NUTH 3102 – Gerontological Nursing
Study Guide
Covers Weeks 1–4 for Exam 1
Week 1
Define Ageism
Ageism is the stereotyping or discrimination of individuals based on their age. It often leads
to assumptions that older adults are dependent, cognitively impaired, or less capable, which
can result in substandard care.
List at least three myths of aging and the truth about these
• Myth: Older adults can’t learn new things. Truth: Basic intelligence remains intact with
age.
• Myth: Memory decline is inevitable. Truth: Many older adults maintain good memory
through healthy lifestyle habits.
• Myth: The brain doesn’t grow new cells. Truth: Neurogenesis continues in some areas
like the hippocampus.
Examples of healthy (normal) aging vs. unhealthy (abnormal) aging
• Normal: Mild short-term memory loss | Abnormal: Disorientation, confusion
• Normal: Presbycusis | Abnormal: Total hearing loss
• Normal: Kyphosis | Abnormal: Compression fractures
Top three causes of non-traumatic death in people over 65
• Heart disease
• Cancer (malignant neoplasms)
• Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) vs. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
• ADLs: Bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, transferring, continence.
• IADLs: Shopping, cooking, housekeeping, managing medications, finances, using
transportation.
Review the Gerontological Nursing Competencies
• Person- and family-centered care
• Identify normal vs. abnormal aging
• Use evidence-based assessment tools
This study source was downloaded by 100000900412927 from CourseHero.com on 11-05-2025 18:09:31 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252444557/Gero-exam-1-study-guide-pdf/
, • Perform cognitive and mood assessments routinely
• Collaborate interprofessionally and advocate for autonomy
Week 2
Theories of Aging
• Erikson: Ego Integrity vs. Despair – Older adults reflect on their lives. Success leads to a
sense of fulfillment and ego integrity, while failure leads to regret and despair.
• Caloric Restriction Theory – Suggests that reduced caloric intake without malnutrition
slows biological aging and prolongs lifespan.
• Telomeres and Aging – Telomeres protect chromosome ends but shorten with age and
stress. Shorter telomeres are associated with cellular aging and decreased healing.
• Role Theory – Aging involves loss and replacement of roles. Successful aging depends on
how individuals adjust to losing or changing their social roles.
• Activity Theory – States that older adults who remain physically and socially active
experience higher life satisfaction.
• Disengagement Theory – Proposes that aging involves a natural withdrawal from
society. It’s now considered outdated and challenged by more inclusive theories.
• Continuity Theory – Suggests individuals maintain consistent behaviors and roles
throughout life, adapting them as needed to promote satisfaction.
• Age Stratification Theory – Focuses on societal roles and expectations based on age
groupings. Social structure influences how people age.
Define and give an example of each:
• Cultural Diversity: The coexistence of different cultural groups. Example: A hospital
serving Hispanic, Black, White, and Asian older adults.
• Race: A social construct based on physical features. Example: Identifying someone as
African American.
• Ethnicity: Cultural identity based on shared customs or heritage. Example: Speaking
Spanish as part of Hispanic culture.
• Ethnocentrism: Belief that one’s own culture is superior. Example: Assuming Western
medicine is always better.
• Cultural Destructiveness: Intentional harm to other cultures. Example: Forcing an elder
to abandon their cultural dietary restrictions.
• Cultural Blindness: Ignoring cultural differences. Example: Not using an interpreter
when needed.
• Cultural Pre-competence: Recognizing one's cultural limitations and seeking to grow.
Example: A nurse attending a workshop on LGBTQ+ elder care.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to effectively interact with people from different cultures.
Example: Using culturally appropriate materials and interpreters in care.
This study source was downloaded by 100000900412927 from CourseHero.com on 11-05-2025 18:09:31 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252444557/Gero-exam-1-study-guide-pdf/
Study Guide
Covers Weeks 1–4 for Exam 1
Week 1
Define Ageism
Ageism is the stereotyping or discrimination of individuals based on their age. It often leads
to assumptions that older adults are dependent, cognitively impaired, or less capable, which
can result in substandard care.
List at least three myths of aging and the truth about these
• Myth: Older adults can’t learn new things. Truth: Basic intelligence remains intact with
age.
• Myth: Memory decline is inevitable. Truth: Many older adults maintain good memory
through healthy lifestyle habits.
• Myth: The brain doesn’t grow new cells. Truth: Neurogenesis continues in some areas
like the hippocampus.
Examples of healthy (normal) aging vs. unhealthy (abnormal) aging
• Normal: Mild short-term memory loss | Abnormal: Disorientation, confusion
• Normal: Presbycusis | Abnormal: Total hearing loss
• Normal: Kyphosis | Abnormal: Compression fractures
Top three causes of non-traumatic death in people over 65
• Heart disease
• Cancer (malignant neoplasms)
• Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) vs. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
• ADLs: Bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, transferring, continence.
• IADLs: Shopping, cooking, housekeeping, managing medications, finances, using
transportation.
Review the Gerontological Nursing Competencies
• Person- and family-centered care
• Identify normal vs. abnormal aging
• Use evidence-based assessment tools
This study source was downloaded by 100000900412927 from CourseHero.com on 11-05-2025 18:09:31 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252444557/Gero-exam-1-study-guide-pdf/
, • Perform cognitive and mood assessments routinely
• Collaborate interprofessionally and advocate for autonomy
Week 2
Theories of Aging
• Erikson: Ego Integrity vs. Despair – Older adults reflect on their lives. Success leads to a
sense of fulfillment and ego integrity, while failure leads to regret and despair.
• Caloric Restriction Theory – Suggests that reduced caloric intake without malnutrition
slows biological aging and prolongs lifespan.
• Telomeres and Aging – Telomeres protect chromosome ends but shorten with age and
stress. Shorter telomeres are associated with cellular aging and decreased healing.
• Role Theory – Aging involves loss and replacement of roles. Successful aging depends on
how individuals adjust to losing or changing their social roles.
• Activity Theory – States that older adults who remain physically and socially active
experience higher life satisfaction.
• Disengagement Theory – Proposes that aging involves a natural withdrawal from
society. It’s now considered outdated and challenged by more inclusive theories.
• Continuity Theory – Suggests individuals maintain consistent behaviors and roles
throughout life, adapting them as needed to promote satisfaction.
• Age Stratification Theory – Focuses on societal roles and expectations based on age
groupings. Social structure influences how people age.
Define and give an example of each:
• Cultural Diversity: The coexistence of different cultural groups. Example: A hospital
serving Hispanic, Black, White, and Asian older adults.
• Race: A social construct based on physical features. Example: Identifying someone as
African American.
• Ethnicity: Cultural identity based on shared customs or heritage. Example: Speaking
Spanish as part of Hispanic culture.
• Ethnocentrism: Belief that one’s own culture is superior. Example: Assuming Western
medicine is always better.
• Cultural Destructiveness: Intentional harm to other cultures. Example: Forcing an elder
to abandon their cultural dietary restrictions.
• Cultural Blindness: Ignoring cultural differences. Example: Not using an interpreter
when needed.
• Cultural Pre-competence: Recognizing one's cultural limitations and seeking to grow.
Example: A nurse attending a workshop on LGBTQ+ elder care.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to effectively interact with people from different cultures.
Example: Using culturally appropriate materials and interpreters in care.
This study source was downloaded by 100000900412927 from CourseHero.com on 11-05-2025 18:09:31 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252444557/Gero-exam-1-study-guide-pdf/
