BSN 425 Final Exam: Gerontological Nursing
Updated and Verified Questions and Correct
Answers - Nightingale College (Version 2)
1. Which theory of aging suggests that aging is the result of accumulated
damage from unstable oxygen molecules?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Wear and Tear Theory
C. Cross-Link Theory
D. Programmed Theory
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Free Radical Theory posits that aging is caused by oxidative damage to
cells from free radicals produced during metabolism.
2. A 75-year-old patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion and
agitation. What is the nurse’s priority assessment?
A. Screening for depression
B. Checking for chronic hearing loss
C. Testing for Alzheimer’s disease
D. Assessing for symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sudden onset of confusion (delirium) in older adults is frequently caused by
acute infections like UTIs.
,3. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, what is the primary task of late
adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Erikson identifies Integrity vs. Despair as the stage where older adults reflect
on their lives and seek a sense of fulfillment.
4. Which physiological change in the cardiovascular system is considered a
normal part of aging?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Decreased systolic blood pressure
C. Increased elasticity of blood vessels
D. Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Aging causes baroreceptors to become less sensitive, which increases the
risk of orthostatic hypotension.
5. Which of the following describes ‘presbycusis’?
A. High-frequency hearing loss
B. Age-related loss of near vision
C. Clouding of the lens of the eye
D. Increased sensitivity to loud noises
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Presbycusis is the most common type of sensorineural hearing loss caused
by the natural aging of the auditory system, typically affecting high-frequency sounds.
, 6. An older adult patient is taking multiple medications for several chronic
conditions. This is known as:
A. Pharmacokinetics
B. Drug antagonism
C. Polypharmacy
D. Therapeutic duplication
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Polypharmacy is the use of multiple medications by a patient, which
increases the risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions.
7. Which tool is commonly used to assess for risk of pressure ulcers in older
adults?
A. Morse Scale
B. GDS Scale
C. SPICES Tool
D. Braden Scale
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Braden Scale is a validated tool used to assess a patient’s risk of
developing pressure injuries based on sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility,
nutrition, and friction/shear.
8. Which type of urinary incontinence is characterized by leaking urine when
coughing, sneezing, or laughing?
A. Urge incontinence
B. Stress incontinence
C. Overflow incontinence
D. Functional incontinence
Correct Answer: B
Updated and Verified Questions and Correct
Answers - Nightingale College (Version 2)
1. Which theory of aging suggests that aging is the result of accumulated
damage from unstable oxygen molecules?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Wear and Tear Theory
C. Cross-Link Theory
D. Programmed Theory
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Free Radical Theory posits that aging is caused by oxidative damage to
cells from free radicals produced during metabolism.
2. A 75-year-old patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion and
agitation. What is the nurse’s priority assessment?
A. Screening for depression
B. Checking for chronic hearing loss
C. Testing for Alzheimer’s disease
D. Assessing for symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sudden onset of confusion (delirium) in older adults is frequently caused by
acute infections like UTIs.
,3. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, what is the primary task of late
adulthood?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Erikson identifies Integrity vs. Despair as the stage where older adults reflect
on their lives and seek a sense of fulfillment.
4. Which physiological change in the cardiovascular system is considered a
normal part of aging?
A. Increased heart rate at rest
B. Decreased systolic blood pressure
C. Increased elasticity of blood vessels
D. Decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Aging causes baroreceptors to become less sensitive, which increases the
risk of orthostatic hypotension.
5. Which of the following describes ‘presbycusis’?
A. High-frequency hearing loss
B. Age-related loss of near vision
C. Clouding of the lens of the eye
D. Increased sensitivity to loud noises
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Presbycusis is the most common type of sensorineural hearing loss caused
by the natural aging of the auditory system, typically affecting high-frequency sounds.
, 6. An older adult patient is taking multiple medications for several chronic
conditions. This is known as:
A. Pharmacokinetics
B. Drug antagonism
C. Polypharmacy
D. Therapeutic duplication
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Polypharmacy is the use of multiple medications by a patient, which
increases the risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions.
7. Which tool is commonly used to assess for risk of pressure ulcers in older
adults?
A. Morse Scale
B. GDS Scale
C. SPICES Tool
D. Braden Scale
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Braden Scale is a validated tool used to assess a patient’s risk of
developing pressure injuries based on sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility,
nutrition, and friction/shear.
8. Which type of urinary incontinence is characterized by leaking urine when
coughing, sneezing, or laughing?
A. Urge incontinence
B. Stress incontinence
C. Overflow incontinence
D. Functional incontinence
Correct Answer: B
