A
Myth or Fact: After the age of 70 all patient require a hearing aid to hear
Myth
Myth or fact: All elderly people require being placed in facilities due to being unable to take care of themselves
Myth
What is the scientific study of aging and the problems of the old?
Gerontology
TRUE or FALSE: All body systems slow down and decrease efficiency as we reach the geriatric stage
True
What is a DNR and what does is mean?
DO NOT RESUSCITATE. If someone loses a pulse they wish to not have CPR performed
What is the basis behind hospice care?
Care that provides support and comfort while pain is controlled
What is a terminal illness?
disease that can not be cured and will result in death
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation in the joints that causes stiffness and pain
What are cataracts?
When the lens of eye becomes cloudy or opaque
What is dysphagia?
When the esophageal muscles weaken and causes difficulty in swallowing
What is a living will?
Wishes about medical treatments for the end of life in writing in the event that they cannot communicate those wishes directly
What is an advanced directive/living will?
A document that states what your medical wishes would be if you were unable to voice those decisions yourself
What happens to a person's skin as they are dying?
it may become mottled, cyanotic, or cool to the touch
What happens to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs as we age?
Alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs become thinner and less elastic
Blood vessels become more or less elastic as we age
Less
When caring for an elderly patient with respiratory issues, what are 2 considerations you could take to help manage breathing difficulties?
Proper body alignment can ease breathing difficulties
Sleeping in a semi-Fowler’s position with two or three pillows elevating the upper body
Avoid polluted air such as smoke filled rooms
Breathing deeply and coughing frequently helps clear the lung passages and increase lung capacity
Portable oxygen tank if necessary
This stage of grief is described by patients/family members becoming agitated or hostile. They may say things such as "this is your fault, you did this to me."
Anger
What are the 5 stages of dying/grief?
Denial
Acceptance
Bargaining
Anger
Depression
"No, you must have the wrong test. I need you to to run it again, it's wrong." Is an example of which stage of Greif?
Denial
During this stage of grief, patients may make promises with God to obtain more time.
Bargaining
Describe the process of dying in relation to your pulses
As we die and the heart weakens we begin to lose pulses. Starting from the extremities towards the core of the body
What is the difference between delirium and dementia?
Dementia is a chronic/long term confusion, delirium is a temporary confusion
Why is the elderly population more susceptible to pneumonia?
Respiratory muscles weaken and they have difficulty coughing up secretions
A condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision
Glaucoma
What are Cheyne-Stokes respirations?
Breathing that consists of alternate tachypneic and apneic phases