Chapter 38- Geriatrics Flashcards
What is an effective communication technique when communicating with a geriatric patient?
Use written instructions in block print.
Which age-related change occurs in the cornea?
Thickens, with decreased curve
Becomes more opaque
The anterior chamber decreases in size and volume and the number of rods and nerve in the retina decreases.
Which disorder will cause a pt to experience buzzing in the ears?
Tinnitus
Tinnitus-
A hearing disorder in which the pt may hear a buzzing or ringing sound in the ears.
Glaucoma-
Is an eye disease in which a blockage of the outflow of aqueous humor causes damage to the otic nerve.
Presbyopia-
A vision problem in which the pt cannot focus on close objects
Presbycusis:
Is the inability to hear high frequencies and differentiate sounds
Which age related change in the musculoskeletal system is seen in geriatric patients ?
Loss of bone density due to hormonal changes, diet, exercise or heredity
- decrease in muscle mass, gain weight, cartilage loss and degeneration
Which lifestyle factor plays a role in diabetes management for older people?
Poor nutrition
Which age related change occurs in the gastrointestinal system?
Difficulty swallowing
- decrease taste buds, decrease hydrochloric acid and stomach that empties slower
Which hormone decreases with age?
Growth hormone
Which hormones increase with age?
Parathyroid & luteinizing hormone
Which hormone remain mostly unchanged as the body ages?
Thyroid hormones
Which is an accurate statement regarding the normal aging process?
Most aging people are likely to have health issues
Which condition occurs in geriatric male patients that can cause difficulty with urination?
Enlargement of the prostate
- pressing down on the urethra causes urination difficulty
Impotence-
Affects sexual function
Testosterone levels decrease or increase in aging males?
Decreases
Which food will help prevent macular degeneration?
Leafy vegetables - contain antioxidants, like vitamin C, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin
What food prevents the risk of cardiovascular disease?
Whole grains
Which statement is true regarding the Shringix vaccine ?
It consists of two doses, separated by 2 to 6 month. Recommend for anyone 60 and older and is administered to prevent shingles.
Which is the most common endocrine system disorder seen on older adult?
Diabetes mellitus, type 2 (a result of a decrease in insulin production and and increase in insulin resistance at the tissue level).
Arteriosclerosis:
A cardiovascular condition that involves the thickening of the vessel walls
Which condition can cause a geriatric pt to have trouble differentiating green from blue?
Yellowing of the lenses of the eyes with age
(It’s not an disorder but a common age related issue)
Decrease in pupil size-
Limits the amount of light that can reach the retina
Overexposure to sun-
Will cause the skin problems but not the pt inability to differentiate between colors
Which are myths and stereotypes about aging?
- most older adults have dementia
- most older adults acquire disease as a result of aging
- most older adults are not interested in sexual relations
Which medication considerations are important when treating an older pt with diabetes?
- older pt may have decreased mental abilities to understand and adhere to a complicated medication treatment plan
-older pt are more likely to be prescribed more medications and therefore have an increased risk of adverse drug interactions.
Which guidance should be procided if a patient who was vaccinated with Zostravax is inquiring about the Shingrix vaccine?
- the Shringix vaccine is recommend after waiting at least 2 months after receiving the Zostravax vaccine
- The Shringix vaccine will be administered in two doses, which will be separated 2 to 5 months apart
Which statement accurately describes the middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease and would be included when providing education to family?
Your other may become moody, suspicious, compulsive, repetitive and angry.
Which statements convey truth to family members who are concerned about aging parents?
- your older parents have the ability to create new memories
- your parents should stay active to help keep them independent
- your parents are less likely to be depressed compared to younger adults
Which interventions are helpful to a visually impaired older adult?
- instruct the pt to use glare free lights
- use large prints on handouts while teaching the pt
- ask the pharmacist to label medication bottles with large bottles
Which condition can be experienced in a geriatric pt who is disagnosed with presbyopia?
The pt cannot read a newspaper without corrective lenses
Which cardiovascular conditions are commonly seen in geriatric pt?
Hypertension
Arteriosclerosis
Orthostatic hypotension
Which is the most likely cause of hoarseness in the voice of geriatric pt?
A normal change in the larynx
Which advice is suggested to a geriatric pt to prevent deterioration in sensory functions?
Attend annual eye examinations
Lower the volume when watching tv
Include dark green, leafy vegetables in your diet
Which medication is used to treat osteoporosis?
Risedronate
Which instructions will be given to geriatric pt to improve sleep?
Change eating times
Reduce the amount of caffeine
Take fewer naps
Which response offers correct information for a pt concerned about vision changes when getting older?
Although you may need more light to read, too much light may cause problems with glare
Which actions can an older or pt perform to prevent dry skin?
Use a room humidifier
Use a moisturizer daily
Mild cleansing cream
Which statement indicates that the pt has a risk of skin dryness?
I take a bath with hot water
Which is a characteristic of cholinesterase inhibitors?
The medications prevent further memory deterioration
Which age related change in the gastrointestinal system can cause constiptation?
Decreases peristalsis
Which instructions are provided to a pt to prevent the progression of hypertension?
- avoid sweet foods
- reduce fats and oily and foods
- eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Which is a characteristic of vaginal dryness in an older pt?
It is caused by a decrease in estrogen levels
Which nervous system disorders are found in geriatric pt?
Dementia
Parkinson disease
Alzheimer’s disease
