Developmental Stages
On average, who lives longer in the US?
What is
Women
According to the Erikson's theory, what age range falls in the older adults category?
What is
65 years and older
This type of memory may decrease with normal aging
What is
short term memory
The nurse should assess these four areas in all older adults to identify changes in their overall functioning
What are
mood, cognition, ADL's, and IADL's
As aging occurs, adults may feel this emotion more, especially when experiencing a loss
What is
grief
What age group is defined as "middle old" in older adults?
What is
Ages 75-84
What is Erikson's final psychosocial stage, involving reflection on one's life and feelings of fulfillment or regret?
What is
integrity vs. despair
This is the ability to bathe, dress, or feed yourself
What are
ADL's
When communicating with an older adult with dementia, the nurse should use this type of sentence to make information easier to understand
What are
short, simple sentences with one idea at a time
As adults age and mobility declines, what can be a health concern that may arise?
What is
increased skin breakdown
What is the cornerstone of Erikson's psychosocial stage?
What is
the acceptance that ones life had meaning and that death is the continuum of life
How does an older adult achieve integrity?
What is
reflecting on their life, accepting both successes and failures, and feeling that their life had meaning
This condition is NOT considered a normal part of aging
What is
dementia
Frequent falls and loss of balance in an older adult should be assessed further instead of being considered this
What is
normal aging
What are some preventative measures an older adult can take to maintain their physical health?
(Name 2-3)
What are
getting health screenings, managing chronic problems, reducing risk for falls, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, being mindful of your diet, getting enough sleep, being physically active
What can worsen depression symptoms in older adults?
What is
Chronic medical conditions
How can a nurse support an older adult with trying to achieve integrity?
by encouraging life review, listening to their experiences, and promoting independence and decision making
Older adults are at increased risk for this because of decreased strength and balance
What are
falls
If a nurse suspects that an older adult is being abused, this becomes the nurse's first priority
What is
the patients safety
What health concerns regarding the endocrine system may older adults face?
What are
decreased insulin release, thyroid function, and estrogen and testosterone
What are 3 effects that physical development in older adults can have on the cardiovascular system?
What is
Decreased cardiac output; increased peripheral resistance, systolic bp
What is the virtue gained in the final stage of Erikson's theory?
What is
wisdom
According to Erikson, older adults experience ego integrity vs. what?
What is
despair
To help maintain strength, mobility, and independence, the nurse should teach older adults to continue this as safely as they are able.
What is
physical activity
List findings in older adults that would require further assessment (list 2-3)
What are
sudden/major declines in ADL's, repeated falls, progressive loss in familiar skills, or sudden functional decline