Gero, Older Adults

Question 1

Older Adults are considered ages — and up

Answer 1

65 and over.

Question 2

Identify 3 myths or stereotypes regarding older adults.

Answer 2

1. people stereotype adults as being disabled, ill, and physically unnattractive
2. mistaken ideas about living arrangements and finances
3. older adults become worthless after they leave work.

Question 3

What are the seven developmental tasks of older adults?

Answer 3

1. decrease in health and physcial strength
2. retirement and reduced or fired income
3. death of a spouse, children, siblings, friends
4. accepting self as aging person
5. maintaining satisfactory living arrangements
6. redefining relationships with adult children and siblings.
7. finding ways to maintain quality of life.

Question 4

Nurses need to take into account five key points to ensure an age-specific approach.

Answer 4

1. interrelation between physical and physiological aspects of aging
2. effects of disease and disability on functional status
3. tailoring the nursing assessment to an older person
4. sensory changes
5. memory deficits

Question 5

identify the early indicators of an acute illness in an older adult

Answer 5

1. changes in mental status
2. occurrence and reason for falls
3. dehydration
4. decrease in appetite
5. loss of function
6. dizziness and incontience

Question 6

Integumentary changes

Answer 6

Pigmentation changes, glandular atrophy, thinning hair

Question 7

Respiratory changes

Answer 7

decreased cough reflux and vital capacity, increased airway resistance

Question 8

Cardiovascular changes

Answer 8

lower cardiac output, decreased baroreceptor sensitivity

Question 9

Gastrointestinal changes

Answer 9

decrease in saliva, gastric secretions, and pancreatic enzymes.

Question 10

Muscoskeletal changes

Answer 10

Decalcification of bones, degenerative changes, dehydration of the intervertebral disks.

Question 11

Neurologic changes

Answer 11

degeneration of nerve cells, decrease in neurotransmitters.

Question 12

Sensory changes

Answer 12

Presbyopia, presbycussis, decreased proprioception

Question 13

Genitourinary changes

Answer 13

50% decrease in renal blood flow, decreased bladder capacity

Question 14

Reproductive changes

Answer 14

decreased estrogen production, atrophy of vagina, uterus and breasts.

Question 15

Endocrine changes

Answer 15

decreased ability to respond to stress

Question 16

Functional status in older adults refers to…..

Answer 16

capacity and safe performance of ADL’s and instrumental ADL’s.

Question 17

Explain the three common conditions that affect cognition in older adults: Delirium:

Answer 17

confused state (reversible) psychological cause

Question 18

Explain the three common conditions that affect cognition in older adults: Dementia:

Answer 18

generalized impairment of intellectual functioning (leads to altzheimers)

Question 19

Explain the three common conditions that affect cognition in older adults: Depression:

Answer 19

most common, most undetected, and untreated.

Question 20

Identify the psychosocial changes that occur in older adults: Retirement:

Answer 20

health status and sufficient income

Question 21

Identify the psychosocial changes that occur in older adults: Social Isolation:

Answer 21

no desire to interact or conditions enable them to do so.

Question 22

Identify the psychosocial changes that occur in older adults: Sexuality:

Answer 22

hormones decrease, they still have sexual desires.

Question 23

Identify the psychosocial changes that occur in older adults: Death:

Answer 23

experience of loss through death.

Question 24

List general preventative measures to recommend to older adults:

Answer 24

participation in screening activities
regular excercise
weight reduction
moderate alcohol use
regular dentist visits
stress management
socialization
regular checkups

Question 25

Heart disease

Answer 25

leading cause of death

Question 26

Cancer

Answer 26

second most common cause of death

Question 27

Stroke

Answer 27

Risk factor in the four most common causes of death

Question 28

Smoking

Answer 28

Third leading cause of death

Question 29

Alcohol abuse

Answer 29

caused by depression, loneliness, and lack of social support.

Question 30

Alcohol abuse

Answer 30

caused by depression, loneliness, and lack of social support.

Question 31

Nutrition

Answer 31

risk factors: impaired vision, arthritis, incontinence, medication reactions

Question 32

Dental problems

Answer 32

caries, gingivitis, and ill fitting dentures.

Question 33

Exercise

Answer 33

maintains and strengthens functional ability and promotes well-being.

Question 34

Polypharmacy

Answer 34

concurrent use of many medications

Question 35

Falls

Answer 35

situational factors and clinical conditions affect older adults needs.

Question 36

sensory impairments

Answer 36

changes in vision, hearing, taste, and smell.

Question 37

pain

Answer 37

consequences include depression, loss of appetite, sleep difficulties.

Question 38

medication use

Answer 38

adverse effects include confusion, impaired balance, dizziness, and nausea.