Lecture Week 1: Older Persons & Infection Control Flashcards

Question

Define Presbycusis (pres-bu-cusis),

Answer 1

Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is the slow loss of hearing in both ears. It’s a common problem linked to aging. About 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss. This hearing loss happens slowly. So some people are not aware of the change at first. Most often, it affects the ability to hear high-pitched noises, such as a phone ringing or a microwave beeping. The ability to hear low-pitched noises is often not affected. - hearing aids can be used to improve hearing

Answer 2

Tinnitus is when you experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears. The noise you hear when you have tinnitus isn't caused by an external sound, and other people usually can't hear it. Tinnitus is a common problem. It affects about 15% to 20% of people, and is especially common in older adults.

Answer 3

Progressive eye disease - Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that affects the central part of the retina called the macula123. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 402. The condition causes damage to the retina and leads to blurred vision

Answer 4

- Noncommunicable – not transmitted from one person to another - Persistent and generally slow in progression - Cannot be cured ex. COPD, diabetes, parkinson’s, etc

Answer 5

Discrimination based on the age of the person - Our society values attractiveness, energy, youth = undervaluing older persons

Answer 6

Nurses need to recognize and address ageism: By questioning and prevailing negative attitudes and stereotypes By advocating for older persons Nurses must treat older persons as independent, dignified persons Encourage independence, autonomy Advocate Give time and space No baby talk

Answer 7

Use an age-specific approach: Physical and psychosocial changes on ageing Effects of disease and disability on function Decreased homeostasis Lack of standards for norms of health and wellness Altered response and manifestations of disease Be aware of atypical presentation

Answer 8

Normal flora Body system defenses - lysosome in tears and other secretions - mucus lining trachea - rapid change in pH in the gut - flushing of urinary tract - vaginal acids - commensals (normal flora) - intact skin, fatty acids, commensals - removal of particles by cilia in nasopharynx

Answer 9

: vascular and cellular responses Inflammatory exudate Tissue repair Damaged cells + histamine release Heat, redness, swelling, tenderness, pain

Answer 10

Age: very young and older persons Nutritional status (eating healthy) Stress (weakened immune response) Disease processes - Immune system - Chronic disease Medical therapy - Meds that suppress the immune system

Answer 11

1. Incubation - Pathogen enters the body, no symptoms present 2. Prodromal - Mild or non-specific signs and symptoms are present (transmission may occur) - First symptom 3. Illness - Specific signs and symptoms present 4. Convalescence - Acute symptoms disappear - homeostasis body replenishes - time depends on severity

Answer 12

an infection that is limited to a specific part of the body and has local systems

Answer 13

pathogen is distributed throughout the body

Answer 14

- Heat - Redness - Swelling - Pain - Immobility Other signs and symptoms may be dependent to the affected site or system

Answer 15

Source of infection Blood work needed Blood cultures Lactate (>4) Sepsis screening Assessment findings: always consider comorbidities Does patient have any 2 of the following: - HR greater than 90/min - RR greater than 20/min - Temp greater or equal to 38 or less than 36 - altered mental status / GCS change - WBC greater than 12 or less than 4 x10/L AND Does the patient have a confirmed or suspected source of infection or any of these symptoms: - looks unwell - 65+ years old - recent surgery - immunocompromised - chronic illness if yes > patient may have sepsis

Answer 16

Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection, causing the organs to work poorly.

Answer 17

Older adults may not show typical signs and symptoms; - Mental status changes (delirium) - Falls -Dehydration - Decreased appetite - Loss of function / incontinence - Mental capacity - Speech - Abilities - Dizziness

Answer 18

Healthcare acquired illness; Infections acquired during the stay in healthcare - was not incubating upon admission commonly affect: - Lungs (respiratory systems) - Surgical / open wounds - Urinary tract - Blood stream

Answer 19

- Routine practices (ex. performing hand hygiene) - Isolation precautions - Chain of infection

Answer 20

Routine practices: apply to all HCW exposed or potentially exposed to Blood Body fluids (not sweat) Non-intact skin Mucous membranes Isolation precautions: apply to specific circumstances

Answer 21

Endogenous (infections beginning within the body - our own bacteria)

Answer 22

Exogenous (infections beginning outside the body - outside bacteria

Answer 23

Antibiotic Resistant Organism - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus : Antibiotic Resistant Organism (ARO) – microorganisms that have developed resistance to the action of several antimicrobial agents and that is of special clinical or epidemiological significance. MRSA: is a type of bacteria that’s resistant to many antibiotics and can cause skin and serious infections.

Answer 24

Personal protective equipment: Routine practices Gown and gloves: contact precautions (Flu and C Diff.) Surgical mask/eye protection: droplet precautions (Flu) N95 Mask/eye protection: droplet precaution Full face protection: splash to the face

Answer 25

C Diff : Contact+ precautions What is it? Diarrhea from bacteria What causes it? HAI- due to antibiotics How bad is it? Life threatening - Communicable - Increased risk in the older adult - Increased risk with those with co- morbidities.

Answer 26

Flu : Droplet/contact precautions What is it? Respiratory illness What causes it? Virus - nose, throat, lungs How bad is it? Mild to severe (can also be deadly – especially to those that are high risk) - Communicable - Increased risk in the older adult - Increased risk with those with co- morbidities.

Answer 27

The chain of infection, also referred to as the chain of transmission, describes how an infection spreads based on these six links of transmission: (1) Infectious Agent – the pathogen causing disease (e.g., bacteria, viruses); (2) Reservoir – where the pathogen lives (e.g., humans, animals, surfaces); (3) Portal of Exit – how the pathogen leaves the source (e.g., coughing, bodily fluids); (4) Mode of Transmission – how it spreads (e.g., direct contact, droplets, vectors); (5) Portal of Entry – how it enters a new host (e.g., inhalation, breaks in the skin); (6) Susceptible Host – a person vulnerable to infection (e.g., elderly, immunocompromised).

Answer 28

A tube that is inserted through the urethra and the bladder to help with drainage

Answer 29

(1) Eliminating the infectious agent through proper diagnosis, treatment, and disinfection; (2) Removing the reservoir by cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, properly storing food, and treating infections; (3) Blocking the portal of exit by covering coughs, using wound care, and disposing of waste properly; (4) Stopping transmission with hand hygiene, wearing PPE, and disinfecting objects; (5) Protecting the portal of entry by using masks, gloves, and maintaining skin integrity; (6) Strengthening the host's defenses through vaccination, proper nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle.

Answer 30

- Focus on prevention - Consider individual needs -Promote independence - Stabilize chronic conditions - Not smoking - Encouraging vaccinations