Ch 24. Older Persons

Question 1

Myths That older persons are

Answer 1

Ill and disabled
Not interested in sex or sexual activities
Unable to use computers
Forgetful, confused, rigid, boring, unfriendly
Unable to learn and understand new information
Unattractive and worthless to society

Question 2

Assessing the Needs of Older Persons

Answer 2

The interrelationship between physical and psychosocial aspects of aging
Effects of disease and disability on functional status
Decreased efficiency of homeostatic mechanisms
Lack of standards for defining health and illness norms
Altered presentation and response to specific disease

Question 3

Physiological Changes

Answer 3

Older patients’ concept of health revolves around how they perceive their ability to function.
Not all physiological changes are pathological.
Nurses need to be cognizant of normal age-related changes.

Question 4

Functional Changes

Answer 4

Declines in physical, psychological, cognitive, and social function are usually linked to illness or disease and degree of chronicity.
Influences an older person’s functional abilities and overall well-being
The capacity and safe performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) is a sensitive indicator of health or illness in older persons.

Question 5

Cognitive Changes

Answer 5

A common misconception about aging is that cognitive impairments are widespread among older persons.
Structural and physiological changes within the brain are normal with aging.
Symptoms such as disorientation, loss of language skills, loss of the ability to calculate, and poor judgement are not normal changes with aging.

Question 6

Psychosocial Changes

Answer 6

Retirement
Social isolation
Abuse
Sexuality
Housing and environment
Age-friendly community
Death

Question 7

Two most common causes of death:

Answer 7

1. Cancer
2. Heart disease

Other common causes of death:
Respiratory disease, stroke, accidents, falls, diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease

Question 8

Health Promotion

Answer 8

Therapeutic communication
Touch
Cognitive stimulation
Reminiscence
Body-image interventions

Question 9

Acute Care Setting poses risks for adverse events:

Answer 9

Delirium
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Nosocomial infections (Hospital Acquired Infections)
Urinary incontinence
Skin breakdown
Falls

Question 10

Restorative care

Answer 10

two types of ongoing care
>Continues the recovery from acute illness or surgery
>Addresses chronic conditions that affect daily functioning
Aim of care: To regain or improve prior level of independence, ADLs