T1: Chapter 10: Life Span: Older Adults - RM

Question 1

What age group is considered “older adults”?

Answer 1

Age 65 and older

Question 2

T/F: The number of older adults has risen significantly because of increasing life expectancy.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Older adulthood is a time of ______. Most health problems experienced by older adult are ______ in nature and often affect the person’s ability to live ______.

Answer 3

transition
chronic
independently

Question 4

What 3 ways can aging be examined?

Answer 4

1) life expectancy
2) percentage of total population
3) life-span perspective

Question 5

What is defined as, as they age, persons live in their own elder-friendly residences and receive supportive services for their changing needs, rather than moving to another location or alternative type of housing?

Answer 5

aging in place

Question 6

What type of residence for older adults are planned and built specifically for independent living and downsizing?

Answer 6

retirement communities

Question 7

What type of residence for older adults offers a wide range of living accommodations on a large campus-like setting?

Answer 7

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

Question 8

What 5 types of accommodations are offered in continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)?

Answer 8

1) residential living
2) assisted living
3) skilled nursing care
4) rehabilitation
5) dementia care

Question 9

What type of facilities for older adults are congregate residential settings that provide or coordinate personal services, 24-hr supervision/assistance, activities, and health-related services?

Answer 9

Assisted Living Facilities (ALF)

Question 10

What type of facilities provide skilled and unskilled nursing care for older adults and adults with disabilities?

Answer 10

Nursing care facilities (Nursing Homes)

Question 11

What are the 3 sub-stages of older adulthood?

Answer 11

1) young-old (65-74)
2) middle-old (75-84)
3) oldest-old (85+)

Question 12

T/F: The fastest growing segment of older adults is the oldest-old, some of whom are the frail elderly and centenarians.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Do older adults lose their intelligence as they age?

Answer 13

No. They may learn new material more slowly, though.

Question 14

What 2 theories attempt to explain the psychosocial development of older adults?

Answer 14

• Disengagement Theory

- Activity Theory

Question 15

Is dementia a normal result of aging?

Answer 15

No

Question 16

What other issues can be confused with dementia? What factors precipitate these issues?

Answer 16

• depression
• acute confusion
• delirium
  Can be caused by dehydration, infection, medication side effect/OD

Question 17

Older adults should have an annual physical exam, including a focused assessment of ______ _____.

Answer 17

functional status

Question 18

Define frailty:

Answer 18

a set of characteristics that describe a heightened state of vulnerability for developing adverse health outcomes.

Question 19

Is abuse of adults common?

Answer 19

Yes, we should assess all patients for signs of abuse.

Question 20

T/F: It is ok for a nurse to stay silent when there is a suspicion of abuse of the older adult.

Answer 20

False - duh!

Question 21

What are the 4 theories of aging as listed in the book? (pp. 205 -206)

Answer 21

1) Wear-and-Tear Theory
2) Genetic Theories
3) Cellular Malfunction
4) Autoimmune Reaction

Question 22

What is the basis of the Disengagement Theory?

Answer 22

The older adult and society gradually and mutually withdraw or disengage from each other.

Question 23

What are some factors that contribute to disengagement of/from the older adult?

Answer 23

• mandatory retirement
• chronic illness
• deaths of relatives/friends
• poverty

Question 24

What is the basis of the Activity Theory?

Answer 24

The individual should stay active and engaged as possible to enjoy the highest life satisfaction.

Question 25

What are some factors that contribute to staying active as outlined in the Activity Theory?

Answer 25

• travel
• sports
• hobbies
• volunteering

Question 26

What are 10 common health problems of older adults?

Answer 26

1) Heart disease
2) Cancer
3) Chronic lower respiratory diseases
4) Stroke
5) Alzheimer’s disease
6) Diabetes mellitus
7) Influenza and pneumonia
8) Kidney illness/injury
9) Accidents
10) Septicemia

Question 27

What is “polypharmacy”? How can this be a problem?

Answer 27

The use of multiple medications;

Drug interactions

Question 28

Depression is a common problem in older adults. What are 2 reasons for this?

Answer 28

Can be caused directly or as a psychological reaction to an illness

Question 29

_____ activity is better than _____; and _____ is better.

Answer 29

Some activity is better than none; and more is better.

Question 30

What are 2 abnormal issues that are not usual age-related changes and could actually signal an underlying health problem?

Answer 30

• frequent falls/loss of balance

- urinary incontinence

Question 31

What are some key things to remember when communicating with older adults?

Answer 31

• LOOK at the patient as you speak
• Rely on BODY LANGUAGE more than usual
• Remember that their AFFECT may not always match their words
• They may UNDERSTAND you even though they don’t seem to
• Be aware that they may be CONFUSED at one time, but not at another

Question 32

What should you remember when communicating with someone with a cognitive deficit?

Answer 32

• Use short, simple sentences
• Avoid vague comments
• Repeat your words exactly, if needed
• Understand that the patient’s reality is distorted and he is behaving accordingly