Intro To Gero: Health Literacy, Health Issues, Gerontic Issues, Effects of Decreased Nutrition/Hydration, Decreased Mobility, and Stress and Coping Flashcards
What is health literacy?
The ability of a person to obtain, communicate, and understand basic health information to make appropriate choices
Who is at risk for low health literacy?
- People with ↓ income
- People with only high school education or less
- People in poor health
Why might older adults avoid asking questions about their health?
May have trust in authority figures (e.g., doctors, nurses), which makes them less likely to ask questions or advocate for themselves.
What is the role of the Hartford Institute for Gerontological Nursing?
Ensure that all hospitalized patients aged 65 and older receive quality care
What is the purpose of ACE units?
To address the special needs of older adults via targeted health programs.
What do ACE units typically include?
- Team: special geriatric nurse and doctor
- Recommendations on appropriate goals and medication dosing
Give an example of an intervention made by an ACE unit
Cutting back on a specific medication (ex: nortriptyline) if it’s suspected of causing delirium.
How can inadequate insurance affect older adults?
lead to health disparities due to lack of affordable care
What financial challenge can Social Security create for older adults?
financial hardships because they are on a fixed income that may not be able to keep up with inflation
What is the role of Medicare in older adult care?
Medicare helps cover patient healthcare costs but may not cover everything
What are advance directives and why are they important?
- key part of end-of-life care
- ensure care aligns with the patient’s autonomy and rights
What outcomes result from diminished taste and smell in older adults?
- ↓ Smell/taste → ↓ Appetite
-
Harder to taste sweet/salty compared to bitter/sour
-> ↑ Salt & sugar intake due to impaired taste perception
What are nursing interventions for diminished taste and smell?
- Teach balanced diets
- Use seasoning to vary texture
-> Makes food taste better
How does tooth loss or wearing dentures affect nutrition?
- ↓ Ability to chew/eat
-> Pt may avoid firm foods like fruits/vegetables
-> Relies on soft, often unhealthy foods (e.g., ice cream, jello, pudding)
What are nursing interventions for older adults with tooth loss or dentures?
-
Offer soft, nutritious foods:
-> Cooked vegetables
-> Soft fruits
-> Ground meats
-> Eggs
-> Dairy -
Vary food textures:
-> Smooth purees
-> Slightly mashed foods
-> Finely ground foods
What 2 factors can cause consitpation in older adults?
- ↓ Metabolism due to immobility or meds → constipation
-
Pain → not feel good → depression/anxiety
-> ↑ Risk of small bowel obstruction
What interventions help prevent or manage constipation?
- ↑ Fiber (35-50 grams of fiber/day) + fluid intake (2L)
- Exercise regularly
- ↓ Foods and medications that cause constipation
How does reduced income affect nutrition?
- Reliance on fast food (cheap and easy)
-> Often lacks nutrients
What interventions help with nutrition for older adults with reduced income?
Connect to food assistance programs:
-> SNAP (food stamps)
-> Food banks
Note: some older adults are too proud to use assistive programs
How do chronic diseases affect eating?
- Too tired/sick to eat
- Pain can lead to ↓ appetite
What interventions can help with nutrition in chronic disease?
- Manage SXS
- Small, frequent meals
How does fatigue impact nutrition in older adults?
- ↓ Energy and motivation to prepare food
What nutritional intervention helps with fatigue?
Provide calorie-dense foods
What challenges (in terms of nutrition) do older adults face if they can’t perform ADLs?
- Difficulty grocery shopping
- Difficulty feeding
- Difficulty preparing meals
