NUR300 topic 2

Question 1

define vulnerable populations and specific characteristics of the older adult population

Answer 1

vulnerable population: infants, older adults

specific characteristics of older population:

Question 2

explain functional and physiological changes that place older adults at greater risk for declines in health, quality of life and communicable disease

Answer 2

see studyguide created

Question 3

chain of infection

Answer 3

an infectious agent or pathogen
reservoir or source for pathogen growth
port of exit from reservoir
mode of transmission
port of entry to host
a susceptible host

Question 4

describe the key components of the immune system and identify nursing interventions to enhance immunity

Answer 4

• Normal flora: do not usually cause disease when residing in their usual area of the body but instead participate in maintaining health
• super infection: develops when broad-spectrum antibiotics eliminate a wide range of normal flow, not just those causing infection -skin: provides a barrier

Question 5

natural defense mechanisms against infection

Answer 5

• skin: provide a barrier to microorganisms
• mouth: mucosa and saliva provide mechanical barrier
• eye: tearing and blinking help wash away particles
• respiratory tract: cilia, macrophages traps inhaled microbes and engulfs and destroys
• urinary tract: washes away microbes from lining of bladder/uretha
• gastrointestinal tract: acidity in gastric secretions, prevents retention of bacterial contents
• vagina: normal flora causing high pH which inhibit growth
• inflammation: cellular response of the body to injury, infection or irritation, protective vascular reaction that delivers fluid, blood products, and nutrients to an area of injury