HESI GERIATRICS EXAM TEST BANK 300 QUESTIONS WITH
100% CORRECT ANSWERS UPDATED 2022/2023
Gerontology - ANSWER: The scientific study of the aging process, drawing from the
biologic, psychological, and sociologic sciences.
Gerontologic or geriatric nursing - ANSWER: The field of nursing specializing in the
care of the elderly.
Aging - ANSWER: A slow and ongoing natural process that starts in early adulthood,
also known as chronological aging.
Demography of aging - ANSWER: The study of the share of the aging population,
such as the forecasted increase in the percentage of the population above the age of
65.
Impacts of Aging Members in the Family - ANSWER: The effects of aging on family
dynamics, including caregiving responsibilities, financial strain, changes in
relationships, emotional impacts, intergenerational relationships, living
arrangements, health considerations, and legacy and values.
Immunity Theory - ANSWER: Theory stating that aging affects primary organs of
immunity, leading to a decrease in T cells and decline in humoral and cell-mediated
responses, potentially increasing the incidence of infections, autoimmunity, and
cancer.
Cross-linkage Theory - ANSWER: Theory explaining that crosslinking reactions
binding glucose to protein cause abnormal DNA division, interfering with normal cell
functioning and leading to irreversible aging of proteins like collagen, affecting
tissues and organs.
Free Radical Theory - ANSWER: Theory suggesting that highly reactive molecules
from oxygen metabolism, known as free radicals, damage proteins, enzymes, and
DNA over time, potentially causing physical decline, countered by antioxidants like
beta carotene and vitamins C and E.
Stress Theory - ANSWER: Theory proposing that old age is determined by wear and
tear rather than chronological age, with the body wearing out due to repetitive
usage, damage, and stress.
Error Theory - ANSWER: Theory suggesting that cell mutations and inefficiency result
from inappropriate information emission by cell nuclei, causing interference with
normal cell functioning and organ inefficiency.
, Biological Programming - ANSWER: Theory stating that senescence occurs at the
cellular level, with cellular reproduction being a programmed event under genetic
control.
Developmental Theory - ANSWER: Theories like Erickson's and Havighurst's that
focus on developmental tasks for older adults, such as ego integrity vs. despair,
adjusting to retirement, and maintaining self-worth and wellness.
Sociologic Theories - ANSWER: Theories attempting to predict and explain social
interactions and roles contributing to successful adjustment to old age, including
continuity theory where individuals maintain habits, preferences, and commitments
as they age.
Senescence - ANSWER: All post-maturational changes leading to increasing
vulnerability in individuals, characterized by a decreasing expectation of life with
age.
Ultimate Death - ANSWER: The inevitable outcome of the deleterious effects of aging
on individuals.
Senescence Characteristics - ANSWER: Universal, internal changes occurring
gradually with negative impacts on the individual.
Aging Discrepancy - ANSWER: Variability in the rate at which individuals age, leading
to different physiological states at the same chronological age.
Brain Weight at Age 75 vs. 30 - ANSWER: At age 75, an average person has 92% of
the brain weight compared to age 30.
Basal Metabolism at Age 75 vs. 30 - ANSWER: At age 75, an average person has 84%
of the basal metabolism compared to age 30.
Kidney Filtration Rate at Age 75 vs. 30 - ANSWER: At age 75, an average person has
70% of the kidney filtration rate compared to age 30.
Skin Aging - ANSWER: The process of skin, hair, and connective tissue changes
collectively representing the aging process.
Skin Wrinkling - ANSWER: The formation of wrinkles on the skin due to factors like
loss of subcutaneous fat, increased vulnerability to pressure sores, and reduced
insulation.
Arthritis - ANSWER: A common disorder in individuals over 65, characterized by joint
inflammation or degenerative changes.
Osteoarthritis - ANSWER: A degenerative joint disease involving the gradual wearing
away of joint cartilage, potentially damaging internal ligaments.
100% CORRECT ANSWERS UPDATED 2022/2023
Gerontology - ANSWER: The scientific study of the aging process, drawing from the
biologic, psychological, and sociologic sciences.
Gerontologic or geriatric nursing - ANSWER: The field of nursing specializing in the
care of the elderly.
Aging - ANSWER: A slow and ongoing natural process that starts in early adulthood,
also known as chronological aging.
Demography of aging - ANSWER: The study of the share of the aging population,
such as the forecasted increase in the percentage of the population above the age of
65.
Impacts of Aging Members in the Family - ANSWER: The effects of aging on family
dynamics, including caregiving responsibilities, financial strain, changes in
relationships, emotional impacts, intergenerational relationships, living
arrangements, health considerations, and legacy and values.
Immunity Theory - ANSWER: Theory stating that aging affects primary organs of
immunity, leading to a decrease in T cells and decline in humoral and cell-mediated
responses, potentially increasing the incidence of infections, autoimmunity, and
cancer.
Cross-linkage Theory - ANSWER: Theory explaining that crosslinking reactions
binding glucose to protein cause abnormal DNA division, interfering with normal cell
functioning and leading to irreversible aging of proteins like collagen, affecting
tissues and organs.
Free Radical Theory - ANSWER: Theory suggesting that highly reactive molecules
from oxygen metabolism, known as free radicals, damage proteins, enzymes, and
DNA over time, potentially causing physical decline, countered by antioxidants like
beta carotene and vitamins C and E.
Stress Theory - ANSWER: Theory proposing that old age is determined by wear and
tear rather than chronological age, with the body wearing out due to repetitive
usage, damage, and stress.
Error Theory - ANSWER: Theory suggesting that cell mutations and inefficiency result
from inappropriate information emission by cell nuclei, causing interference with
normal cell functioning and organ inefficiency.
, Biological Programming - ANSWER: Theory stating that senescence occurs at the
cellular level, with cellular reproduction being a programmed event under genetic
control.
Developmental Theory - ANSWER: Theories like Erickson's and Havighurst's that
focus on developmental tasks for older adults, such as ego integrity vs. despair,
adjusting to retirement, and maintaining self-worth and wellness.
Sociologic Theories - ANSWER: Theories attempting to predict and explain social
interactions and roles contributing to successful adjustment to old age, including
continuity theory where individuals maintain habits, preferences, and commitments
as they age.
Senescence - ANSWER: All post-maturational changes leading to increasing
vulnerability in individuals, characterized by a decreasing expectation of life with
age.
Ultimate Death - ANSWER: The inevitable outcome of the deleterious effects of aging
on individuals.
Senescence Characteristics - ANSWER: Universal, internal changes occurring
gradually with negative impacts on the individual.
Aging Discrepancy - ANSWER: Variability in the rate at which individuals age, leading
to different physiological states at the same chronological age.
Brain Weight at Age 75 vs. 30 - ANSWER: At age 75, an average person has 92% of
the brain weight compared to age 30.
Basal Metabolism at Age 75 vs. 30 - ANSWER: At age 75, an average person has 84%
of the basal metabolism compared to age 30.
Kidney Filtration Rate at Age 75 vs. 30 - ANSWER: At age 75, an average person has
70% of the kidney filtration rate compared to age 30.
Skin Aging - ANSWER: The process of skin, hair, and connective tissue changes
collectively representing the aging process.
Skin Wrinkling - ANSWER: The formation of wrinkles on the skin due to factors like
loss of subcutaneous fat, increased vulnerability to pressure sores, and reduced
insulation.
Arthritis - ANSWER: A common disorder in individuals over 65, characterized by joint
inflammation or degenerative changes.
Osteoarthritis - ANSWER: A degenerative joint disease involving the gradual wearing
away of joint cartilage, potentially damaging internal ligaments.
