Ati: older adults

Question 1

What cognitive changes can lead to disorders such as delirium, dementia, depression?

Answer 1

Slowed neurotransmission, poor circulation, disease states, poor nutrition, & structural brain changes

Question 2

What is delirium?

Answer 2

Being confused with ones environment

Question 3

What can cause delirium?

Answer 3

Infection
Sleep deprivation
pain

Question 4

Delirium is often a first sign of what condition?

Answer 4

Urinary tract infections

Question 5

What can cause depression in older adults?

Answer 5

loss of loved one
Feelings of isolation
Chronic disease

Question 6

What stage of Piaget’s theory on cognitive development are older adults in?

Answer 6

Formal operations

Question 7

What is the cognitive functions like for an older adult?

Answer 7

Mostly maintained, there is some decline in cognitive speed vs. cognitive ability

Question 8

What factors can influence an older adults abilities to function?

Answer 8

Overall health
Stressors
Mental state

Question 9

What stage of Erikson’s theory on psychosocial development are older adults in?

Answer 9

Integrity vs. despair (good life vs shitty life)

Question 10

What are some psychosocial adjustments that older adults must deal with as they age?

Answer 10

Adjust to lifestyle changes related to retirement (decreased income, living situation, loss of work role)

Adapt to role reversal within family (become more independent)

Deal with multiple losses

Question 11

Describe the self concept development in older adults?

Answer 11

They face several difficulties:
Finding ways to maintain good quality life (active theory)

Become more dependent on others for ADL’s

Seeing themselves grow old

Question 12

What challenges do older adults face when dealing with body image changes?

Answer 12

They lose strength which leads to frustration

Question 13

What challenges do older adults have in social development?

Answer 13

Find ways to remain socially active

Maintain sexual health (for older adults: intimacy = touching)

Question 14

What is the main goal for psychosocial interventions?

Answer 14

To improve self-concept & alleviate social isolation

Question 15

What are some psychosocial interventions a nurse can apply to older adults?

Answer 15

Therapeutic communication
Touch
Reality orientation
Validation therapy
Reminiscence therapy
Attending to physical appearance
Assistive devices ( walkers, canes, hearing aids)

Question 16

What factors influence an older adults ability to get proper nutrition?

Answer 16

Decreased mobility
Low income
Depression or dementia
Social isolation
Medications that alter taste buds or appetite
Urinary incontinence which leads them to limit fluid intake
Constipation

Question 17

Why is it important for older adults to pay close attention to eating foods of high nutritional value?

Answer 17

Metabolism slows down leading to reduced caloric intake, and when you reduce calories the nutritional value of the food becomes more important

Question 18

What are some reccomended annual screenings for older adults?

Answer 18

Hearing
Fecal occult blood test
Digital rectal & prostate specific antigen
DXA scanning for osteo
Eye exams

Question 19

What are some recommended periodic health screenings for older adults?

Answer 19

Mental health screening for depression

Cholesterol panel & diabetes screening every 3 years