Chapter 6

Question 1

Any significant bonding in which a person feels a strong sense of responsibility toward the physical and emotional well being of others

Answer 1

Relationship

Question 2

A term used to describe the various aspects of an individual’s efforts to maintain optimal health and functionality

Answer 2

Self Care

Question 3

The incentive or drive that causes a person to act

Answer 3

Motivation

Question 4

When the older person does not rely solely on spouse, children, physician, or nurse to determine “what to do to be healthy”

Answer 4

Self Responsible

Question 5

Health

Answer 5

Has many definitions, one of which is the absence of disease.

Most elderly people have multiple chronic illnesses, for which there is only management, not cure

Question 6

People older than age 65 constitute __ percent of the population.

Answer 6

13%

Question 7

Properly designed Health-Promotion activities should be

Answer 7

• Accessible (transportation, time of day, location)
• Reasonable (focus on the right activity for the right reason)
• Enjoyable and social (mental and physical wellness)
• Sensitive to the needs of older people ( hearing, vision, and functional level )

Question 8

Incentives for older people to participate in health-promotion activities

Answer 8

• A belief that activities improve fitness and health
• The enjoyment of socialization
• A belief that activities help maintain independence
• A desire to feel good and have fun

Question 9

The Nurses Role in treatment for chronic disease

Answer 9

• You need to understand the aging process and older adults in general and advocate for what they need
• Nurses are the key people to recognize the symptom (pain) and administer the prescription treatment (medication)
• As a gerontological nurse you have to take this a step further and consider the impact of the disease and it’s treatment on the older persons ability to preform IADLS and ADLs

Question 10

Chronic conditions

Answer 10

• Greater than 50% of individuals over the age of 60 are living with 2 or more chronic diseases
• chronic illness can not be cured but needs to be managed
• most common health problems of older adults are associated with chronic diseases
• most frequent chronic conditions include arthritis, hypertension, heart conditions, hearing impairments and dementia

Question 11

Acute conditions

Answer 11

• The focus of many medical treatment interventions in the United States is on curing acute conditions.
• Chronic Illnesses are predominate and cannot be cured.

Question 12

The difference between acute and chronic

Answer 12

Acute can be cured. Chronic can only be managed.

Question 13

Four changes that occur with aging that affect needs for optimal nutrition

Answer 13

1. The body’s rate of metabolism slows and no longer needs the same amount of energy and food to do the same amount of work. As people age, lean body mass decreases and body fat increases. This leads to weight gain and obesity.
2. The senses of taste and smell may be less keen. Teeth may need to be replaced by dental appliances. As a result, elders may eat different foods and drink less.
3. Social aspects of eating are important. As people age, they retire, families grow up and move, friends and their spouses and friends move away or die. This results in changes in the socialization of eating. One of the most difficult adjustments is learning to cook and eat for one.
4. Environmental factors. Lack of transportation, inability to read labels and insufficient funds for healthy food.

Question 14

Effects of exercising

Answer 14

• Builds and maintains muscle strength
• Decreases arthritic pain over time
• Strengthens joints
• Slows process of osteoporosis
• The greater the muscle mass, the greater glycogen reserves, which means more energy
• Weak muscles lead to falls and possible fractures

Question 15

Exercise Plan Considerations

Answer 15

• Should be designed for the individual
• Should not be too tiring
• Should promote activity

Question 16

Benefits of exercise

Answer 16

• Stimulates the mind
• Maintains fitness
• Prevents if slows progression of some diseases
• Helps to establish social contacts
• Generally improves quality of life
• Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, obesity, and depression have all been show to improve or slow progression with regular physical activity

Question 17

Fatigue and lack of energy, poor sleeping habits, and poor circulation are common reports of older adults and are often a result of _______

Answer 17

Inactivity

Question 18

Inactivity

Answer 18

Leads to muscle wasting and weaking of the bones.

Question 19

4 components of the focus of most health promotion activities

Answer 19

1. The focus frequently is on life extension or on reducing risks of premature death.
2. Emphasis is often placed on advancing “youthfulness” and preventing aging.
3. Health Promotion programs focus on preventing chronic disease.
4. A focus on self-responsibility for health fails to consider the limitations imposed by personal circumstances.
   •These are not appropriate for older people. Read pg. 109

Question 20

Alcohol impairs:

Answer 20

•Mental alertness 
•Judgement 
•Physical coordination
•Reaction time
-These problems mimic and exacerbate the deleterious effects of other chronic conditions. (Dementia, depression and arthritis) and increase the risk of falls

Question 21

The primary health-promotion goal regarding alcohol

Answer 21

• Help older adults and their families recognize when alcohol is a problem. •Second, info needs to be given to the elderly adult regarding the effects of alcohol, especially combined with drugs
• the nurse needs to understand the older persons reason for drinking
• Health-promotion activates that offer alternatives should be made available

Question 22

Stress-Related problems

Answer 22

• Ulcers (stomach pain)
• High blood pressure (no symptoms)
• Arthritis (joint pain and muscle tension)
• Heart Disease ( chest pain and difficulty breathing)
• Cancer (Increased susceptibility)
• headaches (constant worry)
• Circulatory problems ( cold hands and feet)
• Backaches ( muscle spasm and chronic pain)

Question 23

For most older people stress is related to 3 basic areas

Answer 23

Environment, body and mind

Question 24

Environmental stressors

Answer 24

Weather, crime, crowds, time pressures, and the demands of others

Question 25

Body stressors

Answer 25

Illness, accidents, drugs, lack of sleep, and normal changes relating to aging

Question 26

Mind stressor

Answer 26

Negative attitudes and perceptions, boredom, despair, and hopelessness