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Gerontology

Test 1

QuestionAnswer
Aging -Process that begins with birth -Applies to both young and old -Aging Child - more opportunities -Aging Adult - negative connotation
Functional Age -Don't focus on external features -What people are capable of not their chronological age
Ageism Prejudices and stereotypes that are applied to older people based only on age
Multiple Jeopardy Discrimination based on various attributes - age, sex, race
Implicit Ageism -Thoughts, feelings and behaviors toward elderly without conscious awareness -Negative feelings are triggered merely by seeing an elder
Life Changes with Age -Retirement -Role changes - no longer bread winner/care giver -Life Review - What they've done in life -Widowhood -Fixed Income - Social Security -Health Changes -All have an effect on aging
Promote Wellness in Older Adults -Focus on adding life to years, not just years to life -Age related factors are inevitable but problems are associated with risk factors -Nurses can play a major role
Age-Related Changes Physiologic processes that increase the vulnerability of older people to the negative impact of risk factors -Changes in sensation, vision, hearing - Positive opportunities for greater spirituality and emotional development
Risk Factors Have significant detrimental effect on health and functioning - Smoking, obesity, inadequate exercise, progressive arthritis, adverse medication effect, effect of glare, background noise
Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing -With AACN prepared BSN gerontological competencies for the graduating BSN nurse -Endowmment to help care of eldery
History of Gerontological Nursing -1960-Recognized as a nursing specialty -1969-first ANA nursing standards of practice for geriatric nursing -1970s- changed to Gerontological nursing
Health Promotion -Health and wellness, not illness -Living with disease/chronic illness not just having one -Disease Prevention and Health Promotion - Screening programs; risk reduction; Modification of the environment; Health Education
Health Teaching: Purpose -Promote wellness -Programs - Exercise and fitness; Nutrition; Medication; Smoking cessation; Injury prevention; Preventative health services
Health Teaching: Domains of Learning -Cognitive - facts; learning in traditional way -Psychomotor- better than most ways; actually doing something -Affective- How to motivate someone to learn
Health Teaching: Assessment -What they don't know/understand? -Patient's capability and tools available -Assess: Sensory function; Mental Status; Past knowledge; Ability to read and write; Favored learning style
Health Teaching: Effects Effects of health problems on learning: Memory; Vision and Hearing: Fatigue; Anxiety/ Depression; Signs/ Symptoms of disease process/ Motivation
Theories of Aging -Variety of theories -Used to explain why people age, what triggers aging -None fully explain the aging process - People age in a very indiv. manner -Aging is a very complex phenomenon
Normal Aging Changes -Aging process is deleterious (diminish function) -Progressive, occur gradually -Intrinsic, not modifiable -Universal, affects all in the species - Irreversible -Genetically programmed - most difficult for people to deal with
Aging:Definition -Assumes a process -slow/ happens over a time -Diminishes function
Senescence -Progressive determination -Increasing vulnerability
Lifespan -Maximum survival potential -About 115 years for human
Life Expectancy Predictable length of time expected to live
Biological Theories of Aging 1 Genetic 2 Wear and Tear 3 Cross-Linkage 4 Lipofuscin/ Free radicals 5 Neuroendocrine 6 Apoptosis 7 Longetivity
Genetic Theory -Everything that happens with the body -Predetermined by genes
Wear and Tear -Cells just become tired -Body wears out
Cross-Linkage -Things meet in time -Moment in time that changes life
Lipofuscin/ Free Radicals -Chemical compounds body produces when certain actions happen -Breakdown processes = negative effects
Neuroendocrine -Brain, nerves, glands -Changes in nervous system in how they tell glands what to do -Nerves - long, prone to injury
Apoptosis -Normal process of cells -More cells die than are replaced -Apoptosis can go awry
Longevity -Structured lifespan -Try to predict when death will occur
Psychological Theories 1 Human Needs 2 Life Course
Human Needs Theory -Maslow -Psychological, safety, love, self-esteem, self-actualization - Steps must meet lower level before moving to the next one
Life-Course Theory Personality is predictive of the aging process
Sociological Theories 1 Disengagement 2 Activity 3 Continuity 4 Subculture
Disengagement Theory Social involvement decreases with age leading to aging
Activity Theory Physical and social activity leads to engagement with life
Continuity Theory Keeping things the same leads to less disease and aging
Subculture Theory Elders have their own norms, beliefs, habits, leading to less engagement with society
Relevance of Biological Aging Primary (biological) Aging- Changes occurring with age independent of disease of environmental changes Secondary (environmental) Aging - Changes involving interaction of primary aging with disease processes and the environment
General Aging Changes -Fewer functional cells int he body -Reduction in intracellular fluid -Loss of subcutaneous fat (flabby) -Lower oral temperatures -Stature decreases - Loss of cartilage; thinning of vertebrae
Variations in Diagnostic Tests -Sedimentation Rate-More cells settle -Glucose-Higher -Creatinine -Albumin-body healing decreases -Alkaline Phosphatase-elevated levels -Urinalysis-in elderly there may be cells, blood, clots -Chest X-ray -EKG-pulse increase, irregular beats
System Based Changes -Cardiovascular -Neurological -Respiratory -Genitourinary -Endocrine/Metabolic -Musculoskeletal -Autonomic Nervous system -Hematologic -Immune -Oral -Sensory -Dermatologic -Reproductive
Immune Function -Size of the thymus gland decreases -T-cell function declines -Decreases in cell-mediated immunity -Chronic conditions have ability to decrease immune function -Exposure to pathogen
Increased Risk of Infection -UTI - common in women -Prostatitis - men -Pneumonia -TB -Vaginitis - women -Herpes Zoster - Shingles - Best to get shot
Health Promotion -Add life to their years -Healthy people 2020 - Federally funded program to target certain populations - Plan to get people healtheir
Screening Programs -Need for early diagnosis and treatment -Colon Cancer test
Risk Reduction -Chronic Disease - Diabetes - Look @ feet - Start treatment early -Mental Health - Social Engagement -Infectious Disease -Immunizations - Easy and Free
Environmental Modifications -Safety measures in any living arrangement - No area rugs; grab bar in BR; lock doors and window -Prevention of injury -Sensory system involvement related to changes of aging
Health Related Behaviors -Physical Activity -Nutrition -Programs for ppl with limited or no resources -Provide meals @ homes
Fulmer SPICES S - Sleeping Disorder P - Problems with eating I - Incontinence C - Confusion E - Evidence of falls S - Skin Breakdown
Purpose of Acute Care -Hospital - Stabilize patients with life threatening disorders - Needed when procedures are necessary - Requirement of 24 hour nursing care
Who is Admitted -Acute exacerbation of a chronic condition -An Acute new condition -Older ppl are admitted 2X as often -Older adults stay 2X longer -Those admitted are sicker, have more illness,fewer social supports, mental impairment -Problem lists can be quite lo
Course and Outcome of Hospitalization -Depends on comorbidity or health complications -Older adults have higher mortality rates than younger patients
Functional Status -Consider aging physiology -Chronic conditions = possible functional impairments and older adults who are hospitalized are more likely to experience functional impairments so we need to identify changes quickly to minimize further disability
Impact of Hospitalization -Maybe be final event -Can cause increased dependency needs and possible permanent impairment as soon as the 2nd day of admission -Impact of complications - adverse drug reactions,confusion,bladder and resp. infections, falls, incontinence
Nosocomial Infections -Acquired in the hospital -Are often antibiotic resistance -MRSA/VRE -Bad bugs in the hosp. -Elderly are quite vulnerable r/t decreased immune response
Iatrogenic Infection -Nosocomial infection that results from a diagnostic test/procedure -Bladder infection after foley inset -Prolonged immobilization -Dehydration
Emotional Reaction to Hospitalization -Anxiety -Depression -Agitation -Disorientation -All can lead to falls and other injuries
Key concepts of Care -Altered Homeostasis -Impact of the Hospital Environment -not like home -Potential Ethical Conflicts -Need for the nurse to be a patient advocate -Always have the option to "do nothing"
Risks of being Hospitalized -Delirium - falls -Infections -Immobility - Pressure Ulcers -Fluid and electrolyte imbalance -Dehydration -lose thirst drive -Incontinence -Constipation -Loss of functional Independence
The Cascade to dependency -Normal aging changes = decline in function -Vasomotor instability - Syncope -Fainting spells, dizziness,falls -Loss of plasma = postural hypotension and syncope -Deconditioning/ loss of function -Need for nursing home placement
Hazards of Bedrest -Muscle mass and strength are reduced -5% per day -Limited ROM and contracture (permanently contracted) -Sensory continence - confused by environment -Sensory deprivation
Complications of Disease -Resp.-Decrease PO2, closing volume of the alveoli -Demineralization-loss of bone = normal -Urinary Incontinence -bladder capacity reduced -Thirst & Nutrition-loss of taste,smell and add dentures -
Interventions -Thorough assessment -Encourage Independence -Frequent safety checks -Orient routines of hosp. -Supportive environment -Explain procedures -Monitor Meds -Reposition -Monitor I&O -Anticipate common problems -Help with ADLs -Education -Discharg
Surgery -Benefits -Can add more functional years to person's life -Risks -Mortality higher -Lung disease - anesthesia -Vascular disease - blood clots -Potential for infection and hemorrhage -Often more risks than benefits
Perioperative Nursing Identify current disease, decreased organ function, labs, meds, mobility, nutrition, management of medical condidtions -Get them to surgery in the best condition possibly
Intraoperative Nursing -Careful monitoring, anesthesia chosen, depression of cardiovascular/resp systems, slower elimination of the drug from the body, safety/sterile environment, proper positioning, monitor VS esp temp, warm IV fluids, warm blanket
Nursing Care during an emergency situation -Acute Abdomen -Acute confusion/Delirium -Aspiration -Corneal Abrasion -Dehydration -Detached Retina -Diarrhea -Falls -MI -Hemorrhage -Postoperative Complications
Necessity of Early Discharge -Begins on admission -Discharged sicker and quicker -Continuity of care -Patient, family, MD, nurses -Benefits -Get home to recover in own environment -Identification of patient needs -Caregiver Needs
Comprehensive Assessment -Identify pasts as well as current problems -Symptoms -Physical -Functional Status -Health Promotion -Nutrition -Social -Mental -Environment/Living -Family Availability -of Caregivers
Age and Function -May not be related -Consider functional status without considering chronological age -Consider disease states and their effect on functional status
Distinguish Normal from pathological -Consider past behavior and functional status -Also think about issues related to race, gender, education
Make the assessment brief -Evaluate for fatigue -Assess the most important issues first -Consider caregiver input -Consider the environment
Multiple methods of assessment are essential -Self-report -Patient usually most accurate -Evaluation of performance
Long Term Care (LTC) -Nursing Home/Nursing Facility -Extended care Facility - > a couple of days -Skilled Nursing Facility -Need RN 24hrs a day -Intermediate Nursing Facility -For someone a little confused -Assisted Living -Special Care Unit -Specially train
Roles of Nurse in LTC -Nursing care is foundation of ECF -Understanding the special needs of elders is vital -NPs can provide -Advanced assessment -Home visits -Staff education
Community Based Services -Mobile Meals -Home Health Aid - Basic skills -Homemaker,Companion - clean, meals -Senior Centers - provide meals -Personal Emergency Response - -Adult Day Care - Services, activities, food -Parish Nurse - volunteer, maintain health in that parish
Role of Nurse in Community -Develop local services -Help with screenings -Home Care Coordinator -Meet specific cultural needs of a population
Chronic Illness and Elderly -More people are reaching old age -Increase in chronic disease -Physical/Emotional/Social Implications -Major chronic conditions
Common Chronic Conditions -Arthritis -Most common -Diabetes -Type 2 Diabetes - overweight -Heart Conditions -Hearing Impairments -Hypertension -Cataracts -Elimination Problems -Bladder/Bowel control
Chronic Care Goals -Maintain/improve self-care capacity -Manage the disease effectively -Boost the body's healing abilities -Prevent Complications -Delay deterioration and decline -Achieve the highest possible quality of life -Die with comfort and dignity
Functional Assessment -Heterogeneous group -ADL-Activities of Daily Living -Bathing,dressing,eating,mobility -IADL-Intrumentals ADLs -Shopping,meal prep,manage$ -Most important in community setting
Identifying Driving Risk -Decrease field of vision -Driving at inappropriate speeds -Getting lost -Slow reactions -Not noticing traffic signs -Miscalculating distance -Difficulty focusing attention -Difficult nighttime driving
Addressing Driving Risk -Watch for drug interactions -Assess vision and hearing -Refer for PT,OT -Pedal extenders -Spinner knobs on steering wheel' -monitoring of other cars during lane changes -Spot mirrors -Mature Driving Programs
Common Hearing Issues -Presbycusis - high pitched hearing loss; age related change NOT illness -High pitched consonant sounds are at the first affected -Gradual process
Age-Related changes that affect hearing -External Ear - Pinna & Ear Canal -Cerumen(ear wax) -cleanses, protects, lubricates -Builds up due to hair growth & keratin buildup = Can affect hearing -Hair Follicles -Start to overgrow and affect hearing -Fewer sweat glands in the external e
Middle Ear -Air Filled -Tympanic Membrane -Transmits sound energy to the middle/inner ear -Ossicles-Malleus,incus,stapes, amplify sound -Bones become calcified -Muscles & Ligaments -Contract in response to loud noise -Muscles become weaker
Inner Ear -Fluid Filled -Cochlea- receives sound vibrations and concert to nerve impulses in vestibular nerve -Loss of hair cells in Organ of Corti, reduced O2, less endolymph, loss of neurons leads to hearing loss termed presbycusis
Environmental Factors: Hearing Loss -Exposure to loud noises -Farmers,Musicians -Exposure to toxic chemicals -Solvents, pesticides,herbicides -Leisure activities -Hunting, woodworking -Smoking -Impacted Cerum
Medication Effect on Hearing -Damage the cochlea or vestibular part of auditory nerve -Quinine(Malaria); Salicytates (Aspirin); Turosemide (water pill) -Toxic effects are generally dose related
Disease Processes Affecting Hearing -Otosclerosis - hereditary disease of ossicles/ generally conductive hearing loss -Meniere's Disease -Balance and Hearing -Acoustic neuroma -benign tumor -Tinnitus -buzzing noise that doesn't originate in external environment -No diagnostic test
Effect on Communication -Vowel sounds = low pitched -Consonants = high pitched -p,,b,d,t sound similar & distorted -ch,f,sh,t,th-whistling quality and distorted -Background noise cause greater hearing difficulty -Hearing aids amplify sound also amplify background noise
Interventions for Hearing Loss -Hearing aids -Megaphone, Microphone -Closed captioning TV -Assisstive Hearing devices -Troublesome if not individualized
How to Communicate -Face the person -Gain their attention -Speak distinctly, slow & directly -Don't exaggerate lip movements -Don't chew gum, turn away, cover mouth -Eliminate Background noise -Don't raise volume -Lower pitch -Use gestures
Potential Nursing Diagnoses -Sensory-Perceptual Alteration -Social Isolation -Risk of Injury -Ineffective coping -Body Image Disturbance -Altered Role Performance -Self-Care Deficit -Impaired Physical Mobility -Ineffective Coping -Risk for Loneliness -Body Image Disturbanc
Visible Age-Related Changes -Arcus Senillis -Lipid accum. in outer part of the cornea with yellow ring developing b/w the iris and the sclera -Dulling of Cornea -Yellowing of Sclera -Fading of iris -Enophthalmos - loss of orbital fat, wrinkles,less elastic eye muscles -Look s
Blepharochalasis -Upper lip impairs vision
Corneal Changes -Becomes opaque and yellow -Interferes with the passage of light to the retina -Scatters light causing blurring -These are not risk factors, they are age-related changes
Lens Changes -Layers of clear crystalline protein -Eye muscles change shape to accommodate near and far object -Regenerates & forms layers causing buildup -Lens gets stiffer and less accommodateable -Becomes more opaque -Difficulty distinguishing blue and green c
Iris Age-Related Changes -Controls pupil size regulating light reaching the retina -Becomes more sclerotic and rigid reducing the size for the pupil -Slower response to changes in light-changes in the iris/pupil -Increased sensitivity to glare
Other Vision Changes -Narrowing of the visual field -Diminished depth perception -Slower processing of visual information -Retinal-Neural Pathway -DISEASE makes these changes worsen
Cataracts -Opacity of one or both lenses -Leading causes of visual disability -Reversible -Risk factors -Family History -Diabetes Mellitus
Signs and Symptoms: Cataracts -Increased problems with glare and night driving -Gradually decreasing acuity -Altered color perception -Darkening/dimming of vision -Blurred Vision -"film over eyes" -HA -Eye Fatigue
Interventions: Cataracts -Conservative - eye drops -Cataract extraction surgery -Intracapsular - take out lens -Extracapsular - take out capsule and lens; can't replace lens -Intraocular - lens inserted -Eyeglasses needed for near vision
Age-Related Macular Degeneration -Leading cause of blindness -Dry Type -Caused by death of photo receptor -Progress slowly -Not total blindness -Wet Type -Damage caused by new blood vessels forming on choroid then hemorrhage under retina -Progress rapidly -Severe vision los
Signs and Symptoms:Macular Degeneration -Usually bilateral central vision loss -Blurred and distorted vision -Significant interference with visual skills necessary for reading,driving,watching tv, recognizing people, and performing ADLs and IADLs
Interventions: Macular Degeneration -Magnifiers -Low-vision aids - large print books -Use of side (peripheral) vision -Look at wall instead of TV -Referral for early treatment with laser photocoagulation -May be effective for some
Glaucoma -Defect in the outflow of aqueous humor, resulting in increased intraocular pressure that destroys the retina -Risk Factors -Family History -Race-African American -No visual loss/pain in early stages
Glaucoma: Types -Open Angle (Primary/Chronic) -Most common, slow onset, progressive, loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision), intact central vision -Closed Angle (Acute) -Less common, very painful, abrupt onset, blurred vision, colored halos around light
Glaucoma: Assessment -History of Symptoms -Visual Field of Examinations -Measurement of Intraocular Pressure -Findings from Fundoscopy
Open-Angle Glaucoma: Interventions -Pharmacological -Miotic eye drops (pilocarpine) -Constrict pupil -Beta Adrenergic Blockers (Timolol) -Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (diamox) -Target fluid in eye -Epinephrine -Decrease size of pupil
Closed-Angle Glaucoma: Interventions -Occurs quickly and causes damage quickly -Referral for surgery -Pharmacological -eye drops -diamox IV
Poor Vision: Light -Elderly need 3x more light -Avoid glossy paper -Must have night lights
Poor Vision: Dry Eye -Avoid hair sprays and smoke
Poor Vision: Color Contrast -Most dangerous -Need different colored knobs on oven -Cutting Boards -Onion on black board -Pepper on white board -Decorations on table determine height of object
Created by: prettyinpink7
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