Foundations of Geriatrics

Question 1

The amount of population over 65 classified as poor or nearly poor

Answer 1

18%

Question 2

Biggest source of income in population over 65

Answer 2

social security (42%)

Question 3

Elderly men and women in the workforce

Answer 3

Percent of older men in workforce in decreasing

Percent of older women in workforce is increasing

Question 4

Majority of elders over 85 do not need

Answer 4

assistance with ADLs (77%)

Only 25% of population over 95 reside in long-term care

Question 5

Majority of elderly live with

Answer 5

spouse or other relative

Question 6

Eriksons theory of older adult

Answer 6

ego integrity vs. despair

Question 7

Model of Change

Answer 7

Precontemplation: no intention
Contemplation: intending to change in 6 months
Preparation: ready to take action
Action: made modifications to reduce risk of disease
Maintenance: working to prevent relapse

Question 8

Gene Theory of aging

Answer 8

one or more harmful genes becomes activated and organism cannot survive

Question 9

Error Theory of aging

Answer 9

as cell ages, proteins contain more and more errors, “killer” gene is produced

Question 10

Somatic Mutation Theory of aging

Answer 10

destruction of key gene causes cells to stop dividing

longevity depends on how well the cell can repair DNA

Question 11

Programmed Theory of aging

Answer 11

Senescence factor accumulates in cells, acts in a dominant fashion

Question 12

Immunologic theory of aging

Answer 12

imbalance of T cells, cellular immune function decreases

Question 13

Free radical theory of aging

Answer 13

unpaired electrons are produced both intrinsically and externally, altered biochemical reactions result in DNA damage and cell death

Question 14

Cross-link theory of aging

Answer 14

collagen molecules cross link in tissues, produces stiffness and rigidity

Question 15

Stress-adaptation of aging

Answer 15

hypothermia, cardiac output decline and vital capacity result in diminished ability to cope with stress
High degree of variability

Question 16

Suspicious indicators of elder abuse

Answer 16

description of injury doesn’t match physical findings
history of similar injuries
pattern of seeking different health care
frequent ER use

Question 17

Emotional indicators of elder abuse

Answer 17

appears afraid
avoids eye contact
flinches when you reach to touch them
withdrawal from social activities
significant changes in affect

Question 18

Physical evidence of elder abuse

Answer 18

bruises, burns, scratches, lacerations
Injuries in various healing stages
untreated malnutrition
misuse of medications
untreated medical needs

Question 19

The socioeconomic standard of living in the elderly is _________ than ever was in this population

Answer 19

higher

Question 20

Types of care that requires functional deficits

Answer 20

adult day care
home health care
life care communities

Question 21

Theories of aging that time equals cell death

Answer 21

error theory
cross-link theory
free radical theory

Question 22

Normal aging related changes

Answer 22

increased anterior-posterior chest diameter
corneal ring (senile arcus)
decreased skin turgor

Question 23

Organ systems most affected by age related decline

Answer 23

neurological
cardiovascular
MSK
lower urinary

Question 24

Atypical presentation of illness

Answer 24

in geriatrics, the organ system associated with particular abnormality or problem is less likely to be source of symptoms than in a younger adult

Question 25

Predominant symptoms of illness in older adult

Answer 25

acute confusion, depressions, falls, incontinence, syncope

Question 26

Symptoms usually present _____ in the elderly due to ________

Answer 26

earlier, impaired compensatory systems

Question 27

Most common cause of dementia

Answer 27

Alzheimers

Question 28

Alzheimers symptoms

Answer 28

confabulations, animated, exaggerated

Question 29

Primary concern of delirium

Answer 29

patient safety

Question 30

Age-related risk factors for falls

Answer 30

female gender
chronic medical conditions
cognitive impairment
ADL dependence
impaired vision/hearing
polypharmacy
environmental hazards
gait/balance disorders

Question 31

Assessment for falls in elderly

Answer 31

Vitals (orthostasis=lasix/metoprolol overuse, dehydration)
CV assessment
Sensory assessment
Gait/balance assessment

Question 32

Contributing factors to pressure ulcers

Answer 32

moisture
advancing age
low BP
smoking
elevated body temp
dehydration

Question 33

Conditions that mimic pressure ulcers

Answer 33

fungal/yeast infections
malignancy
venous/arterial ulcers
neuropathic ulcers