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An older adult tells the nurse, “Most people my age are helpless and dependent, but I try not to be like that.” Which concept does this statement best illustrate?
A. Stereotyping
B. Ageism
C. Gerotranscendence
D. Disengagement theory
Answer: B
Rationale: Ageism involves assigning generalized beliefs or stereotypes to older adults, often portraying them as dependent or incapable. The client’s statement reflects internalized age-based stereotypes.
A 79-year-old client with osteoarthritis reports difficulty climbing stairs but states, “I don’t want to stop living in my home.” The nurse recommends installing handrails, improving lighting, and encouraging low-impact exercise. Which nursing goal best reflects the Functional Consequences Theory?
A. Prevent progression of osteoarthritis
B. Restore full joint mobility
C. Promote optimal function within existing limitations
D. Eliminate environmental risk factors entirely
Answer: C
Rationale: The Functional Consequences Theory emphasizes maximizing function and independence despite age-related changes or chronic conditions rather than eliminating disease.
Which statement reflects understanding of behaviors that accelerate aging?
A. “Aging is unavoidable.”
B. “Stress management affects aging.”
C. “Supplements prevent decline.”
D. “Genes are the only factor.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Chronic stress accelerates physiological wear and tear; effective coping can slow this process.
An older adult recovering from hospitalization demonstrates decreased strength and slow gait. Which nursing intervention best prevents negative functional consequences during recovery?
A. Encouraging bed rest to conserve energy
B. Initiating early, supervised mobility
C. Limiting activity until pain resolves
D. Focusing primarily on medication management
Answer: B
Rationale: Early mobilization prevents deconditioning and functional decline, a core principle of preventing negative functional consequences.
Which facility practices support sexual dignity? (Select all that apply)
A. Providing private space
B. Restricting physical affection
C. Requesting consent before entering rooms
D. Redirecting behaviors that affect others
E. Monitoring all interactions
Answer: A, C, D
Rationale: Privacy, consent, and respectful redirection support dignity without infringing on others’ rights.
A nurse is assessing two older adults with similar chronic illnesses. One reports high life satisfaction and strong social support, while the other expresses loneliness and hopelessness. Which factor most strongly explains the difference in wellness outcomes?
A. Chronological age
B. Severity of illness
C. Psychosocial and spiritual resources
D. Access to medications
Answer: C
Rationale: Wellness encompasses psychological, social, and spiritual well-being, not just physical health.
A nurse assumes an older client’s pain is caused by aging and does not report it to the provider. This behavior reflects which concept?
A. Normal senescence
B. Role strain
C. Age attribution
D. Social disengagement
Answer: C
Rationale: Age attribution occurs when symptoms are incorrectly attributed to aging rather than investigated as potentially treatable conditions.
A 68-year-old client with multiple chronic conditions states, “There’s no point in trying to exercise anymore.” Which nursing response best addresses a barrier to wellness identified in the literature?
A. “Exercise is not necessary at your age.”
B. “Your provider will decide what’s best.”
C. “Small changes can still improve your strength and quality of life.”
D. “You should focus on managing your diseases only.”
Answer: C
Rationale: Hopelessness and misattribution of symptoms to aging are barriers to wellness; nurses should provide accurate, empowering education.
What should the nurse do first when addressing sexual health with an older adult?
A. Provide educational pamphlets
B. Ask permission to discuss sexuality
C. Examine risk factors
D. Reflect on personal attitudes
Answer: D
Rationale: Self-awareness of personal beliefs is essential before initiating sensitive discussions to prevent bias.
A nurse planning care for older adults chooses interventions that emphasize meaning, purpose, and balance. Which definition of health is guiding this approach?
A. Absence of disease
B. Physiologic stability
C. High-level wellness
D. Functional independence only
Answer: C
Rationale: High-level wellness focuses on maximizing potential and purposeful living within one’s environment.
A client aged 82 states, “I feel younger now than I did ten years ago.” Which nursing assessment question best aligns with this perspective?
A. “What chronic illnesses do you have?”
B. “How old are you?”
C. “What activities bring you satisfaction?”
D. “When was your last physical exam?”
Answer: C
Rationale: Subjective age and wellness are best explored through functional goals and perceived quality of life.
Which intervention best supports compression of morbidity in older adulthood?
A. Increasing life expectancy through aggressive treatment
B. Delaying onset of chronic disease with preventive care
C. Accepting early disability as inevitable
D. Focusing only on genetic risk factors
Answer: B
Rationale: Compression of morbidity aims to delay disease and disability until late life.
A 88-year-old client states, “I feel energetic and capable, even though I know I’m getting older.” Which aging perspective is the client describing?
A. Functional age
B. Psychological age
C. Biological age
D. Social age
Answer: B
Rationale: Psychological (subjective) age refers to how old a person feels, rather than their actual chronological or functional age.
A nurse teaches stress-management techniques, nutrition, and sleep hygiene to a group of older adults. Which longevity-related factor is the nurse addressing?
A. Genetic inheritance
B. Life span
C. Modifiable lifestyle behaviors
D. Chronologic aging
Answer: C
Rationale: Lifestyle behaviors are key modifiable factors influencing health span and longevity.
Which statement best reflects respectful care regarding sexuality in older adults?
A. “Sexual interest declines with age.”
B. “Privacy should be respected.”
C. “Education must precede intimacy.”
D. “Romance is inappropriate.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Respecting privacy supports dignity and autonomy in older adult sexual expression.
Which scenario best demonstrates the influence of environmental factors on an older adult’s health?
A. A client develops diabetes due to diet choices
B. A resident slips due to uneven flooring
C. A client experiences depression after bereavement
D. A client has medication side effects
Answer: B
Rationale: Environmental factors include physical surroundings. Unsafe flooring directly contributes to injury risk in older adults.
A client asks why exercise and stress reduction matter if aging is inevitable. Which biologic aging theory best supports the nurse’s response?
A. Program theory
B. Wear-and-tear theory
C. Activity theory
D. Disengagement theory
Answer: B
Rationale: Wear-and-tear theory suggests aging accelerates with accumulated damage, which can be reduced by healthy behaviors.
Which statement indicates a misconception about culture?
A. “Culture influences health beliefs.”
B. “All cultural groups are diverse.”
C. “Race predicts disease risk.”
D. “Disparities are linked to inequality.”
Answer: C
Rationale: While some conditions vary in prevalence, race alone does not determine disease risk.
A nurse is caring for an older adult who does not speak English fluently. Which action best ensures safe and accurate communication?
A. Asking a bilingual visitor to translate
B. Using printed translated instructions
C. Contacting a certified healthcare interpreter
D. Speaking slowly and using gestures
Answer: C
Rationale: Certified medical interpreters ensure accurate, unbiased communication and protect patient safety. Family members and untrained individuals may distort information.
Which nursing statement best reflects the Free Radical Theory?
A. “Aging is genetically programmed.”
B. “Cell damage accumulates from unstable molecules.”
C. “Social engagement slows aging.”
D. “Immunity increases with age.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Free radicals damage cells and contribute to aging and chronic disease.
An older adult with frequent infections is assessed for age-related immune decline. Which concept explains this vulnerability?
A. Programmed senescence
B. Immunosenescence
C. Cross-linking
D. Stress response
Answer: B
Rationale: Immunosenescence describes decreased immune function with aging.
Which nursing action best supports emotional well-being through connectedness?
A. Monitoring daily intake
B. Encouraging meaningful relationships
C. Providing routine assessments
D. Ensuring medication compliance
Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining meaningful relationships supports emotional health and connectedness, a key component of quality of life for older adults.
A retired teacher remains socially active and reports high satisfaction. Which sociocultural theory best explains this outcome?
A. Disengagement theory
B. Activity theory
C. Subculture theory
D. Feminist gerontology
Answer: B
Rationale: Activity theory proposes continued engagement promotes well-being.
Which scenario best reflects Disengagement Theory?
A. An older adult volunteers weekly
B. A client reduces social roles after retirement
C. A resident forms new friendships
D. A couple joins a fitness group
Answer: B
Rationale: Disengagement theory views withdrawal as a normal part of aging.
Which factor most significantly contributes to health disparities among older adults living in rural areas?
A. Limited social interaction
B. Reduced access to preventive services
C. Increased physical labor
D. Greater reliance on home remedies
Answer: B
Rationale: Rural older adults often experience poorer health outcomes due to limited access to healthcare facilities, providers, and preventive services.
A nurse explains how lifelong poverty has influenced a client’s current health. Which theory is being applied?
A. Double jeopardy
B. Cumulative advantage/disadvantage
C. Stress process model
D. Person–environment fit
Answer: B
Rationale: This theory explains how advantages and disadvantages accumulate over time.
Which nursing intervention best reflects person–environment fit?
A. Encouraging relocation to a facility
B. Modifying the home to support independence
C. Increasing medication therapy
D. Reducing activity expectations
Answer: B
Rationale: Adjusting the environment helps match abilities and supports independence.
Which intervention best promotes older adults’ engagement with the broader community?
A. Expanding facility entertainment options
B. Encouraging independent hobbies
C. Facilitating partnerships with local schools
D. Increasing recreational therapy
Answer: C
Rationale: Intergenerational programs foster social integration and connectedness with society beyond the facility.
A caregiver reports exhaustion, financial strain, and emotional stress. Which model best explains this experience?
A. Chronic sorrow
B. Stress process model
C. Activity theory
D. Life-course theory
Answer: B
Rationale: The Stress Process Model examines caregiver burden, stressors, and outcomes.
Which housing option best suits an older adult who needs help with ADLs but not continuous nursing care?
A. Skilled nursing facility
B. Assisted living facility
C. Foster care home
D. Home health only
Answer: B
Rationale: Assisted living supports independence with some daily assistance.
Which instruction best helps reduce the risk of cataract formation?
A. Increasing fluid intake
B. Limiting screen exposure
C. Wearing UV-blocking eyewear
D. Using artificial tears
Answer: C
Rationale: Prolonged UV exposure increases cataract risk. UV-protective eyewear is a key preventive strategy.
An older adult describes aging as gaining insight and purpose. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “That takes strong genetics.”
B. “Purpose supports well-being.”
C. “You must have avoided illness.”
D. “Healthcare access is key.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Recognizing meaning and purpose affirms holistic wellness beyond physical health.
A nurse addresses unequal access to nutritious food and transportation. Which concept is being targeted?
A. Health literacy
B. Cultural competence
C. Social determinants of health
D. Age stratification
Answer: C
Rationale: Food security and transportation are social determinants affecting health equity.
Using the Functional Consequences Theory, which nursing intervention best prevents decline?
A. Encouraging independence with ADLs
B. Promoting early ambulation
C. Scheduling specialty consults
D. Reinforcing medication education
Answer: B
Rationale: Early ambulation prevents muscle loss and functional decline, a core goal of the Functional Consequences Theory.
Which principle best reflects a wellness approach to older adult care?
A. Decline is expected
B. Prevention loses value with age
C. Wellness applies at every stage
D. Older adults resist change
Answer: C
Rationale: Wellness-focused care emphasizes health promotion and quality of life at all ages.
Which nursing action best promotes health equity?
A. Providing identical care to all
B. Tailoring care to address barriers
C. Focusing on individual responsibility
D. Limiting resource use
Answer: B
Rationale: Health equity requires addressing systemic and individual barriers.
An older adult lives in an area with limited winter sunlight. Which teaching best supports wellness?
A. Increase dairy consumption
B. Use tanning beds
C. Monitor vitamin D levels
D. Avoid outdoor exposure
Answer: C
Rationale: Reduced sunlight limits vitamin D synthesis, increasing risks for osteoporosis and immune dysfunction.
A nurse uses plain language and teach-back. Which skill is being demonstrated?
A. Cultural humility
B. Linguistic competence
C. Health literacy support
D. Advocacy
Answer: C
Rationale: Teach-back confirms understanding and supports health literacy.
Which nursing action best demonstrates cultural competence?
A. Applying generalized cultural practices
B. Using interpreter services only
C. Conducting an individualized assessment
D. Assuming shared beliefs
Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural competence requires individualized assessment rather than reliance on generalizations.
Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural competence requires individualized assessment rather than reliance on generalizations.
Which findings indicate negative functional consequences of long-term smoking? (Select all that apply)
A. Decreased lung elasticity
B. Chronic productive cough
C. Improved gas exchange
D. Reduced oxygen delivery
E. Increased stamina
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Smoking leads to decreased lung elasticity, chronic cough, and impaired oxygen delivery. Improved gas exchange and stamina are not negative consequences.
A nurse reflects on personal bias before caring for a diverse older adult. Which concept is demonstrated?
A. Cultural competence
B. Cultural humility
C. Ethnogeriatrics
D. Linguistic awareness
Answer: B
Rationale: Cultural humility involves ongoing self-reflection and power awareness.
Which population is most at risk for accelerated aging?
A. Rural older adults
B. Homeless older adults
C. Retired professionals
D. Assisted living residents
Answer: B
Rationale: Homelessness accelerates aging due to chronic stress and lack of care.
Which statement best reflects a wellness-focused approach to aging?
A. “Decline is unavoidable.”
B. “Remaining active supports function.”
C. “Genetics determine outcomes.”
D. “Health problems increase yearly.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Wellness-focused aging emphasizes maintaining activity, engagement, and function throughout the lifespan.
A nurse addresses erectile dysfunction related to medications and chronic disease. Which principle guides this care?
A. Sexual decline is inevitable
B. Sexual changes are health-related, not age-related
C. Sexuality is unimportant in aging
D. Intimacy should be discouraged
Answer: B
Rationale: Sexual changes are linked to risk factors, not aging alone.
Which nursing action best supports sexual wellness in long-term care?
A. Ignoring sexual concerns
B. Addressing privacy and consent
C. Restricting relationships
D. Deferring concerns to family
Answer: B
Rationale: Privacy and autonomy are essential to sexual wellness.
A resident wishes to continue attending community social events. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Encourage facility-based activities
B. Discourage outside involvement
C. Support continued participation
D. Recommend alternative hobbies
Answer: C
Rationale: Supporting meaningful external relationships promotes autonomy and life satisfaction.
Which question best assesses an older adult’s understanding of their current situation?
A. “What day is today?”
B. “Why are you hospitalized?”
C. “Where do you live?”
D. “Who is the president?”
Answer: B
Rationale: Understanding the reason for hospitalization assesses insight and situational orientation.
Which statement best reflects evidence-based understanding of sexuality in older adults?
A. Desire ends with age
B. Sexual response disappears
C. Intimacy remains important
D. Aging causes dysfunction
Answer: C
Rationale: Research shows intimacy and sexual expression remain important throughout life.
Which factor most contributes to healthy longevity?
A. Avoiding all stress
B. High socioeconomic status alone
C. Adaptive coping strategies
D. Absence of chronic disease
Answer: C
Rationale: Resilience and positive coping are strongly associated with longevity, even in the presence of chronic conditions.
Which actions promote culturally responsive care? (Select all that apply)
A. Asking about preferred forms of address
B. Exploring health beliefs
C. Using cultural stereotypes
D. Assessing self-care practices
E. Assuming literacy needs
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Respectful inquiry and individualized assessment prevent stereotyping and improve care quality.