Late Adult II Flashcards
What are the goals of the aging adult regarding wellness?
to grow old and enjoy good health and functioning
What are some coping strategies of the older adult?
- other centered: able to help/support others (family, friends, pets)
- sense of humour
- social support
- belief in higher power
What are the nursing implications for caring for the aging adult?
TEACH/COLLABORATE: information enables problem solving
AVOID AGEISM
PARTNER: goal may be maintaining function and quality rather than curing
Describe the characteristics within the majority of aging adults.
majority present with:
- minimum of one chronic condition
- are independent in functional abilities (ADLs)
- are dependent in instrumental activities like cooking, cleaning, driving (IADLs)
What are some implications on illness that need to be considered when caring for the aging adult?
- RELATIONSHIP between chronic and acute conditions (need to consider underlying chronic conditions and determine how it will influence your care for acute conditions)
- PRESENTATION of illness (will be different in elderly than in younger)
- CONSEQUENCES have greater impact and longer resolution time
Describe changes in sleep associated with aging
- takes longer to fall asleep
- more frequent awakenings
- increased time spent in bed
- change in quality (less time in slow-wave sleep)
- same quantity
What are some risk factors that influence sleep?
- psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety, lack of stim)
- environmental factors
- physiological factors (pain, sleep apnea, cramps, etc)
What things are looked at when assessing sleep?
- sleep hx
- sleep-wake logs
- unusual daytime drowsiness
- medications
- behavioural changes associated with lack of sleep
What are the three areas in which interventions may be made to promote sleep?
NUTRITIONAL: eating schedule, caffeine, sugar, chocolate, fluids
ENVIRONMENTAL: noise, light, routine, clean, comfort, relaxing
OTHER: sedation, sun exposure
Is urinary incontinence an inevitable consequence of aging?
no, may be acute or manageable
What may cause urinary incontinence in the aging adult?
reduction in bladder capacity
increased sensation to void
List some physical and psychosocial consequences associated with urinary incontinence.
PHYSICAL: inc falls, skin breakdown, UTIs
PSYCHOSOCIAL: shame and anxiety, social isolation, dec self-esteem
What are the 6 types of incontinence?
URGE (inc sensation)
OVERDFLOW (little bit at time)
STRESS
MIXED
FUNCTIONAL (can’t get to toilet despite proper urinary functioning)
TRANSIENT (caused by acute health problem)
What are 4 interventions that may be taken with incontinence?
inc fluids
treat UTIs
dec bladder irritants
pelvic floor exercises
What are 4 causes of functional incontinence?
dec mobility/dexterity
inaccessible bathroom
difficulty removing clothing
cognitive impairment
What interventions might be taken with functional incontinence?
improve accessibility
provide assistance
What is chronic pain?
continuing, constant or intermittent pain with a duration greater than 6 months
Is pain a natural consequence of aging?
no, but can be caused by many conditions associated with age such as arthritis
What are 4 ways chronic pain can affect the pt?
dec quality of life
linked with depression
neg impacts cognitive functioning
contributes to falls, gait disturbances, malnutrition
What are some causes of chronic pain?
arthritis
peripheral vascular disease
diabetic neuropathy
musculoskeletal disorders
cancers
What are the 5 things assessed in pain assessment?
P = provocative Q = quality and quantity R = region and radiation S = severity (scale) T = timing
How is quality of life affected by chronic pain?
functional status
mood
nutrition
sleep
involvement in activities
What are the 4 interventions for pain control?
1) multidisciplinary team approach
2) treat underlying pathology
3) analgesics
4) non-pharmacological interventions
What are some things that may be considered non-pharmacological interventions?
relaxation
distraction
guided imagery
therapeutic touch
massage
hot and cold
