Geriatrics Exam 1 Questions and
Correct Answers
Focus of Geriatric Care - correct answers:Maintaining independence. Addresses loss of function,
maintenance of function and promotion of function
Distinguishing feature of geriatric patient - correct answers:Variability
E.g. Rate of age related decline in organ function in older adults varies greatly
Factors that contribute to individual aging - correct answers:gender, lifestyle, sociological factors, disease
susceptibility, genetics, vaiability of organ system aging, psychological factors, environment
Normal aging - correct answers:a collective set of diseases & impairments that typically occur with
advanced age
Successful Aging - correct answers:refers to minimizing negative aging and preserving function
Frailty - correct answers:state of reduced physiological reserves associated with increased susceptibility
to disability
Homeostatic strain - correct answers:onset of new disease leads to various symptoms which compromise
homeostasis leading to inadequate function and eventual death
Failure to thrive - correct answers:term used to describe older adults with weight loss, exhibiting decline
in physical or cognitive function or both and demonstrating signs of hopelessness/helplessness.
Ageism - correct answers:unfair judging of older adults simply because of their advanced age
(perceptions / predjudices / stereotyping)
What is the most preventable condition in geriatric care? - correct answers:Iatrogenesis: harm caused to
patient by physician treatment
,major causes of Iatrogenesis - correct answers:relocation, drugs, hospitalization
What are key considerations of geriatric care? - correct answers:Healthcare provider needs to be an
advocate, multiple causes for each problem, recovery is much slower, environment greater role, families
of patients involved, prevalence of chronic/acute diseases, optimal care requires interdisciplinary team,
balance for patient's rights and safety
Red flags in Geriatric Care - correct answers:Functional decline
Loss of appetite
Mood changes
Social withdrawal
...CHANGE!
Generally, what region of the country has higher percentages of older adults in the population? - correct
answers:Mid central and northern heartland
How do the following impact life expectancy?
Gender
Socioeconomic status
Education
Socialization
Ethnicity - correct answers:Women live longer than men
Most deprived have shorter life expectancies
Better educated can live up to 5-7 years longer than minimally educated people
Socialization contributes to longevity
Asian> White> Hispanic> Black >Native American
What are leading causes causes of hospitalization in older adults? - correct answers:Heart disease,
pneumonia, cerebrovascular disease, malignant neoplasms, fractures, osteoarthrosis
, What is the profile of the typical caregiver of an older adult? - correct answers:Female, usually spouse or
daughter
Average age = 63 years
Caregiver issues - correct answers:Major factor in keeping older adult in their own home; typically
costs/duties assumed by families and unknown to the system
Aging (More definitions) - correct answers:Decreased homeostatic reserve; decreased ability to return to
baseline function after some insult
Sum of all changes occurring over time (biological, social, economic, psychological)
Some consequences of immobilization - correct answers:Stiffness, contractures, loss of strength,
confusion, sensory loss, depression, malnutrition, osteoporosis, dehydration, thrombosis, hypothermia,
pressure sores, constipation
At what age is one of the biggest declines in function? - correct answers:30 years old...
(NOOOO!!!!!!!)
True or False "Function and not age is the best criteria for medical decision making" - correct
answers:True
What are ADL's? - correct answers:simple personal self-care skills
e.g. dress, bathe, toileting, continence, ambulation, transfer
What are IADL's? - correct answers:daily living functions instrumental to life
e.g. handling finances, preparing meals, shopping, driving/transportation
Functional Classification of Age groups:
Young adult
Middle Age
Correct Answers
Focus of Geriatric Care - correct answers:Maintaining independence. Addresses loss of function,
maintenance of function and promotion of function
Distinguishing feature of geriatric patient - correct answers:Variability
E.g. Rate of age related decline in organ function in older adults varies greatly
Factors that contribute to individual aging - correct answers:gender, lifestyle, sociological factors, disease
susceptibility, genetics, vaiability of organ system aging, psychological factors, environment
Normal aging - correct answers:a collective set of diseases & impairments that typically occur with
advanced age
Successful Aging - correct answers:refers to minimizing negative aging and preserving function
Frailty - correct answers:state of reduced physiological reserves associated with increased susceptibility
to disability
Homeostatic strain - correct answers:onset of new disease leads to various symptoms which compromise
homeostasis leading to inadequate function and eventual death
Failure to thrive - correct answers:term used to describe older adults with weight loss, exhibiting decline
in physical or cognitive function or both and demonstrating signs of hopelessness/helplessness.
Ageism - correct answers:unfair judging of older adults simply because of their advanced age
(perceptions / predjudices / stereotyping)
What is the most preventable condition in geriatric care? - correct answers:Iatrogenesis: harm caused to
patient by physician treatment
,major causes of Iatrogenesis - correct answers:relocation, drugs, hospitalization
What are key considerations of geriatric care? - correct answers:Healthcare provider needs to be an
advocate, multiple causes for each problem, recovery is much slower, environment greater role, families
of patients involved, prevalence of chronic/acute diseases, optimal care requires interdisciplinary team,
balance for patient's rights and safety
Red flags in Geriatric Care - correct answers:Functional decline
Loss of appetite
Mood changes
Social withdrawal
...CHANGE!
Generally, what region of the country has higher percentages of older adults in the population? - correct
answers:Mid central and northern heartland
How do the following impact life expectancy?
Gender
Socioeconomic status
Education
Socialization
Ethnicity - correct answers:Women live longer than men
Most deprived have shorter life expectancies
Better educated can live up to 5-7 years longer than minimally educated people
Socialization contributes to longevity
Asian> White> Hispanic> Black >Native American
What are leading causes causes of hospitalization in older adults? - correct answers:Heart disease,
pneumonia, cerebrovascular disease, malignant neoplasms, fractures, osteoarthrosis
, What is the profile of the typical caregiver of an older adult? - correct answers:Female, usually spouse or
daughter
Average age = 63 years
Caregiver issues - correct answers:Major factor in keeping older adult in their own home; typically
costs/duties assumed by families and unknown to the system
Aging (More definitions) - correct answers:Decreased homeostatic reserve; decreased ability to return to
baseline function after some insult
Sum of all changes occurring over time (biological, social, economic, psychological)
Some consequences of immobilization - correct answers:Stiffness, contractures, loss of strength,
confusion, sensory loss, depression, malnutrition, osteoporosis, dehydration, thrombosis, hypothermia,
pressure sores, constipation
At what age is one of the biggest declines in function? - correct answers:30 years old...
(NOOOO!!!!!!!)
True or False "Function and not age is the best criteria for medical decision making" - correct
answers:True
What are ADL's? - correct answers:simple personal self-care skills
e.g. dress, bathe, toileting, continence, ambulation, transfer
What are IADL's? - correct answers:daily living functions instrumental to life
e.g. handling finances, preparing meals, shopping, driving/transportation
Functional Classification of Age groups:
Young adult
Middle Age
