Chapter 5: Theories of Aging and Physical Changes

Chapter 5: Theories of Aging and Physical Changes

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Name the theory of aging that suggests that the adverse physical effects of aging are the result of a gradual loss of control mechanisms in the pituitary and hypothalamus.

ANS:  D

The neuroendocrine theory attributes aging to gradual changes in or the loss of the mechanisms that control the organs through chemical signals. The free-radical theory attributes aging to the accumulation of destructive products of metabolic oxidation. The programmed theory attributes aging to cells exhausting a predetermined number of replications. A stochastic theory attributes aging to the accumulation of random damage to DNA and other molecules.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Remember     REF:   5

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Physiological Integrity

2. Decreased functioning of which physical structure is likely to result in decreased metabolism in older adults?

ANS:  B

Secretion of thyroid hormones tends to decrease with age, resulting in a greater likelihood of a slower metabolism, hypothyroidism, and thinning hair and nails. Decreased kidney function leads to decreased glomerular filtration rate and the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine and clear waste. Decreasing brain function tends to result in decreased cognitive functioning. Osteoclastic activity tends to decrease with age, increasing the risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Understand    REF:   18

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Physiological Integrity

3. An older female patient is reading a large-print magazine and states that reading is difficult for her in the evening. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

ANS:  A

The pupil becomes gradually smaller with age; therefore the eye requires three times as much light. A high-intensity light on the object of interest is more effective than increasing the overall room illumination. The arcus senilis does not affect vision. The patient is describing a gradual overall change, not the more localized or sudden effects of macular degeneration or retinal detachment.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Apply            REF:   26

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation     MSC:  Safe, Effective Care Environment

4. Aging ordinarily leads to decreases in which of the following?

ANS:  D

Serum T₃ and pepsin secretion both decrease with aging. Creatinine clearance declines, but insulin secretion normally remains stable. Saliva production decreases, but blood carbon dioxide normally remains unchanged. Left ventricle-wall thickness and skin healing time both increase with aging.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Understand    REF:   18

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Physiological Integrity

5. Which change in the skin is abnormal in an older person?

ANS:  B

Although the skin of an older person may require 48 to 72 hours to mount an initial inflammatory response to a wound, increasing redness after that time, particularly with purulent discharge, is a sign of infection. This change is normal as ridges in the skin are lost. Melanin distribution becomes more uneven with age. Hair is commonly lost from the legs and other areas of older adults. Hair loss from the legs is not a sign of peripheral vascular disease.

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Understand    REF:   7

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Physiological Integrity