Ch 20 The Aging Adult Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Ch 20 The Aging Adult Deck (15)
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1
Q

What are the definitions of old age?

A

AARP - 50
Medicare - 65
Social security - 65-70

2
Q

What is a misconception about aging?

A

There is no difference in cognitive abilities between a healthy 25 year old and a healthy 75 year old.

3
Q

According to Erikson, what is the theory about the middle adult (40-65)?

A
  • The middle adult is in a period of generativity versus stagnation
  • Adjusting to life changes: new career, long goal
4
Q

What are the theories of aging in concerns to genetic and immunity?

A

1) Genetic = life span depends on genetic factors
2) Immunity = immune function decreases with age (immunosenescence)
* Mild short-term memory loss is common but long-term memory remains intact.

5
Q

What can a nurse teach to the aging adult to promote health and prevent illness?

A
  • Eat a diet low in fat and cholesterol, including fruits, vegetables and fiber
  • Make regular exercise a part of life
  • Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
  • Do not smoke
6
Q

What is Erikson’s theory about the older adult?

A

Ego integrity versus despair.

Ego = inner search meaning, order life cycle, emotional integration
Despair = regret the past, worthless, hopeless
7
Q

What is “Sundowning Syndrome”?

A

–> Older adult becomes confused, restless and agitated after dark.

8
Q

What is the possible confusion with depression misdiagnose?

A
  • Depression in older adults looks similar to symptoms to Dementia.
9
Q

What are the physiological changes with skin in the aging adult that puts them at greater risk for skin breakdown?

A
  • Skin becomes wrinkled and dry
  • Decrease of thickness of dermis
  • Senile purpura (skin hemorrhages)
10
Q

What are some health issues/factors found in the older adult?

A
  • Chronic illness –> use of polypharmacy
  • Accidental injuries –> risk for falls, changes in vision, hearing, muscle mass and strength - decrease reflexes and reaction time
  • Dementia, depression and delirium –> RN will reorient patient
  • Elderly abuse –> neglect, physical, emotional :(
11
Q

What is the definition of delirium and its cause?

A

Delirium is a temporary state of confusion, an acute illness and can last from hours to weeks and resolves w/ treatment.

–> drug interactions, circulatory or metabolic problems, nutritional deficiencies and worsening of illness are usually the CAUSE.

12
Q

What are the S x S of depression?

A
  • Alter sleep
  • Weight loss
  • Difficulty concentration
  • Suicidal or preoccupied w/ death
  • not resolved w/out treatment
13
Q

What are the cardiopulmonary facts found in the older adults?

A
  • Stiffening of vascular system = decrease venous return, increase of lower extremely edema + increase plaque in arteries
  • Pulmonary elasticity + ciliary action
  • Increase respiratory rate + decrease depth
  • Often a sign of many years of poor diet + inadequate exercise and not age related.
14
Q

What are some apparent declines in the immune + neurological systems in the older adult?

A
  • Decrease of lymphocytes + production of antibodies

- Decrease in CNS response, temperature regulation

15
Q

What are some apparent decline with senses and the older adult?

A
  • Visual acuity –> decrease night vision and depth perception, increase sensitivity to glare
  • Hearing acuity –> distortion of sounds
  • Sense of smell + taste are diminished