BSN 425 Final Exam: Gerontological Nursing
Updated and Verified Questions and Correct
Answers - Nightingale College (Version 1)
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body is like a machine that eventually
wears out due to repeated use and stress?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Cross-linkage Theory
C. Programmed Longevity Theory
D. Wear-and-Tear Theory
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Wear-and-Tear theory posits that cells and tissues have vital parts that
wear out over time, leading to aging and death.
2. When assessing an older adult, which finding is considered a normal age-
related change in the respiratory system?
A. Increased elastic recoil of the lungs
B. Increased diameter of the bronchioles
C. Increased vital capacity
D. Decreased chest wall compliance
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Normal aging involves calcification of costal cartilage and changes in the
shape of the rib cage, leading to decreased chest wall compliance.
,3. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient who experiences urinary leakage when
coughing or sneezing. This is characterized as:
A. Stress incontinence
B. Functional incontinence
C. Overflow incontinence
D. Urge incontinence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Stress incontinence occurs when physical movement or activity (such as
coughing, sneezing, or lifting) puts pressure (stress) on your bladder.
4. Which screening tool is most appropriate for a nurse to use to evaluate an
older adult’s risk for skin breakdown?
A. Morse Fall Scale
B. Glasgow Coma Scale
C. Braden Scale
D. Geriatric Depression Scale
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Braden Scale is the standard tool used to assess a patient’s risk of
developing pressure injuries.
5. An older adult presents with sudden onset of confusion, agitation, and
perceptual disturbances. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Dementia
B. Delirium
C. Depression
D. Alzheimer’s Disease
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, fluctuating onset of confusion and
altered consciousness, often triggered by an underlying medical condition.
, 6. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication class should be avoided in
older adults due to the risk of falls and fractures?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. ACE Inhibitors
C. Beta Blockers
D. Antibiotics
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of falls, syncope, and motor vehicle
accidents in older adults due to their sedative effects.
7. A 75-year-old patient reports difficulty seeing objects clearly in the center of
their vision, while peripheral vision remains intact. This describes:
A. Cataracts
B. Macular Degeneration
C. Glaucoma
D. Diabetic Retinopathy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes loss in the center of the
field of vision (the macula), but peripheral vision is usually preserved.
8. What is the primary goal of palliative care in the gerontological population?
A. Curing the underlying disease
B. Providing comfort and improving quality of life
C. Extending life through aggressive interventions
D. Assisting with physician-aided suicide
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on symptom management and quality of life for
individuals with serious, life-limiting illnesses.
Updated and Verified Questions and Correct
Answers - Nightingale College (Version 1)
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body is like a machine that eventually
wears out due to repeated use and stress?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Cross-linkage Theory
C. Programmed Longevity Theory
D. Wear-and-Tear Theory
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Wear-and-Tear theory posits that cells and tissues have vital parts that
wear out over time, leading to aging and death.
2. When assessing an older adult, which finding is considered a normal age-
related change in the respiratory system?
A. Increased elastic recoil of the lungs
B. Increased diameter of the bronchioles
C. Increased vital capacity
D. Decreased chest wall compliance
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Normal aging involves calcification of costal cartilage and changes in the
shape of the rib cage, leading to decreased chest wall compliance.
,3. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient who experiences urinary leakage when
coughing or sneezing. This is characterized as:
A. Stress incontinence
B. Functional incontinence
C. Overflow incontinence
D. Urge incontinence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Stress incontinence occurs when physical movement or activity (such as
coughing, sneezing, or lifting) puts pressure (stress) on your bladder.
4. Which screening tool is most appropriate for a nurse to use to evaluate an
older adult’s risk for skin breakdown?
A. Morse Fall Scale
B. Glasgow Coma Scale
C. Braden Scale
D. Geriatric Depression Scale
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Braden Scale is the standard tool used to assess a patient’s risk of
developing pressure injuries.
5. An older adult presents with sudden onset of confusion, agitation, and
perceptual disturbances. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Dementia
B. Delirium
C. Depression
D. Alzheimer’s Disease
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, fluctuating onset of confusion and
altered consciousness, often triggered by an underlying medical condition.
, 6. According to the Beers Criteria, which medication class should be avoided in
older adults due to the risk of falls and fractures?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. ACE Inhibitors
C. Beta Blockers
D. Antibiotics
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Benzodiazepines increase the risk of falls, syncope, and motor vehicle
accidents in older adults due to their sedative effects.
7. A 75-year-old patient reports difficulty seeing objects clearly in the center of
their vision, while peripheral vision remains intact. This describes:
A. Cataracts
B. Macular Degeneration
C. Glaucoma
D. Diabetic Retinopathy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes loss in the center of the
field of vision (the macula), but peripheral vision is usually preserved.
8. What is the primary goal of palliative care in the gerontological population?
A. Curing the underlying disease
B. Providing comfort and improving quality of life
C. Extending life through aggressive interventions
D. Assisting with physician-aided suicide
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on symptom management and quality of life for
individuals with serious, life-limiting illnesses.
