Exam Questions Ch.12 Middle Adulthood Test Questions 6e - Journey Across the Life Span 6e Complete Test Bank by Elaine U. Polan. DOCX document preview.

Exam Questions Ch.12 Middle Adulthood Test Questions 6e

Chapter 12. Middle Adulthood – Test Questions

1. Physiological changes in middle age commonly:

a.

Occur at the same time for all

b.

Come on rapidly

c.

Cause a high incidence of depression

d.

Occur at different times for different people

2. In middle age, the bones become more porous because of:

a.

Loss of bone cells

b.

Increased bone mass

c.

Increased calcification

d.

Loss of minerals

3. Forty-two-year-old Beverly has a history of periodontal disease. You would instruct her that to prevent a flare-up, she should:

a.

Increase her intake of sucrose

b.

Increase her intake of calcium

c.

Keep the oral mucosa dry

d.

Perform proper dental care

4. Melissa, on her 37th birthday, asks what is causing the wrinkles on her skin. She should be told that this occurs because of:

a.

Loss of fluid in the tissues

b.

Loss of elasticity in the skin

c.

Increased collagen deposition in the skin

d.

Hypopigmentation

5. The major role change during middle age is:

a.

Older children moving back home

b.

Grown children leaving home

c.

The loss of self-identity

d.

Unmet procreation needs

6. Menopause usually occurs between:

a.

30 and 40 years

b.

35 and 45 years

c.

45 and 55 years

d.

25 and 35 years

7. The major difference in physiological changes between men and women during middle age is:

a.

Men lose their ability to procreate

b.

Women lose their ability to procreate

c.

Most men maintain their earlier body weight

d.

Most women lose more fat cells than do men

8. Self-absorption, when seen in middle age, is most commonly due to:

a.

Depression

b.

Unresolved generativity

c.

Social isolation

d.

Financial isolation

9. The leading cause of death in middle age is:

a.

Heart disease

b.

Pulmonary disease

c.

Diabetes

d.

Brain tumor

10. The period of middle age is often depicted as a time of:

a.

Peak physical attractiveness

b.

Lack of control over one’s life

c.

Decline in function

d.

Peak health

11. Grandparenting has changed today, in that today’s grandparents:

a.

Usually do not get involved in childcare

b.

Are generally isolated from their grandchildren

c.

Are generally older in appearance

d.

May have a more youthful appearance

12. Brooke is caring for her elderly mother since her father’s death. In order to promote a healthy relationship, you advise Brooke to:

a.

Decrease physical contact

b.

Reduce physical stimuli

c.

Continuously orient her mother to time and place

d.

Use caregiver relief

13. Forty-year-old Lisa tells you she used to wear a dress size 8, and now she is a size 10. She also tells you she has not changed her exercise patterns or increased her food intake. What explanation would you offer her?

a.

“One’s metabolic rate normally decreases during this stage of development, and this results in fat retention and weight gain.”

b.

“It is not unusual to have a redistribution of your weight at this time.”

c.

“Continued exercise can often cause increased muscle mass and change in clothing size.”

d.

“Decreased physical exercise will slow metabolism and cause weight gain.”

14. The most common type of medical problem seen in middle age is:

a.

Urinary tract infection

b.

Bowel incontinence

c.

Cataract formation

d.

Wear and tear on bone

15. John, aged 42, has been complaining of difficulty voiding. The most common cause of voiding difficulty in this age group is:

a.

Decreased testosterone

b.

Atrophy of the gonads

c.

Urinary tract infection

d.

Enlarged prostate

16. Which of the following goals is not generally associated with middle adulthood?

a.

Adjusting to new family roles

b.

Establishing new family roles

c.

Accelerated motor activity

d.

Enjoying economic stability

17. Which factor may contribute to a healthy retirement?

a.

Having enjoyable leisure activities

b.

Having enough money

c.

Living in a warm, sunny climate

d.

Living with people of the same age

18. A slight increase in blood pressure associated with middle age is due to:

a.

Increased respiratory effort

b.

Loss of elasticity in the heart muscle

c.

Increased cardiac muscle recovery

d.

Decline in diaphragmatic performance

19. Hair growth pattern is generally influenced by:

a.

Culture

b.

Race

c.

Endocrine glands

d.

Apocrine glands

20. A decrease in peripheral vision as one ages is caused by:

a.

Thinning of the lens

b.

Loss of peripheral circulation

c.

Thickening and increased opacity of the lens

d.

Increased muscle tone

21. Bob is 49 years old and troubled by his age and some of the related changes he notices. His physician explained that he is experiencing the climacteric. She described the male climacteric as:

a.

The loss of reproductive ability

b.

Any abrupt change in the body

c.

The cessation of menstruation

d.

The male change of life

22. What is true of the relationship between middle-aged adults and their aging parents?

a.

Bonds tend to weaken

b.

Aging parents become dependent on their middle-aged children

c.

Bonds tend to strengthen

d.

Aging parents move physically and emotionally far away from their grown children

23. A 55-year-old woman discusses her changing family life with you. She has two adult children: one attends school in another state far from home and the other is married and living 1,000 miles away. She complains that she hardly ever gets to see them anymore. Which would be the most therapeutic response?

a.

“It is common to feel this way during menopause.”

b.

“It is interesting that both your children have chosen to live far away.”

c.

“You need to get over this and start living for yourself.”

d.

“What interests and plans do you now have for yourself?”

24. During middle adulthood, the gradual loss of muscle strength can best be prevented by which of the following?

a. Staying active

b. Taking vitamins

c. Using relaxation methods

d. Supplementing diet with energy drinks

25. The nurse in a community setting provides guidance and educates middle-aged clients as to the developmental tasks of this stage, including (select all that apply):

a.

Adjusting to menopause

b.

Establishing a positive influence on one’s children and community

c.

Adjusting to role changes

d.

Establishing leisure interests

e.

Possibly changing careers

f.

Adjusting to changes in sexuality

Chapter 12. Middle Adulthood – Test Questions With Answers and Rationales

1. Physiological changes in middle age commonly:

a.

Occur at the same time for all

b.

Come on rapidly

c.

Cause a high incidence of depression

d.

Occur at different times for different people

Rationale: Physiological changes occur at different times for different individuals.

Nursing process: Assessment

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

2. In middle age, the bones become more porous because of:

a.

Loss of bone cells

b.

Increased bone mass

c.

Increased calcification

d.

Loss of minerals

Rationale: Demineralization, or the loss of mineral salts, causes bones to weaken and become porous.

Nursing Process: Assessment

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

3. Forty-two-year-old Beverly has a history of periodontal disease. You would instruct her that to prevent a flare-up, she should:

a.

Increase her intake of sucrose

b.

Increase her intake of calcium

c.

Keep the oral mucosa dry

d.

Perform proper dental care

Rationale: Proper home dental care prevents gum disease and tooth loss.

Nursing Process: Implementation

Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

4. Melissa, on her 37th birthday, asks what is causing the wrinkles on her skin. She should be told that this occurs because of:

a.

Loss of fluid in the tissues

b.

Loss of elasticity in the skin

c.

Increased collagen deposition in the skin

d.

Hypopigmentation

Rationale: The loss of elasticity in the skin causes the appearance of wrinkles.

Nursing Process: Implementation

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

5. The major role change during middle age is:

a.

Older children moving back home

b.

Grown children leaving home

c.

The loss of self-identity

d.

Unmet procreation needs

Rationale: A significant role change occurs in the period of middle age when children become independent and go out on their own.

Nursing Process: Planning

Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

6. Menopause usually occurs between:

a.

30 and 40 years

b.

35 and 45 years

c.

45 and 55 years

d.

25 and 35 years

Rationale: The exact age at which menopause occurs varies in individuals, but it usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years.

Nursing Process: Assessment

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

7. The major difference in physiological changes between men and women during middle age is:

a.

Men lose their ability to procreate

b.

Women lose their ability to procreate

c.

Most men maintain their earlier body weight

d.

Most women lose more fat cells than do men

Rationale: Women are unable to bear children after menopause, whereas men retain the ability to father a child until later in life.

Nursing Process: Planning

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

8. Self-absorption, when seen in middle age, is most commonly due to:

a.

Depression

b.

Unresolved generativity

c.

Social isolation

d.

Financial isolation

Rationale: The task for the middle years is generativity. Failure to achieve this can lead to self-absorption.

Nursing Process: Planning

Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

9. The leading cause of death in middle age is:

a.

Heart disease

b.

Pulmonary disease

c.

Diabetes

d.

Brain tumor

Rationale: Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in middle age.

Nursing Process: Planning

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

10. The period of middle age is often depicted as a time of:

a.

Peak physical attractiveness

b.

Lack of control over one’s life

c.

Decline in function

d.

Peak health

Rationale: Youth-oriented society often depicts middle age as a decline in function.

Nursing Process: Assessment

Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

11. Grandparenting has changed today, in that today’s grandparents:

a.

Usually do not get involved in childcare

b.

Are generally isolated from their grandchildren

c.

Are generally older in appearance

d.

May have a more youthful appearance

Rationale: It is common today to see younger, more active and vital grandparents.

Nursing Process: Assessment

Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

12. Brooke is caring for her elderly mother since her father’s death. In order to promote a healthy relationship, you advise Brooke to:

a.

Decrease physical contact

b.

Reduce physical stimuli

c.

Continuously orient her mother to time and place

d.

Use caregiver relief

Rationale: Caregivers should allow themselves time away from caregiving duties. This helps them maintain balance and prevents resentment and fatigue.

Nursing Process: Implementation

Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

13. Forty-year-old Lisa tells you she used to wear a dress size 8, and now she is a size 10. She also tells you she has not changed her exercise patterns or increased her food intake. What explanation would you offer her?

a.

“One’s metabolic rate normally decreases during this stage of development, and this results in fat retention and weight gain.”

b.

“It is not unusual to have a redistribution of your weight at this time.”

c.

“Continued exercise can often cause increased muscle mass and change in clothing size.”

d.

“Decreased physical exercise will slow metabolism and cause weight gain.”

Rationale: Weight may be distributed differently in middle age, causing individuals to need a larger size of clothing.

Nursing Process: Implementation

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

14. The most common type of medical problem seen in middle age is:

a.

Urinary tract infection

b.

Bowel incontinence

c.

Cataract formation

d.

Wear and tear on bone

Rationale: Years of use—and sometimes even abuse—commonly cause joint problems.

Nursing Process: Assessment

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

15. John, aged 42, has been complaining of difficulty voiding. The most common cause of voiding difficulty in this age group is:

a.

Decreased testosterone

b.

Atrophy of the gonads

c.

Urinary tract infection

d.

Enlarged prostate

Rationale: The prostate gland normally enlarges, causing difficulty in voiding.

Nursing Process: Assessment

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

16. Which of the following goals is not generally associated with middle adulthood?

a.

Adjusting to new family roles

b.

Establishing new family roles

c.

Accelerated motor activity

d.

Enjoying economic stability

Rationale: Middle adulthood is a period of time when parenting roles change, grandparenting roles often begin, and economic security is more likely.

Nursing Process: Planning

Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

17. Which factor may contribute to a healthy retirement?

a.

Having enjoyable leisure activities

b.

Having enough money

c.

Living in a warm, sunny climate

d.

Living with people of the same age

Rationale: Leisure activities help give purpose and enjoyment during retirement.

Nursing Process: Planning

Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

18. A slight increase in blood pressure associated with middle age is due to:

a.

Increased respiratory effort

b.

Loss of elasticity in the heart muscle

c.

Increased cardiac muscle recovery

d.

Decline in diaphragmatic performance

Rationale: In middle age, the heart becomes somewhat less efficient and has to work harder to be effective.

Nursing Process: Evaluation

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

19. Hair growth pattern is generally influenced by:

a.

Culture

b.

Race

c.

Endocrine glands

d.

Apocrine glands

Rationale: Race, genes, and gender influence hair growth patterns.

Nursing Process: Planning

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

20. A decrease in peripheral vision as one ages is caused by:

a.

Thinning of the lens

b.

Loss of peripheral circulation

c.

Thickening and increased opacity of the lens

d.

Increased muscle tone

Rationale: Peripheral vision decreases as the lens becomes thicker and more opaque.

Nursing Process: Planning

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

21. Bob is 49 years old and troubled by his age and some of the related changes he notices. His physician explained that he is experiencing the climacteric. She described the male climacteric as:

a.

The loss of reproductive ability

b.

Any abrupt change in the body

c.

The cessation of menstruation

d.

The male change of life

Rationale: Climacteric refers to the male change of life.

Nursing Process: Planning

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

22. What is true of the relationship between middle-aged adults and their aging parents?

a.

Bonds tend to weaken

b.

Aging parents become dependent on their middle-aged children

c.

Bonds tend to strengthen

d.

Aging parents move physically and emotionally far away from their grown children

Rationale: Many middle-aged adults find themselves in the role of parenting their parents.

Nursing Process: Planning

Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

23. A 55-year-old woman discusses her changing family life with you. She has two adult children: one attends school in another state far from home and the other is married and living 1,000 miles away. She complains that she hardly ever gets to see them anymore. Which would be the most therapeutic response?

a.

“It is common to feel this way during menopause.”

b.

“It is interesting that both your children have chosen to live far away.”

c.

“You need to get over this and start living for yourself.”

d.

“What interests and plans do you now have for yourself?”

Rationale: Adjustment to new roles is a part of middle adulthood.

Nursing Process: Implementation

Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

24. During middle adulthood, the gradual loss of muscle strength can best be prevented by which of the following?

a. Staying active

b. Taking vitamins

c. Using relaxation methods

d. Supplementing diet with energy drinks

Rationale: Without exercise, muscle strength and capacity decline during middle age.

Nursing Process: Assessment

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

25. The nurse in a community setting provides guidance and educates middle-aged clients as to the developmental tasks of this stage, including (select all that apply):

a.

Adjusting to menopause

b.

Establishing a positive influence on one’s children and community

c.

Adjusting to role changes

d.

Establishing leisure interests

e.

Possibly changing careers

f.

Adjusting to changes in sexuality

Rationale: Middle-aged tasks include adjusting to menopause, establishing a positive influence on one’s children and community, adjusting to role changes, establishing leisure interests, and possibly changing careers.

Nursing Process: Implementation

Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

Document Information

Document Type:
DOCX
Chapter Number:
12
Created Date:
Aug 21, 2025
Chapter Name:
Chapter 12 Middle Adulthood – Test Questions
Author:
Elaine U. Polan

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