Test Bank for Gerontologic Nursing 7th Edition
by Jennifer J. Yeager, Sue E. Meiner, Mary B.
Winton, Chapters 1–27
Test Bank: Gerontologic Nursing, 7th Edition (Chapters 1-27)
Chapter 1: Introduction to Gerontologic Nursing
1. What is the primary focus of gerontologic nursing?
a) The diagnosis and treatment of acute illness in older adults.
b) The process of aging and the care of older adults across the wellness-illness continuum. ✓
c) Providing custodial care in long-term facilities.
d) The psychological aspects of the aging process only.
2. The term "ageism" refers to:
a) The biological process of growing older.
b) A negative attitude based on age that leads to discrimination and stereotypes. ✓
c) The study of the aging population.
d) The federal agency on aging.
Chapter 2: Theories of Aging
3. Which theory of aging proposes that cells have a finite number of divisions and then die?
a) Wear-and-Tear Theory
b) Free Radical Theory
c) Programmed Theory (Hayflick Limit) ✓
d) Neuroendocrine Theory
4. The Free Radical Theory of aging is primarily concerned with:
a) The shortening of telomeres.
b) The accumulation of DNA damage from unstable oxygen molecules. ✓
c) The decline of immune system function.
d) A preset genetic clock.
Chapter 3: Physiologic Changes of Aging
5. A normal physiologic change of the cardiovascular system in older adults includes:
a) Increased cardiac output.
b) Thickening and stiffening of the heart valves. ✓
,c) A decrease in systolic blood pressure.
d) Increased elasticity of the arteries.
6. Which respiratory change is expected in the older adult?
a) Increased elasticity of the lung tissue.
b) Decreased residual volume.
c) Decreased gas exchange efficiency. ✓
d) Strengthened respiratory muscles.
Chapter 4: Psychosocial, Cultural, and Spiritual Aspects of Aging
7. According to Erikson's theory, the final stage of psychosocial development in older
adulthood is:
a) Generativity vs. Stagnation
b) Integrity vs. Despair ✓
c) Intimacy vs. Isolation
d) Identity vs. Role Confusion
8. When assessing an older adult from a different culture, the nurse's most important action is
to:
a) Assume all cultural practices are health-promoting.
b) Impose the nurse's own cultural beliefs to ensure safety.
c) Assess the individual's cultural beliefs and practices. ✓
d) Focus solely on the biomedical model of care.
Chapter 5: Communication with Older Adults
9. To enhance communication with an older adult who has presbycusis, the nurse should:
a) Speak quickly to cover more information.
b) Use a high-pitched tone of voice.
c) Face the patient directly and speak clearly in a low tone. ✓
d) Avoid using written materials.
10. When communicating with a patient with aphasia, an effective strategy is to:
a) Ask multiple questions at once.
b) Use yes/no questions or pictures. ✓
c) Speak loudly as if the patient is deaf.
d) Finish the patient's sentences for them.
Chapter 6: Health Assessment
,11. The "SPICES" tool is used to identify:
a) Common medications for older adults.
b) Common geriatric syndromes. ✓
c) Nutritional deficiencies.
d) Spiritual distress.
12. When performing a functional assessment, the nurse is evaluating the patient's ability to:
a) Recall past events.
b) Perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ✓
c) Understand complex medical information.
d) Drive a car safely.
Chapter 7: Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing
13. A common, normal age-related change in laboratory values is:
a) Increased serum albumin.
b) A slight increase in serum creatinine. ✓
c) Decreased Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN).
d) Increased hemoglobin.
14. When interpreting a serum drug level for an older adult, the nurse must consider that age-
related changes in renal function can lead to:
a) Faster drug excretion and lower drug levels.
b) Slower drug excretion and higher risk of toxicity. ✓
c) No significant change in drug metabolism.
d) Increased absorption of all oral medications.
Chapter 8: Nutrition
15. A common nutritional deficiency in older adults is:
a) Vitamin A toxicity
b) Vitamin D and Calcium ✓
c) Excessive protein
d) High fiber
16. Which factor most contributes to dehydration in the older adult?
a) Increased thirst mechanism ✓
b) Fluid retention
c) Decreased total body water
d) Overconsumption of caffeinated beverages
, Chapter 9: Pharmacotherapy and Polypharmacy
17. Polypharmacy is a significant concern for older adults because it increases the risk for:
a) Improved adherence to medication regimens.
b) Drug interactions and adverse reactions. ✓
c) Lower healthcare costs.
d) Enhanced therapeutic effects.
18. The Beers Criteria is used to:
a) Determine the cost-effectiveness of medications.
b) Identify potentially inappropriate medications for older adults. ✓
c) Calculate correct drug dosages based on weight.
d) Assess a patient's ability to swallow pills.
Chapter 10: Cognition and Perception
19. Delirium is characterized by:
a) A slow, progressive decline in memory.
b) A sudden, acute change in consciousness and attention. ✓
c) Irreversible brain damage.
d) Stable symptoms that fluctuate throughout the day.
20. The hallmark symptom that differentiates dementia from delirium is:
a) The presence of hallucinations.
b) A gradual, progressive, and irreversible decline. ✓
c) An acute onset.
d) Sundowning.
Chapter 11: Sleep and Rest
21. A common sleep disturbance in older adults is:
a) A decreased need for sleep.
b) Advanced sleep phase syndrome (going to bed and waking up earlier). ✓
c) Increased deep sleep (Stage N3).
d) Hypersomnia.
22. Non-pharmacological nursing interventions to promote sleep in older adults include:
a) Encouraging daytime napping for long periods.
b) Establishing a consistent bedtime routine. ✓
c) Serving a large, heavy meal before bedtime.
d) Encouraging caffeine in the evening for energy.
by Jennifer J. Yeager, Sue E. Meiner, Mary B.
Winton, Chapters 1–27
Test Bank: Gerontologic Nursing, 7th Edition (Chapters 1-27)
Chapter 1: Introduction to Gerontologic Nursing
1. What is the primary focus of gerontologic nursing?
a) The diagnosis and treatment of acute illness in older adults.
b) The process of aging and the care of older adults across the wellness-illness continuum. ✓
c) Providing custodial care in long-term facilities.
d) The psychological aspects of the aging process only.
2. The term "ageism" refers to:
a) The biological process of growing older.
b) A negative attitude based on age that leads to discrimination and stereotypes. ✓
c) The study of the aging population.
d) The federal agency on aging.
Chapter 2: Theories of Aging
3. Which theory of aging proposes that cells have a finite number of divisions and then die?
a) Wear-and-Tear Theory
b) Free Radical Theory
c) Programmed Theory (Hayflick Limit) ✓
d) Neuroendocrine Theory
4. The Free Radical Theory of aging is primarily concerned with:
a) The shortening of telomeres.
b) The accumulation of DNA damage from unstable oxygen molecules. ✓
c) The decline of immune system function.
d) A preset genetic clock.
Chapter 3: Physiologic Changes of Aging
5. A normal physiologic change of the cardiovascular system in older adults includes:
a) Increased cardiac output.
b) Thickening and stiffening of the heart valves. ✓
,c) A decrease in systolic blood pressure.
d) Increased elasticity of the arteries.
6. Which respiratory change is expected in the older adult?
a) Increased elasticity of the lung tissue.
b) Decreased residual volume.
c) Decreased gas exchange efficiency. ✓
d) Strengthened respiratory muscles.
Chapter 4: Psychosocial, Cultural, and Spiritual Aspects of Aging
7. According to Erikson's theory, the final stage of psychosocial development in older
adulthood is:
a) Generativity vs. Stagnation
b) Integrity vs. Despair ✓
c) Intimacy vs. Isolation
d) Identity vs. Role Confusion
8. When assessing an older adult from a different culture, the nurse's most important action is
to:
a) Assume all cultural practices are health-promoting.
b) Impose the nurse's own cultural beliefs to ensure safety.
c) Assess the individual's cultural beliefs and practices. ✓
d) Focus solely on the biomedical model of care.
Chapter 5: Communication with Older Adults
9. To enhance communication with an older adult who has presbycusis, the nurse should:
a) Speak quickly to cover more information.
b) Use a high-pitched tone of voice.
c) Face the patient directly and speak clearly in a low tone. ✓
d) Avoid using written materials.
10. When communicating with a patient with aphasia, an effective strategy is to:
a) Ask multiple questions at once.
b) Use yes/no questions or pictures. ✓
c) Speak loudly as if the patient is deaf.
d) Finish the patient's sentences for them.
Chapter 6: Health Assessment
,11. The "SPICES" tool is used to identify:
a) Common medications for older adults.
b) Common geriatric syndromes. ✓
c) Nutritional deficiencies.
d) Spiritual distress.
12. When performing a functional assessment, the nurse is evaluating the patient's ability to:
a) Recall past events.
b) Perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ✓
c) Understand complex medical information.
d) Drive a car safely.
Chapter 7: Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing
13. A common, normal age-related change in laboratory values is:
a) Increased serum albumin.
b) A slight increase in serum creatinine. ✓
c) Decreased Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN).
d) Increased hemoglobin.
14. When interpreting a serum drug level for an older adult, the nurse must consider that age-
related changes in renal function can lead to:
a) Faster drug excretion and lower drug levels.
b) Slower drug excretion and higher risk of toxicity. ✓
c) No significant change in drug metabolism.
d) Increased absorption of all oral medications.
Chapter 8: Nutrition
15. A common nutritional deficiency in older adults is:
a) Vitamin A toxicity
b) Vitamin D and Calcium ✓
c) Excessive protein
d) High fiber
16. Which factor most contributes to dehydration in the older adult?
a) Increased thirst mechanism ✓
b) Fluid retention
c) Decreased total body water
d) Overconsumption of caffeinated beverages
, Chapter 9: Pharmacotherapy and Polypharmacy
17. Polypharmacy is a significant concern for older adults because it increases the risk for:
a) Improved adherence to medication regimens.
b) Drug interactions and adverse reactions. ✓
c) Lower healthcare costs.
d) Enhanced therapeutic effects.
18. The Beers Criteria is used to:
a) Determine the cost-effectiveness of medications.
b) Identify potentially inappropriate medications for older adults. ✓
c) Calculate correct drug dosages based on weight.
d) Assess a patient's ability to swallow pills.
Chapter 10: Cognition and Perception
19. Delirium is characterized by:
a) A slow, progressive decline in memory.
b) A sudden, acute change in consciousness and attention. ✓
c) Irreversible brain damage.
d) Stable symptoms that fluctuate throughout the day.
20. The hallmark symptom that differentiates dementia from delirium is:
a) The presence of hallucinations.
b) A gradual, progressive, and irreversible decline. ✓
c) An acute onset.
d) Sundowning.
Chapter 11: Sleep and Rest
21. A common sleep disturbance in older adults is:
a) A decreased need for sleep.
b) Advanced sleep phase syndrome (going to bed and waking up earlier). ✓
c) Increased deep sleep (Stage N3).
d) Hypersomnia.
22. Non-pharmacological nursing interventions to promote sleep in older adults include:
a) Encouraging daytime napping for long periods.
b) Establishing a consistent bedtime routine. ✓
c) Serving a large, heavy meal before bedtime.
d) Encouraging caffeine in the evening for energy.
