BSN 425 Final Exam: Gerontological Nursing
Updated and Verified Questions and Correct
Answers- Nightingale College (Version 4)
1. Which theory of aging suggests that cells have a genetically determined life
span, often referred to as the ‘biological clock’?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Programmed Theory
C. Wear and Tear Theory
D. Cross-Link Theory
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Programmed theory suggests that aging is the result of a sequential
switching on and off of certain genes, acting as a biological clock.
2. An older adult patient is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion and
disorientation. Which condition should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Delirium
D. Vascular Dementia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and is often
reversible if the underlying cause (like infection or medication) is treated.
,3. When administering medications to an elderly patient, the nurse knows that
which physiological change most impacts drug clearance?
A. Increased gastric pH
B. Increased total body water
C. Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
D. Reduced body fat percentage
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Decreased renal function (GFR) is the most significant physiological change
affecting the clearance of medications in older adults, leading to potential toxicity.
4. Which of the following is a common atypical symptom of Myocardial
Infarction (MI) in an older adult?
A. Crushing substernal chest pain
B. Sudden onset of confusion or dyspnea
C. Pain radiating to the left arm
D. Diaphoresis and nausea
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Older adults often present with atypical MI symptoms, such as acute
confusion, fatigue, or shortness of breath, rather than classic chest pain.
5. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, what is the primary task of the
older adult?
A. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Generativity vs. Stagnation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The stage for older adults (65+) is Ego Integrity vs. Despair, where
individuals reflect on their lives and feel a sense of fulfillment or regret.
, 6. A nurse is assessing an older adult for signs of depression. Which tool is
specifically designed for this population?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B. Braden Scale
C. Morse Fall Scale
D. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The GDS is a validated screening tool specifically designed to identify
depression in the elderly population.
7. What is the primary goal of palliative care in the gerontological setting?
A. To provide comfort and improve quality of life
B. To cure the underlying disease
C. To hasten the dying process
D. To restrict medical interventions
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on symptom management, comfort, and quality of life
for patients with serious illnesses at any stage.
8. Which visual change is considered a normal part of aging?
A. Presbyopia
B. Macular Degeneration
C. Glaucoma
D. Cataracts
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Presbyopia, the loss of near-vision focus due to hardening of the lens, is a
normal age-related change. Others are considered pathological conditions.
Updated and Verified Questions and Correct
Answers- Nightingale College (Version 4)
1. Which theory of aging suggests that cells have a genetically determined life
span, often referred to as the ‘biological clock’?
A. Free Radical Theory
B. Programmed Theory
C. Wear and Tear Theory
D. Cross-Link Theory
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Programmed theory suggests that aging is the result of a sequential
switching on and off of certain genes, acting as a biological clock.
2. An older adult patient is experiencing a sudden onset of confusion and
disorientation. Which condition should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Delirium
D. Vascular Dementia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute, sudden onset of confusion and is often
reversible if the underlying cause (like infection or medication) is treated.
,3. When administering medications to an elderly patient, the nurse knows that
which physiological change most impacts drug clearance?
A. Increased gastric pH
B. Increased total body water
C. Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
D. Reduced body fat percentage
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Decreased renal function (GFR) is the most significant physiological change
affecting the clearance of medications in older adults, leading to potential toxicity.
4. Which of the following is a common atypical symptom of Myocardial
Infarction (MI) in an older adult?
A. Crushing substernal chest pain
B. Sudden onset of confusion or dyspnea
C. Pain radiating to the left arm
D. Diaphoresis and nausea
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Older adults often present with atypical MI symptoms, such as acute
confusion, fatigue, or shortness of breath, rather than classic chest pain.
5. According to Erikson’s developmental stages, what is the primary task of the
older adult?
A. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Generativity vs. Stagnation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The stage for older adults (65+) is Ego Integrity vs. Despair, where
individuals reflect on their lives and feel a sense of fulfillment or regret.
, 6. A nurse is assessing an older adult for signs of depression. Which tool is
specifically designed for this population?
A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
B. Braden Scale
C. Morse Fall Scale
D. Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The GDS is a validated screening tool specifically designed to identify
depression in the elderly population.
7. What is the primary goal of palliative care in the gerontological setting?
A. To provide comfort and improve quality of life
B. To cure the underlying disease
C. To hasten the dying process
D. To restrict medical interventions
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on symptom management, comfort, and quality of life
for patients with serious illnesses at any stage.
8. Which visual change is considered a normal part of aging?
A. Presbyopia
B. Macular Degeneration
C. Glaucoma
D. Cataracts
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Presbyopia, the loss of near-vision focus due to hardening of the lens, is a
normal age-related change. Others are considered pathological conditions.
