Ch 20 The Aging Adult

Question 1

What are the definitions of old age?

Answer 1

AARP - 50
Medicare - 65
Social security - 65-70

Question 2

What is a misconception about aging?

Answer 2

There is no difference in cognitive abilities between a healthy 25 year old and a healthy 75 year old.

Question 3

According to Erikson, what is the theory about the middle adult (40-65)?

Answer 3

• The middle adult is in a period of generativity versus stagnation
• Adjusting to life changes: new career, long goal

Question 4

What are the theories of aging in concerns to genetic and immunity?

Answer 4

1) Genetic = life span depends on genetic factors
2) Immunity = immune function decreases with age (immunosenescence)
* Mild short-term memory loss is common but long-term memory remains intact.

Question 5

What can a nurse teach to the aging adult to promote health and prevent illness?

Answer 5

• Eat a diet low in fat and cholesterol, including fruits, vegetables and fiber
• Make regular exercise a part of life
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
• Do not smoke

Question 6

What is Erikson’s theory about the older adult?

Answer 6

Ego integrity versus despair.

Ego = inner search meaning, order life cycle, emotional integration
Despair = regret the past, worthless, hopeless

Question 7

What is “Sundowning Syndrome”?

Answer 7

–> Older adult becomes confused, restless and agitated after dark.

Question 8

What is the possible confusion with depression misdiagnose?

Answer 8

• Depression in older adults looks similar to symptoms to Dementia.

Question 9

What are the physiological changes with skin in the aging adult that puts them at greater risk for skin breakdown?

Answer 9

• Skin becomes wrinkled and dry
• Decrease of thickness of dermis
• Senile purpura (skin hemorrhages)

Question 10

What are some health issues/factors found in the older adult?

Answer 10

• Chronic illness –> use of polypharmacy
• Accidental injuries –> risk for falls, changes in vision, hearing, muscle mass and strength - decrease reflexes and reaction time
• Dementia, depression and delirium –> RN will reorient patient
• Elderly abuse –> neglect, physical, emotional :(

Question 11

What is the definition of delirium and its cause?

Answer 11

Delirium is a temporary state of confusion, an acute illness and can last from hours to weeks and resolves w/ treatment.

–> drug interactions, circulatory or metabolic problems, nutritional deficiencies and worsening of illness are usually the CAUSE.

Question 12

What are the S x S of depression?

Answer 12

• Alter sleep
• Weight loss
• Difficulty concentration
• Suicidal or preoccupied w/ death
• not resolved w/out treatment

Question 13

What are the cardiopulmonary facts found in the older adults?

Answer 13

• Stiffening of vascular system = decrease venous return, increase of lower extremely edema + increase plaque in arteries
• Pulmonary elasticity + ciliary action
• Increase respiratory rate + decrease depth
• Often a sign of many years of poor diet + inadequate exercise and not age related.

Question 14

What are some apparent declines in the immune + neurological systems in the older adult?

Answer 14

• Decrease of lymphocytes + production of antibodies

- Decrease in CNS response, temperature regulation

Question 15

What are some apparent decline with senses and the older adult?

Answer 15

• Visual acuity –> decrease night vision and depth perception, increase sensitivity to glare
• Hearing acuity –> distortion of sounds
• Sense of smell + taste are diminished