ch 20 - safety and security

Question 1

temps above what degree farenheit is considered very serious in older adults and likely associated with bacterial/viral infections

Answer 1

100.9 F

Question 2

what is considered a fever for an older adult

Answer 2

1 degree above normal

or above 98.6

Question 3

tips for preventing hyperthermia

Answer 3

• drink 2 to 3 L water daily
• minimize exertion, especially in afternoon
• cool loose clothing
• tepid shower/bath
• apply cold compresses
• evaluate meds for r/o hyperthermia
• avoid alcohol

Question 4

what temp is considered hyperthermia

Answer 4

95 F or below

Question 5

tips for preventing hypothermia in older adults

Answer 5

• maintain temp no less than 68 F
• provide head covering
• dry quickly when leaving shower
• dry wet hair quickly with blowdryer
• provide as much exercise as possible
• use incontinence pads for older adults with UI
• provide hot high protein meals and snacks

Question 6

what older adults are most at risk during a disaster

Answer 6

• those with limited daily functioning
• those with limited mobility
• socially isolated
• cognitively impaired
• institutionalized

Question 7

adaptations for safer driving for older adults

Answer 7

• wider rear view mirrors
• pedal extensions
• GPS
• driving assistive devices

Question 8

what are some medical conditions that could interfere with driving

Answer 8

• arthritis
• parkinsons
• dementia
• stroke

Question 9

assessment of functional ability to drive (SAFE DRIVE)

Answer 9

Safety record
Attention skills
Family report
Ethanol use

Drugs
Reaction time
Intellectual impairment
Vision and visuospatial function
Executive functions

Question 10

how might age related changes affect safety and security

Answer 10

INCREASED VULNERABILITY TO:

• temp extremes
• natural disasters
• crime
• fire safety
• driving safety

Question 11

online tool that has been shown to increase knowledge of safety and assist older adults and their caregivers to develop home safety plans

Answer 11

home safety self assessment tool (HSSAT)

Question 12

heat syndrome:

• Pale, sweaty skin that is still cool and moist to the touch, weakness, exhaustion
• Core temperature stays normal because individual can sweat

Answer 12

heat fatigue

Question 13

heat syndrome:

• Syncope or dizziness after exercising in the heat, sweating
• Has lost fluids and electrolytes
• Pale, sweaty, weak pulse, elevated heart rate, body temperature still normal

Answer 13

heat syncope

Question 14

heat syndrome:

• Muscle cramps, still sweating
• Pulse and blood pressure elevated
• May need emergency care

Answer 14

heat cramps

Question 15

heat syndrome:

• Can be life threatening
• Thirsty but altered mental status (dizzy, confused, weak), cool and clammy, tachycardia, nausea
• Core temperature slightly elevated
• Emergency treatment

Answer 15

heat exhaustion

Question 16

heat syndrome:

• Fatal if neglected
• Body temperature rises quickly and out of control (often 104°F)
• Individual is hot and dry, confused, combative, delirious, and then comatose
• Tachycardia, hypotension, hyperventilation
• End-organ damage; acute renal failure, and hypercoagulation states occur

Answer 16

heat stroke

Question 17

Tx for most heat syndromes

Answer 17

• IV fluids or oral hydration with electrolytes
• cool environment
• rest

Question 18

risk factors hypothermia

Answer 18

• excessive alcohol use
• exhaustion
• poor nutrition
• inadequate housing
• meds: anxiolytics, sedatives, phenothiazines, TCAs
• recent surgery
• injured in fall/accident

Question 19

Tx hypotherami

Answer 19

• warming blankets
• warm humidified air through mask
• warm IV bolus