BSN 425 Final Exam: Gerontological Nursing
Updated and Verified Questions and Correct
Answers - Nightingale College (Version 3)
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body is like a machine which wears
out over time due to repeated use and stress?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Continuity Theory
C. Programmed Aging Theory
D. Wear-and-Tear Theory
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Wear-and-Tear Theory proposes that cumulative damage to cells and
tissues over time leads to the physiological decline of aging.
2. When assessing an older adult, which finding is considered a normal
physiological change of aging in the cardiovascular system?
A. Increased heart rate in response to stress
B. Decreased peripheral resistance
C. Reduced elasticity of the blood vessels
D. Increased cardiac output
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Aging leads to stiffening and loss of elasticity in blood vessels, which often
results in increased systolic blood pressure.
,3. A nurse is caring for an 85-year-old patient. Which cognitive change is
considered a normal part of the aging process?
A. Sudden onset of confusion
B. Slower processing speed for new information
C. Severe memory loss affecting daily life
D. Loss of personality traits
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A slight decline in information processing speed and short-term memory is
normal, but severe loss or sudden confusion is pathological.
4. The SPICES tool is used for which purpose in gerontological nursing?
A. To diagnose Alzheimer’s disease
B. To assess spiritual needs
C. To calculate medication dosages
D. To screen for common geriatric syndromes
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: SPICES stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating, Incontinence,
Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown.
5. Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for developing
Alzheimer’s disease?
A. High cholesterol
B. Advanced age
C. Sedentary lifestyle
D. History of head trauma
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: While many factors contribute, increasing age is the greatest known risk
factor for Alzheimer’s.
, 6. A patient is diagnosed with ‘Sarcopenia.’ The nurse understands this refers to:
A. Loss of bone density
B. Degeneration of joints
C. Loss of muscle mass and strength
D. Thinning of the epidermal layer
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function.
7. Which intervention is most effective in preventing pressure ulcers in
bedbound older adults?
A. Repositioning every 2 hours
B. Using donut-shaped cushions
C. Massaging bony prominences
D. Limiting fluid intake to reduce incontinence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Regular repositioning relieves pressure on vulnerable areas, which is the
gold standard for prevention.
8. An older adult presents with sudden, fluctuating disturbances in attention
and consciousness. This is most characteristic of:
A. Dementia
B. Depression
C. Delirium
D. Schizophrenia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating levels of
consciousness, often triggered by an underlying medical condition.
Updated and Verified Questions and Correct
Answers - Nightingale College (Version 3)
1. Which theory of aging suggests that the body is like a machine which wears
out over time due to repeated use and stress?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Continuity Theory
C. Programmed Aging Theory
D. Wear-and-Tear Theory
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Wear-and-Tear Theory proposes that cumulative damage to cells and
tissues over time leads to the physiological decline of aging.
2. When assessing an older adult, which finding is considered a normal
physiological change of aging in the cardiovascular system?
A. Increased heart rate in response to stress
B. Decreased peripheral resistance
C. Reduced elasticity of the blood vessels
D. Increased cardiac output
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Aging leads to stiffening and loss of elasticity in blood vessels, which often
results in increased systolic blood pressure.
,3. A nurse is caring for an 85-year-old patient. Which cognitive change is
considered a normal part of the aging process?
A. Sudden onset of confusion
B. Slower processing speed for new information
C. Severe memory loss affecting daily life
D. Loss of personality traits
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A slight decline in information processing speed and short-term memory is
normal, but severe loss or sudden confusion is pathological.
4. The SPICES tool is used for which purpose in gerontological nursing?
A. To diagnose Alzheimer’s disease
B. To assess spiritual needs
C. To calculate medication dosages
D. To screen for common geriatric syndromes
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: SPICES stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating, Incontinence,
Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown.
5. Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for developing
Alzheimer’s disease?
A. High cholesterol
B. Advanced age
C. Sedentary lifestyle
D. History of head trauma
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: While many factors contribute, increasing age is the greatest known risk
factor for Alzheimer’s.
, 6. A patient is diagnosed with ‘Sarcopenia.’ The nurse understands this refers to:
A. Loss of bone density
B. Degeneration of joints
C. Loss of muscle mass and strength
D. Thinning of the epidermal layer
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function.
7. Which intervention is most effective in preventing pressure ulcers in
bedbound older adults?
A. Repositioning every 2 hours
B. Using donut-shaped cushions
C. Massaging bony prominences
D. Limiting fluid intake to reduce incontinence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Regular repositioning relieves pressure on vulnerable areas, which is the
gold standard for prevention.
8. An older adult presents with sudden, fluctuating disturbances in attention
and consciousness. This is most characteristic of:
A. Dementia
B. Depression
C. Delirium
D. Schizophrenia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating levels of
consciousness, often triggered by an underlying medical condition.
