Ageing, Physical & Psychosocial Impact of Chronic Illness (Week 1)

Question 1

Define chronic disease:

Answer 1

The pathophysiology of the condition, such as an alteration in structure and function.

Question 2

Define chronic illness:

Answer 2

The human experience of symptoms and suffering the person experiences and refers to how the disease is perceived, lived with and responded to by individuals, their families and healthcare professionals.

Question 3

According to Mayo (1956), how long is an illness suffered before it becomes considered as ‘chronic’? A) > 3 months B) > 6 months C) > 9 months D) > 12 months

Answer 3

A) > 6 months

Question 4

Which of the following does not generally occur with chronic illness? A) Can appear suddenly or insidiously B) Lasts for a relatively short time C) May remain in remission with an absence of symptoms for long periods D) No single onset pattern may be evident

Answer 4

B) Lasts for a relatively short time

Question 5

TRUE/FALSE? Chronic illness in Australia is responsible for 65% of the total burden of illness.

Answer 5

FALSE Chronic illness in Australia is responsible for 80% of the total burden of illness.

Question 6

Which age group is most prevalent to having at least one chronic illness?

Answer 6

65+ year olds.

Question 7

List the general characteristics of chronic illnesses?

Answer 7

• Complex causality
• Multiple risk factors
• Long latency periods
• A prolonged course of illness
• Functional impairment or disability
• Do not resolve spontaneously, and generally not cured completely.

Question 8

List three impacts of chornic illnesses on the Australian workforce?

Answer 8

1) People are less likely to work full time
2) People are more likely to be unemployed

3) People are 60% more likely not to work in the labour force

Question 9

According to 2008 data, how much of the national health expenditure went towards preventative services/health promotion?

A) 1%

B) 2%

C) 5%

D) 10%

Answer 9

B) 2%

Question 10

Define: Quality of Life (QOL)

Answer 10

An individuals perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.

Question 11

Define: Health-related Quality of Life (HRQOL)

Answer 11

The extent to which one’s usual or expected physical, emotional, and social wellbeing are affected by a medical condition or its treatment.

Question 12

What is stigmatisation?

Answer 12

Mark of shame or discredit, an identifying mark or characteristic.

Question 13

Define: belonging

Answer 13

A multidimensional social construct of relatedness to persons, places or things, and is fundamental to personality and social well-being.

Question 14

TRUE/FALSE:
In comparison to 1990, there are now a greater proprotion of older adults (85+) than younger-aged people in Australia’s population

Answer 14

TRUE

Since 1990, there are now a larger population of 85+ year olds (doubled) and there are less younger people.

Question 15

Define: iatrogenesis

Answer 15

The inadvertent or preventable induction of disease or complication as a result of receiving medical treatment.

Question 16

List 5 contributing factors to iatrogenesis

Answer 16

1) Multiple chronic diseases
2) Normal age-related changes
3) Polypharmacy
4) Multiple providers
5) Adverse effects of treatment/interventions

Question 17

List 4 common examples of iatrogenesis

Answer 17

Any of the following:

* Sleep disorders
* Problems with eating or feeding
* Incontinence
* Confusion
* Evidence of falls
* Skin breakdown
* Persistent pain

Question 18

What is frailty?

Answer 18

A combination of age-related changes and medical problems.

An individual having 3 or more of the following:

* Exhaustion

* Unintentional weight loss of more than 4.5kg in one year

* Muscle weakness

* Walking slowly

* Low physical activity level

Question 19

List 3 diseases associated with frailty

Answer 19

Any of the following:

* Anorexia
* Sarcopenia (muscle wasting)
* Mood disturbance (depression)
* Cognitive impairment
* Impaired balance
* Atherosclerosis

Question 20

Which of the following graphs closest depicts the exacerbation of a particular illness?

Answer 20

The entry/re-entry graph:

Question 21

Define: social isolation

Answer 21

The distancing of an individual, psychologically or physically, or both, from his or her network of desired or needed relationships with other persons.

Question 22

How many Australians are considered as carers?

A) 1.5 million

B) 1.7 million

C) 2.6 million

D) 3.2 millon

Answer 22

C) 2.6 million

Question 23

List 4 impacts of being a carer

Answer 23

1) Restricts the lives of carers/their families
2) Financial hardship
3) Health and wellbeing
4) Social isolation and relationships – little time for other family and friends

Question 24

What percentage of Australians are regarded as having a disability?

A) 5.5%

B) 8.0%

C) 12.5%

D) 18.5%

Answer 24

D) 18.5% of Australians have a disability

Question 25

What is the single greatest cause of disability in older Australians?

A) Multiple Sclerosis

B) Diabetes

C) Dementia

D) Arthritis

Answer 25

C) Dementia

Question 26

List 4 aspects of life that chronic pain impacts

Answer 26

1) Sleeping pattern
2) Sexual activity
3) Ability to work and conduct daily activities
4) Emotional distress

Question 27

Define: polypharmacy

Answer 27

Prescribing or taking too many medications concurrently.

Question 28

TRUE/FALSE:

The number of possible drug-drug interactions rises sharply when 5 more more medicines are taken concurrently

Answer 28

TRUE

Question 29

Define: prescribing cascade

Answer 29

Prescribing one drug to treat the side effects of another drug.

Question 30

List 5 factors that increase the risk of polypharmacy in the elderly

Answer 30

* Poor coordination b/w GP and specialists
* Inadequate medicine reviews
* Increased availability of and access to medication without a script
* A ‘pill for every ill’ culture
* Poor communication