharge, is a sign of infection. This change is normal as ridges in the skin are
lost. Melanin distribution becomes more uneven with age. Hair is commonly lost from
the legs and other areas of older adults. Hair loss from the legs is not a sign of
peripheral vascular disease.
The nurse designs a group exercise program at a senior center. Which room should the
nurse choose for the program?
a. Room with a beautiful hardwood floor tastefully appointed with throw rugs
b. Spacious room with no windows but with fluorescent lighting and a natural stone floor
1. Name the theory of aging that suggests that the adverse physical effects of aging are
the result of a gradual loss of control mechanisms in the pituitary and hypothalamus.
a. Free-radical theory
b. Programmed theoryd
c. Schochtastic theory
d. Neuroendocrine theory correct answers ANS: D
The neuroendocrine theory attributes aging to gradual changes in or the loss of the
mechanisms that control the organs through chemical signals. The free-radical theory
attributes aging to the accumulation of destructive products of metabolic oxidation. The
programmed theory attributes aging to cells exhausting a predetermined number of
replications. A stochastic theory attributes aging to the accumulation of random damage
to DNA and other molecules.
2. Decreased functioning of which physical structure is likely to result in decreased
metabolism in older adults?
a. Kidney
b. Thyroid
c. Brain
d. skeleton correct answers ANS: B
Secretion of t
hyroid hormones tends to decrease with age, resulting in a greater likelihood of a slower
metabolism, hypothyroidism, and thinning hair and nails. Decreased kidney function
leads to decreased glomerular filtration rate and the ability of the kidneys to concentrate
urine and clear waste. Decreasing brain function tends to result in decreased cognitive
functioning. Osteoclastic activity tends to decrease with age, increasing the risk for
osteopenia and osteoporosis.
3. An older female patient is reading a large-print magazine and states that reading is
difficult for her in the evening. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
a. Put a high-intensity lamp at the head of her bed.
, b. Explain to her that the gray-yellow ring around her cornea, arcus senilis, is interfering
with visual acuity.
c. Put more powerful tubes in the fluorescent room lights.
d. Examine her retinas for signs of damage. correct answers ANS: A
The pupil becomes gradually smaller with age; therefore the eye requires three times as
much light. A high-intensity light on the object of interest is more effective than
increasing the overall room illumination. The arcus senilis does not affect vision. The
patient is describing a gradual overall change, not the more localized or sudden effects
of macular degeneration or retinal detachment.
Aging ordinarily leads to decreases in which of the following?
a. Creatinine clearance and insulin secretion
b. Blood carbon dioxide and saliva production
c. Left ventricle-wall thickness and skin healing time
d. Serum triiodothyronine (T3) and gastric pepsin correct answers ANS: D
Serum T3 and pepsin secretion both decrease with aging. Creatinine clearance
declines, but insulin secretion normally remains stable. Saliva production decreases, but
blood carbon dioxide normally remains unchanged. Left ventricle-wall thickness and
skin healing time both increase with aging.
Which change in the skin is abnormal in an older person?
a. Thinner and more fragile skin
b. Red, swollen 3-day-old wound
c. greater number of freckles
d. Loss of hair on the extremities correct answers ANS: B
Although the skin of an older person may require 48 to 72 hours to mount an initial
inflammatory response to a wound, increasing redness after that time, particularly with
purulent discharge, is a sign of infection. This change is normal as ridges in the skin are
lost. Melanin distribution becomes more uneven with age. Hair is commonly lost from
the legs and other areas of older adults. Hair loss from the legs is not a sign of
peripheral vascular disease.
The nurse designs a group exercise program at a senior center. Which room should the
nurse choose for the program?
a. Room with a beautiful hardwood floor tastefully appointed with throw rugs
b. Spacious room with no windows but with fluorescent lighting and a natural stone floor
