Deck 2: Theories of Aging

Question 1

The student learning about aging theories understands that the main difference between stochastic theories and nonstochastic theories is which of the following?

A)Stochastic theories view aging as a random,cumulative process.
B)Stochastic theories view aging as similar among all people.
C)Nonstochastic theories view aging as a result of psychosocial factors.
D)Nonstochastic theories are backed by research,whereas stochastic theories are not.

Answer 1

Stochastic theories view aging as a random,cumulative process.

Question 2

A nurse cares for many older patients.Which finding should the nurse identify as pathologic in a 72-year-old?

A)Two hospitalizations in 6 months for respiratory infections
B)Patient reports of sleeping only of 5 to 6 hours each night
C)Thinning hair and brittle nails
D)Dry,tissue paper-like skin

Answer 2

Two hospitalizations in 6 months for respiratory infections

Question 3

The nurse working at a long-term care facility notes that one patient who is usually outgoing refuses to participate in games that require keeping score.What action by the nurse is best?

A)Ask the patient why he or she won't participate.
B)Assess the patient's level of frustration with these activities.
C)Find other activities for the patient to participate in.
D)Do nothing;the patient can choose activities to engage in.

Answer 3

Assess the patient's level of frustration with these activities.

Question 4

The nurse working in a long-term care facility used the developmental theory of aging in practice.In caring for a frail,nearly bed bound patient,how can the nurse use this theory?

A)Engage the patient in intellectually stimulating activities.
B)Encourage the patient to participate in chair exercises.
C)Ensure that the patient participates in all the group activities.
D)Give the patient small "chores" to do for the facility.

Question 5

Which theory of aging does the student learn is related to problems with DNA transcription?

A)Radical theory
B)Error theory
C)Cross linkage theory
D)Wear-and-tear theory

Question 6

What statement by a patient most indicates healthy aging according to Jung?

A)"I wish I had traveled more when I was younger because now I can't."
B)"I am proud of my past accomplishments at work and home raising my kids."
C)"My leg amputation makes things harder,but I still find a way to work."
D)"I still like to read the paper and novels and enjoy a little gardening."

Question 7

In planning the care for an older adult patient,the nurse will best promote health and wellness by:

A)encouraging independent living and self-care.
B)scheduling regular cardiac and respiratory health screenings.
C)effectively delivering health-related educational information.
D)promoting a nutritious diet and an age-appropriate exercise routine.

Question 8

The nurse planning community events for older people uses sociologic theories to guide practice.Which activity planned by the nurse best fits these theories?

A)Group exercise programs
B)Volunteering at a day care
C)Healthy cooking classes
D)Reminiscing therapy

Question 9

A patient is recovering from a mild cerebral vascular accident (stroke).The home care nurse notes that the patient is talking about updating a will and planning funeral arrangements.Which of the following responses is most appropriate for the nurse to make?

A)"You seem to be preoccupied with dying."
B)"Is there anything I can do to help you?"
C)"Are you worried about dying before you get your affairs in order?"
D)"Let's focus on how you are recovering rather than on your dying."

Question 10

To provide effective care to the older adult,the nurse must understand that:

A)older adults are not a homogeneous sociologic group.
B)little variation exists in cohort groups of older adults.
C)health problems are much the same for similar age groups of older adults.
D)withdrawal by an older adult is a normal physiologic response to aging.

Question 11

The nurse working with older patients teaches the student that disengagement theory potentially causes which problem?

A)Fear
B)Isolation
C)Anxiety
D)Malnutrition

Question 12

According to which theory does cancer occur as a possible result of aging?

A)Radical theory
B)Error theory
C)Immunity theory
D)Pacemaker theory

Question 13

The practitioner who believes in the free radical theory of aging is likely to recommend that the older adult:

A)avoid excessive intake of zinc or magnesium.
B)supplement his or her diet with vitamins C and E.
C)increase intake of complex carbohydrates.
D)avoid the use of alcohol or tobacco.

Question 14

A nurse assesses an older patient who has lost a great deal of weight in a short time.When asked,the patient states this behavior started after the patient read a magazine article on the benefits of extreme caloric restrictions.What response by the nurse is best?

A)"That research was done on rodents and not on humans."
B)"You shouldn't restrict your calories so severely."
C)"You have lost so much weight you need dietary supplements."
D)"You can't believe everything you read in those magazines."

Question 15

A patient has recently been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.The patient has cried often throughout the day and finally confides in the nurse that "I am going home to be with my Lord." The nurse's best response is:

A)"There is no reason to believe the end is near."
B)"Do you want me to call your family?"
C)"We have a wonderful chaplain if you'd like me to call him."
D)"I think this is the time for us to pray together."

Question 16

A nurse is responsible for the care of 20 older adults in a unit of an assisted living facility.In order to best address the needs and wants of the entire unit's population,the nurse:

A)strictly adheres to facility policies so that all patients will be treated equally.
B)encourages specific age cohorts to gather in the dayroom because they share similar interests.
C)has the unit vote on which television programs will be watched each evening.
D)schedules the patients' bathing times according to their individual preferences.

Question 17

The nurse is using the eight stages of life theory to help an older adult patient assess the developmental stage of personal ego differentiation.The nurse does this by assisting the patient to:

A)determine feelings regarding the effects of aging on the physical being.
B)describe feelings regarding what he or she expects the future to hold.
C)identify aspects of work,recreation,and family life that provide a sense of self-worth and pleasure.
D)elaborate on feelings about the prospect of his or her personal death.

Question 18

A nurse is caring for an older patient who is sedentary and does not want to participate in any activities.What action by the nurse is best?

A)Inform the patient about the consequences of immobility.
B)Promote activity by explaining the "use it or lose it" concept.
C)Tell the patient he or she will feel better by being more active.
D)Explain the relationship of being active and being independent.

Question 19

Your patient's spouse died recently from a sudden illness after 45 years of marriage.The patient was the primary caregiver for the spouse during this time.The patient is now depressed and withdrawn and has verbalized feelings of uselessness.Which action by the nurse is best?

A)Encourage the patient take up a hobby that will occupy some time.
B)Explain that volunteering would be an excellent way to stay useful.
C)Assure the patient that these feelings of sadness will pass with time.
D)Ask the patient to share some cherished memories of the spouse.

Question 20

An older patient who reports being "healthy enough to cut my own fire wood" is being assessed prior to outpatient surgery.The nurse recognizes which assessment observation as a possible result of the wear-and-tear theory?

A)Swollen finger joints
B)Red,watery eyes
C)Grimacing when raising left arm
D)Bilaterally bruising on the forearms

Question 21

The new nurse at a long-term care center asks the director of nursing why he needs to learn so many theories of aging.What response by the director is best?

A)"No theories have been proven yet."
B)"A wide range of theories allows for holistic care."
C)"It's required knowledge for certification exams."
D)"All the theories are important,so we use them all."

Question 22

According to Maslow,a fully actualized person displays which traits? (Select all that apply. )

A)Spontaneity
B)Self-direction
C)Creativity
D)Ethical conduct
E)Acceptance of self

Question 23

A nurse is trying to teach a hospitalized older patient how to self-inject insulin.The patient is restless and does not seem to be paying attention.What action by the nurse is best?

A)Ask if the patient needs to use the bathroom.
B)Tell the patient you'll try again later in the day.
C)Ask if the patient prefers that you teach the family.
D)Refer the patient for home health care services.