Chapter 5 Theories of Aging and Physical Changes

Chapter 5  Theories of Aging and Physical Changes

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

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.
a.
Free-radical theory
c.
Stochastic theory
b.
Programmed theory
d.
Neuroendocrine theory

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?
a.
Kidney
c.
Brain
b.
Thyroid gland
d.
Skeleton

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?
a.
Put a high-intensity lamp at the head of her bed.
b.
Explain to her that the gray-yellow ring around her cornea, arcus senilis, is interfering with visual acuity.
c.
Put more powerful tubes in the fluorescent room lights.
d.
Examine her retinas for signs of damage.

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?
a.
Creatinine clearance and insulin secretion
b.
Blood carbon dioxide and saliva production
c.
Left ventricle-wall thickness and skin healing time
d.
Serum triiodothyronine (T3) and gastric pepsin

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