MANAGING CARE OF THE ELDERLY,
EXAM #1, (N4) QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE ANSWERS
Name two theories of aging? - Answer-Activity Theory-A theory that suggests that the
elderly who are more successful while aging are those who maintain the interests and
activities they had during middle age. Disengagement theory-A theory that suggests
that aging produces a gradual withdrawal from the world on physical, psychological, and
social levels. Continuity theory-The continuity theory of aging relates that personality,
values, morals, preferences, role activity, and basic patterns of behavior are consistent
throughout the life span, regardless of the life changes one encounters.
Extremes in heat and cold can be especially dangerous for older people? - Answer-True
Myths and facts about aging? - Answer-About 20% of the elderly live in SNF or LTC
facilities. False. Only about 5% of this patient
population reside in these facilities. 95% live in the community: 2/3 have a child living
within 30 min of them. 62% see an adult child at least once a week. 75% in their own
home. 31% alone (mostly women). 50% of women>65 are widowed. Only 15% of men.
Urinary incontinence is a normal part of aging? - Answer-False
The desire for sexual intercourse becomes minimal as a person ages? - Answer-False
The loss of subcutaneous fat in older adults decreases their risk of chemical toxicity
from transdermal delivery systems? - Answer-False
The suicide rate is lower among the elderly than int he general population. - Answer-
false
Medical professionals usually can't help because suicidal elders don't seek medical help
before their suicides? - Answer-False, up to half of elderly people see a health
professional a month before suicide.
Antidepressants are safe for suicidal older adults? - Answer-pose particular risk to
elderly because of decrease metabolism, decrease risk start low and go slow.
Nearly one third of people over age 65 who live at home fall each year. - Answer-True
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in people 65 and older in the
united states. - Answer-True
, More than 2/3 of older abuse perpetrators are family members of the victims. - Answer-
True
Who are at greatest risk? - Answer-frail or isolated elderly.
What does functional decline mean? - Answer-recent difficulty or inability to perform
ADLs
What might cause a functional decline? - Answer-underlying physiologic change from a
new illness.
What are physiological changes associated with aging? - Answer-Heart & Lungs work
less efficiently.
Digestive & Urinary functions slow down. Physical Changes occur. Senses are less
acute, reaction time slows. Glandular activity decrease.
Cardiovascular changes... - Answer-Valves more rigid and thicker. Conduction defects
(PVCs, Afib). Diminished baroreceptor response-Slow to respond & to return to normal.
Blood vessels lose elasticity-Increased systolic and diastolic BP. Increased Peripheral
Vascular Resistance-Widened pulse pressures and diminished
pulses. Decreased activity resulting in decreased venous return.
Nursing implications for cardiovascular changes... - Answer-Take apical pulse for one
minute. Auscultate heart sounds. Encourage slow rising, changing position. Check
postural BP and BP in both arms. Check pulses (peripheral circulation). Leg elevation
when sitting, leg exercises. Check for peripheral edema. Provide a safe environment.
Respiratory Changes.... - Answer-Loss of lung tissue elasticity. Diminished cough reflex
and cilia action. Decreased chest expansion. Decreased depth of respiration.
Respiratory muscle weakness.
Decreased alveolar surface area.
Nursing implications for respiratory changes... - Answer-Auscultate lung sounds.
Encourage influenza/pneumonia vaccine. Regular paced activities. Deep breathing
exercises. Sit upright for meals. Adequate fluid intake. Respirations may be harder to
see. because of reduced chest expansion.
Gastrointestinal Changes... - Answer-Poor dental care, bone loss. Decreased saliva
production. Decreased esophageal peristalsis. Delay edemptying. Diminished gag
reflex. Hiatal hernia. Decreased intestinal motility. Decreased anal sphincter tone.
Nursing implications... - Answer-Monitor closely for adequate nutrition. More frequent
mouth care. Monitor for S/S dehydration, choking. Encourage small meals. Give meds
with fluid. Upright after meals for one hour. Encourage adequate fiber, liquids.
Encourage mobility. Discourage chronic laxative use.
EXAM #1, (N4) QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE ANSWERS
Name two theories of aging? - Answer-Activity Theory-A theory that suggests that the
elderly who are more successful while aging are those who maintain the interests and
activities they had during middle age. Disengagement theory-A theory that suggests
that aging produces a gradual withdrawal from the world on physical, psychological, and
social levels. Continuity theory-The continuity theory of aging relates that personality,
values, morals, preferences, role activity, and basic patterns of behavior are consistent
throughout the life span, regardless of the life changes one encounters.
Extremes in heat and cold can be especially dangerous for older people? - Answer-True
Myths and facts about aging? - Answer-About 20% of the elderly live in SNF or LTC
facilities. False. Only about 5% of this patient
population reside in these facilities. 95% live in the community: 2/3 have a child living
within 30 min of them. 62% see an adult child at least once a week. 75% in their own
home. 31% alone (mostly women). 50% of women>65 are widowed. Only 15% of men.
Urinary incontinence is a normal part of aging? - Answer-False
The desire for sexual intercourse becomes minimal as a person ages? - Answer-False
The loss of subcutaneous fat in older adults decreases their risk of chemical toxicity
from transdermal delivery systems? - Answer-False
The suicide rate is lower among the elderly than int he general population. - Answer-
false
Medical professionals usually can't help because suicidal elders don't seek medical help
before their suicides? - Answer-False, up to half of elderly people see a health
professional a month before suicide.
Antidepressants are safe for suicidal older adults? - Answer-pose particular risk to
elderly because of decrease metabolism, decrease risk start low and go slow.
Nearly one third of people over age 65 who live at home fall each year. - Answer-True
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in people 65 and older in the
united states. - Answer-True
, More than 2/3 of older abuse perpetrators are family members of the victims. - Answer-
True
Who are at greatest risk? - Answer-frail or isolated elderly.
What does functional decline mean? - Answer-recent difficulty or inability to perform
ADLs
What might cause a functional decline? - Answer-underlying physiologic change from a
new illness.
What are physiological changes associated with aging? - Answer-Heart & Lungs work
less efficiently.
Digestive & Urinary functions slow down. Physical Changes occur. Senses are less
acute, reaction time slows. Glandular activity decrease.
Cardiovascular changes... - Answer-Valves more rigid and thicker. Conduction defects
(PVCs, Afib). Diminished baroreceptor response-Slow to respond & to return to normal.
Blood vessels lose elasticity-Increased systolic and diastolic BP. Increased Peripheral
Vascular Resistance-Widened pulse pressures and diminished
pulses. Decreased activity resulting in decreased venous return.
Nursing implications for cardiovascular changes... - Answer-Take apical pulse for one
minute. Auscultate heart sounds. Encourage slow rising, changing position. Check
postural BP and BP in both arms. Check pulses (peripheral circulation). Leg elevation
when sitting, leg exercises. Check for peripheral edema. Provide a safe environment.
Respiratory Changes.... - Answer-Loss of lung tissue elasticity. Diminished cough reflex
and cilia action. Decreased chest expansion. Decreased depth of respiration.
Respiratory muscle weakness.
Decreased alveolar surface area.
Nursing implications for respiratory changes... - Answer-Auscultate lung sounds.
Encourage influenza/pneumonia vaccine. Regular paced activities. Deep breathing
exercises. Sit upright for meals. Adequate fluid intake. Respirations may be harder to
see. because of reduced chest expansion.
Gastrointestinal Changes... - Answer-Poor dental care, bone loss. Decreased saliva
production. Decreased esophageal peristalsis. Delay edemptying. Diminished gag
reflex. Hiatal hernia. Decreased intestinal motility. Decreased anal sphincter tone.
Nursing implications... - Answer-Monitor closely for adequate nutrition. More frequent
mouth care. Monitor for S/S dehydration, choking. Encourage small meals. Give meds
with fluid. Upright after meals for one hour. Encourage adequate fiber, liquids.
Encourage mobility. Discourage chronic laxative use.
