Unit 6 Older Adults Chapter 31 Flashcards
Older adults
– The older adult is less likely to be accurately diagnoses
– Depression
– Common after cardiac events and strokes
– Can be confused with dementia and delirium
– Suicide Risk(INITIATE SUICIDE RISK)
– Suicide risk increases with age
– For every completed suicide there are 3-4 attempts
in the population’
– May be passively suicidal’
ex- “ I’m here , I don’t find anything in life enjoyable”
Is depression common after stroke?
A. Yes
B. No
A. Yes
– Depression
– Common after cardiac events and strokes
– Can be confused with dementia and delirium
Is this a normal finding as person ages?
diminished senses – hearing, sight, taste, smell
A. Yes
B. No
A. Yes
First line treatment for anxiety for older adults , What class of medications should be used with caution for older adults?
Anxiety
– Fear of Falling
– SSRI and CBT – 1st line tx
– Benzos - Caution, can cause paradoxes effect, instead of relaxed older adults may become agitated?
Is Delirium a medical emergency ?
A. Yes
B. No
‘A. Yes
Delirium
– Time-limited medical condition – emergency
– May be labeled as dementia and disregarded
– May present as confused, falling, disrobing, fighting with
others.
– Identify the cause and treat.
-are you taking any new medications?
-has your father hit his head recently?
What can cause delirium?
-drugs
-infection’-smoking
-anemia
-traumatic injury
-polypharmacy
-fluid and electrolyte imbalances
-anemia
-thyroid issues
-stroke
Pain management for older adults
Pain Management
– Non-opiates are beneficial in the treatment of mild –
moderate pain. (Tylenol is preferred but doesn’t
reduce inflammation) can be toxic to liver
– Opioids – Indicated in the treatment of moderate-
severe acute pain. Tend to avoid opioids for non
cancer patient pain
– Nonpharmacological tx- Physical therapy, exercise,
heat and cold
Is pain a risk factor for depression?
A. Yes
B. No
A. Yes
Depression may cause or increase
the perception of pain
– ADL’s can be affected
– Chronic pain is linked to aggressive
behavior. Can lead to increased
stress, delayed healing, sleep
disturbances
Barriers to assessing and accepting older adults perception to pain?
behavior. Can lead to increased
stress, delayed healing, sleep
disturbances.
– Barriers to assessment
– Inadequate assessment
– Complicated clinical picture
– Assumptions “Pain is part of
aging”
Interventions for caregiver strain
Care Giver Burden - The amount of
physical, emotional, financial and
psychosocial support provided to a loved
one with a chronic illness
Older adult abuse – Single care giver
increases risk of abuse
– Respite Care
– Day Care Programs
- do something that’s enjoyable
Older adult abuse – Single care giver
increases risk of abus
What is ageism
Ageism – bias against older people based
on advanced age
– Facts and Myths about aging
Should you include herbal medications in meds reconciliation?
A. Yes
B. NO
A. Yes
Medication Reconciliation – Rx, OTC, Herbal
Facts about aging
Facts
* The senses of vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell decline with age.
* Muscular strength decreases with age. Muscle fibers atrophy and decrease
in number.
* Regular sexual expressions are important to maintain sexual capacity and
effective sexual performance.
* At least 50% of restorative sleep is lost as a result of the aging process.
* Older adults are major consumers of prescription drugs because of the high
incidence of chronic diseases in this population.
* Older adults have a high incidence of depression.
* Many individuals experience difficulty when they retire.
* Older adults are prone to becoming victims of crime.
* Older widows appear to adjust better than younger ones.
Myths about aging
Myths
* Most adults past the age of 65 have dementia.
* Older adults are unable to learn new tasks.
* As individuals age, they become more rigid in their thinking and set in their
ways.
* Older adults are well off and no longer impoverished.
* Most older adults are infirm and require help with daily activities.
* Most older adults are socially isolated and lonely.
