Ch 14: Older Adults

Question 1

What are the last two phases of Erickson’s psychosocial development theory?

Give age ranges.

Answer 1

• Generativity v. Self-absorption or Stagnation
  
  • 40-65
• Integrity v. Despair
  
  • ≥ 65

Question 2

When referring to older adults, which age range are we referring to?

Answer 2

≥ 65

Question 3

When performing an interview with an elderly patient, how must you start, and why?

Answer 3

• Begin in front of patient, at eye level speaking paced and clearly.
• This gives us a chance to observe any deficiencies that may be required to adjust interview style and methodology.
• Prevents age assumptions/bias

Question 4

What is one type of infection elderly people are prone to and what may result?

Answer 4

• UTI
• Neurological issues may manifiest if they are unable to relieve urine

Question 5

What is polypharmacy and why is it important to ask about during a patient interview?

Answer 5

• Multiple drugs (prescription and OTC)
• It is important to know all drugs a PT is on to be able to accurately account for possible drug interactions

Question 6

Describe Delirium

Answer 6

• An acutely disturbed, delusional state of incoherent thought and speech.
• Usually occurs with fever, intoxication, etc.

Question 7

Describe Dementia

Answer 7

• A chronic or persistent disorder of mental processes caused by brain disease or injury
• Marked by memory disorders, personality changes and impaired reasoning

Question 8

Describe Depression

Answer 8

• A mental/emotional condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection

Question 9

Describe the Onset of

Delirium vs. Dementia vs. Depression

Answer 9

• Delirium = Sudden
• Dementia = Slow
• Depression = Can be both sudden/slow

Question 10

Describe how consciousness and alertness is affected by:

Delirium vs. Dementia vs. Depression

Answer 10

• Delirium = Reduced, Impaired, fluctuates
• Dementia = Generally normal
• Depression = Normal

Question 11

Is Delirium short-term or long-term?

What is its progression?

Answer 11

• Short-term
• Progression is Hours to < 1mos, seldom longer

Question 12

Is Dementia short-term or long-term?

What is its progression?

Answer 12

• Long-term
• Progression is slow, uneven, months to years

Question 13

Is Depression short-term or long-term?

What is its progression?

Answer 13

• Tends to be short-term with daily fluctuations
• Progression is variable, but even. 6 weeks, to sometimes months to years

Question 14

What are some predispositional risks for Delirium?

Answer 14

• History of dementia/previous episodes of delirium
• Depression
• A/V impairment
• Abnormal sodium, potassium and glucose
• Polypharmacy

Question 15

What are some predispositional risks for Dementia?

Answer 15

• Genetics
• Smoking/Alcohol
• Cholesterol/Atherosclerosis
• Diabetes
• Mild cognitive impairment

Question 16

What are some predispositional risks for Depression?

Answer 16

• Family history
• Chronic physical/mental disorders
• Stress
• Low socioeconomic status
• Insomnia, sleep disorders

Question 17

What is presbycusis?

Answer 17

Presbycusis is characterized by the presence of a loss of acuity for high-frequency tones and conversational speeches due to aging

Question 18

What is gynecomastia?

Answer 18

an enlargement or swelling of breast tissue in males. It is most commonly caused by male estrogen levels that are too high or are out of balance with testosterone levels

Question 19

What is Reality orientation?

Answer 19

Reality orientation is a communication technique that can help restore a sense of reality, improve level of awareness, promote socialization, elevate independent functioning, and minimize confusion.