PNR 108/PNR108 Exam 1 V2 | Gerontological
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage is characteristic of
the older adult population?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Integrity versus despair is the final stage of Erikson’s theory occurring in late
adulthood. This stage involves reflecting on one’s life and either feeling a sense of
satisfaction or a sense of regret. Older adults who reach integrity view their lives as
meaningful, whereas despair leads to feelings of bitterness and failure.
2. Which theory of aging suggests that aging is the result of the accumulation of oxidative
damage to cells?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Endocrine Theory
D. Disengagement Theory
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Free Radical Theory is a stochastic theory stating that highly reactive
oxygen molecules cause cellular damage. This damage accumulates over time, leading to
the physiological decline associated with aging. Nurses often recommend antioxidant-rich
diets to help mitigate these effects in older patients.
3. An older adult patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion and agitation. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Request a prescription for a sedative
B. Document the behavior as a symptom of dementia
C. Assess for a possible urinary tract infection (UTI)
D. Restrain the patient to prevent injury
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sudden confusion in older adults is often a sign of delirium, which can be
caused by an underlying infection like a UTI. Unlike dementia, delirium has an acute onset
and is usually reversible if the cause is treated. The nurse must perform a physical
assessment and diagnostic screening before assuming a cognitive decline.
4. Which physiological change in the cardiovascular system is considered a normal part of the
aging process?
A. Increased elasticity of the blood vessels
B. Decreased cardiac output during stress
, C. Decreased systolic blood pressure
D. Increased heart rate at rest
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: As people age, the heart muscle becomes stiffer and the cardiac output
decreases, especially when the body is under stress or exertion. The resting heart rate
generally remains the same, but the maximum heart rate decreases. These changes make
older adults less tolerant of strenuous physical activity and prone to orthostatic
hypotension.
5. A nurse is educating an older adult about skin health. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I should use mild soap and moisturizing lotion
B. I need to check my skin regularly for new moles
C. I will take a hot bath every day to keep my skin clean
D. I should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Daily hot baths can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to xerosis or severe
dryness in older adults. It is recommended to use lukewarm water and bathe less
frequently to maintain skin integrity. Older skin is thinner and produces less sebum,
making it more susceptible to tearing and irritation.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage is characteristic of
the older adult population?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Integrity versus despair is the final stage of Erikson’s theory occurring in late
adulthood. This stage involves reflecting on one’s life and either feeling a sense of
satisfaction or a sense of regret. Older adults who reach integrity view their lives as
meaningful, whereas despair leads to feelings of bitterness and failure.
2. Which theory of aging suggests that aging is the result of the accumulation of oxidative
damage to cells?
A. Wear and Tear Theory
B. Free Radical Theory
C. Endocrine Theory
D. Disengagement Theory
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Free Radical Theory is a stochastic theory stating that highly reactive
oxygen molecules cause cellular damage. This damage accumulates over time, leading to
the physiological decline associated with aging. Nurses often recommend antioxidant-rich
diets to help mitigate these effects in older patients.
3. An older adult patient presents with a sudden onset of confusion and agitation. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Request a prescription for a sedative
B. Document the behavior as a symptom of dementia
C. Assess for a possible urinary tract infection (UTI)
D. Restrain the patient to prevent injury
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sudden confusion in older adults is often a sign of delirium, which can be
caused by an underlying infection like a UTI. Unlike dementia, delirium has an acute onset
and is usually reversible if the cause is treated. The nurse must perform a physical
assessment and diagnostic screening before assuming a cognitive decline.
4. Which physiological change in the cardiovascular system is considered a normal part of the
aging process?
A. Increased elasticity of the blood vessels
B. Decreased cardiac output during stress
, C. Decreased systolic blood pressure
D. Increased heart rate at rest
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: As people age, the heart muscle becomes stiffer and the cardiac output
decreases, especially when the body is under stress or exertion. The resting heart rate
generally remains the same, but the maximum heart rate decreases. These changes make
older adults less tolerant of strenuous physical activity and prone to orthostatic
hypotension.
5. A nurse is educating an older adult about skin health. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I should use mild soap and moisturizing lotion
B. I need to check my skin regularly for new moles
C. I will take a hot bath every day to keep my skin clean
D. I should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Daily hot baths can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to xerosis or severe
dryness in older adults. It is recommended to use lukewarm water and bathe less
frequently to maintain skin integrity. Older skin is thinner and produces less sebum,
making it more susceptible to tearing and irritation.
