Body Functions
What do cells need in order to survive ?
Oxygen, Nutrients and water
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which needs must be met first?
Physiological needs, such as food, water, oxygen, sleep and shelter.
As people age, does their skin typically become thicker or thinner?
Thinner. Aging skin becomes thinner, more fragile and more easily damaged.
What is the difference between an acute illness and a chronic illness?
Acute illness: Develops suddenly or over a short period of time and is generally short-term.
Chronic illness: A long-lasting condition that may require ongoing care and management.
What is the main function of the respiratory system?
To bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide.
What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
Sympathetic: Prepares the body for fight or flight (increases heart rate and breathing).
Parasympathetic: Helps the body rest and digest (slows heart rate and supports digestion).
During which stage of development do children typically begin to seek approval from others and want to feel popular or accepted by their peers?
School-age childhood. Children become increasingly interested in friendships, peer acceptance and gaining approval from others.
As people age, what two changes can occur in their peripheral vision and their ability to adjust to different lighting?
1. Peripheral vision decreases.
2. It becomes harder to adjust to darkness or bright light.
What is the difference between left-sided and right-sided congestive heart failure (CHF)? Name one symptom of each.
Left-sided CHF: Fluid backs up into the lungs, causing shortness of breath or coughing.
Right-sided CHF: Fluid backs up into the body, causing swelling in the legs, ankles or feet.
What is the difference between delirium and dementia?
Delirium: A sudden change in mental status or confusion, often caused by an illness or infection, which may be reversible.
Dementia: A usually gradual, progressive decline in memory and thinking abilities that affects daily living.
What are the four main types of tissue found in the human body?
1. Epithelial tissue
2. Connective tissue
3. Muscle tissue
4. Nervous tissue
According to Erikson's theory, what is the main developmental task of middle adulthood?
Generativity versus stagnation. Adults focus on contributing to society, guiding younger generations and feeling a sense of purpose.
An older adult has difficulty hearing you because of age-related hearing changes. What are three ways an HCA can improve communication?
Any three: Speak face-to-face without shouting; reduce background noise; get the client's attention before speaking; speak clearly without covering your mouth; ensure hearing aids are working properly.
A client with COPD becomes short of breath while getting dressed. What are three ways an HCA can help?
Any three: Allow frequent rest breaks; encourage the client to take their time; help the client sit upright; assist with dressing as needed; report worsening shortness of breath to the nurse.
What is the main function of joints in the body?
To connect bones and allow movement.
What is the difference between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
Central nervous system (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS): Consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that carry messages between the CNS and the rest of the body.
Name three physical changes that may occur as a person approaches death.
Any three: Changes in breathing patterns; cool or mottled skin; decreased urine output; increased sleeping or reduced responsiveness; reduced appetite and fluid intake.
As people age, what three changes occur in the brain and nervous system that may affect their daily activities?
1. Brain cells shrink and blood flow to the brain decreases.
2. Reflexes and reaction times become slower.
3. Memory and information processing may become slower.
A client with chronic kidney disease may need to limit foods high in potassium. Name two foods that are high in potassium.
Bananas and potatoes. Other acceptable examples include oranges and tomatoes.
An older adult with dementia becomes increasingly confused and restless in the late afternoon or evening. What is this behaviour called, and what are two ways an HCA can help?
Sundowning. Any two: Maintain a calm, familiar routine; reduce noise and distractions; provide reassurance; ensure adequate lighting.
What are the three main types of blood vessels, and what is the function of each?
Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart.
Veins: Carry blood back to the heart.
Capillaries: Allow the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste between blood and body tissues.
According to Erikson's theory, what is the difference between generativity versus stagnation and integrity versus despair?
Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood): Adults focus on contributing to society, supporting others, and feeling productive.
Integrity vs. Despair (Older Adulthood): Adults reflect on their lives and either feel satisfaction and acceptance or regret and disappointment.
Why are older adults at increased risk of skin tears and pressure injuries? Name three age-related changes to the skin.
1. Skin becomes thinner and more fragile.
2. Skin loses elasticity and becomes drier.
3. There is less protective fat beneath the skin.
A client with a chronic illness becomes increasingly dependent on their HCA for tasks they are still physically capable of doing. What is this called, and how should the HCA respond?
Learned dependence. The HCA should encourage the client to do as much as they safely can for themselves, allowing time and offering assistance only when needed to promote independence.
A client is unable to tell you when they are experiencing pain. Name four non-verbal signs an HCA might observe that could indicate pain.
Any four: Facial grimacing; moaning or groaning; restlessness; holding or rubbing a painful area; withdrawal or irritability; refusing to move.