NUR 257 EXAM 1 PRACTICE EXAM
Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness
Galen College of Nursing | 2026/2027 Review
50 Questions | Key + Rationales
1. Which statement best describes gerontology?
A. The study of acute infections
B. The study of aging and the older adult population
C. The study of pharmacology only
D. The study of childhood development
:B
Rationale: Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging, including physical,
psychological, social, and functional changes associated with aging.
2. Which statement about normal aging is correct?
A. Aging always causes severe cognitive impairment.
B. Aging is a disease.
C. Normal aging involves predictable physiologic changes but is not itself a disease.
D. All older adults become dependent on others.
:C
Rationale: Aging is a normal developmental process. Disease and disability should not
automatically be considered inevitable consequences of aging.
3. Which cardiovascular change commonly occurs with normal aging?
A. Increased arterial elasticity
B. Decreased arterial compliance
C. Increased maximum heart rate
D. Increased cardiac reserve
, :B
Rationale: Aging is associated with increased arterial stiffness and decreased vascular
compliance.
4. Which respiratory change is expected in an older adult?
A. Increased lung elasticity
B. Increased vital capacity
C. Decreased chest-wall compliance
D. Increased ciliary activity
:C
Rationale: Aging can reduce chest-wall compliance and respiratory reserve.
5. Which intervention best promotes independence in an older adult?
A. Performing every activity for the patient
B. Encouraging the patient to perform activities within their abilities
C. Restricting mobility
D. Discouraging assistive devices
:B
Rationale: Promoting independence supports functional ability, dignity, and quality of life.
6. Which factor is most strongly associated with increased fall risk?
A. Appropriate footwear
B. Regular exercise
C. Polypharmacy and impaired balance
D. Adequate lighting
:C
Rationale: Multiple medications and impaired balance can substantially increase fall risk.
Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness
Galen College of Nursing | 2026/2027 Review
50 Questions | Key + Rationales
1. Which statement best describes gerontology?
A. The study of acute infections
B. The study of aging and the older adult population
C. The study of pharmacology only
D. The study of childhood development
:B
Rationale: Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging, including physical,
psychological, social, and functional changes associated with aging.
2. Which statement about normal aging is correct?
A. Aging always causes severe cognitive impairment.
B. Aging is a disease.
C. Normal aging involves predictable physiologic changes but is not itself a disease.
D. All older adults become dependent on others.
:C
Rationale: Aging is a normal developmental process. Disease and disability should not
automatically be considered inevitable consequences of aging.
3. Which cardiovascular change commonly occurs with normal aging?
A. Increased arterial elasticity
B. Decreased arterial compliance
C. Increased maximum heart rate
D. Increased cardiac reserve
, :B
Rationale: Aging is associated with increased arterial stiffness and decreased vascular
compliance.
4. Which respiratory change is expected in an older adult?
A. Increased lung elasticity
B. Increased vital capacity
C. Decreased chest-wall compliance
D. Increased ciliary activity
:C
Rationale: Aging can reduce chest-wall compliance and respiratory reserve.
5. Which intervention best promotes independence in an older adult?
A. Performing every activity for the patient
B. Encouraging the patient to perform activities within their abilities
C. Restricting mobility
D. Discouraging assistive devices
:B
Rationale: Promoting independence supports functional ability, dignity, and quality of life.
6. Which factor is most strongly associated with increased fall risk?
A. Appropriate footwear
B. Regular exercise
C. Polypharmacy and impaired balance
D. Adequate lighting
:C
Rationale: Multiple medications and impaired balance can substantially increase fall risk.
