Chapter 21: aging population Flashcards
1
Q
aging
A
- begins at birth
- a process of getting older
2
Q
aging population
A
- by the year 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 yeras of age according to the pew report
- according to the DOH and human services, “the population of 65+ will increase from 35 million in 2000 to 55 million in 2020”
- most people 65 and over are intellectually intact and mentally healthy
3
Q
challenges involved with aging
A
- certain illnesses are more prevalent
- visual and hearing acuity diminish
- safety is an issue
- losses: may include employment/income/lifestyle, social group, spouse/family
4
Q
ageism
A
- discrimination based on age
- assumes most people over 65 are incapable of functioning and/or contributing to society
5
Q
intimacy
A
- need for intimacy never leaves us
- social stigma surrounding older people having sex or “living together”
- dichotomy: need for intimacy remains while social group dies or becomes ill
6
Q
elder abuse
A
- physical
- emotional
- often at the hand of family or health care providers
- omnibus budget reconciliation act (OBRA): federal act that provides standards of care for the older population
7
Q
illnesses
A
- Alzheimer’s disease
- depression
- cva
- aphasia
- insomnia
- paranoid thinking
- medication concerns: affordability/availability, side effects
8
Q
Alzheimer’s Disease
A
- alteration in cognitive thinking
- debilitating effects
- not reversible
- plagues and tangles
9
Q
cognitive concerns
A
- cerbrovascular accident (CVA) stroke
- depression
- insomnia
- paranoid thinking
- medication
- end of life issues
10
Q
medication concerns
A
- pharmacokinetics are slower
- being compliant taking medication
- becoming toxic
- medication side effects
11
Q
Medication Screening Tools
A
- the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beer’s criteria help identify potentially inappropriate medications
- the Screening tool of older persons prescriptions (STOPP)
- screening tool to alert to right treatment (START)
12
Q
common medication side effects
A
- dry mouth
- constipation
- orthostatic hypotension
- urinary complications
- confusion/ disorientation
- fatigue
- mood swings
13
Q
nursing interventions
A
- show respect
- set goals w/ the patient
- display patience and understanding
- maintain appropriate humor
- ensure safety
- promote independence as much as able
- apply appropriate communication
14
Q
restorative nursing
A
- part of rehabilitation
-focus: maintaining dignity and achieving maximum function - goals: independence, promoting self esteem for the patient and allowing them to maintain as much control over their life and ADLs as possible
- most skilled nursing facilities are required to provide at least one designated nursing assistant and one nurse who are specially trained and part of the “restorative” team
- part of a facility’s documentation and reimbursement requirements
- state and federal surveys grade the facility on its restorative program
15
Q
palliative care
A
- specialized care for people with serious illness that focuses on addressing management of uncomfortable symptoms and the stress of advanced illness
- end of life care
- focus on keeping patients and families comfortable and promoting the best quality of life that one can provide to someone facing an advanced illness
