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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 glaucoma?
A condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision
In regards to the integumentary system, why does the elderly population tend to feel cold
Decrease in fatty tissue and poor circulation
Blood vessels become more or less elastic as we age
Less
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 terminal illness?
disease that can not be cured and will result in death
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
Why is the elderly population more susceptible to pneumonia?
Respiratory muscles weaken and they have difficulty coughing up secretions
What happens to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs as we age?
Alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs become thinner and less elastic
TRUE or FALSE: Age is not considered when selecting a recipient for organ donation
False
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
Name 2 considerations to take as a caregiver in regards to the musculoskeletal system?
Encouragement to exercise to help keep muscles active and joints flexible
Proper nutrition
Safe environment; grab bars in bathroom, hand rails in halls
Walkers and canes should be recommending if balance is poor
What is the difference between delirium and dementia?
Dementia is a chronic/long term confusion, delirium is a temporary confusion
"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
What is the most common organ transplanted?
The kidneys
What are the 5 stages of dying/grief?
Denial
Acceptance
Bargaining
Anger
Depression
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
True or false: Location of the patient and location of the donor does not matter when considering the candidate for an organ transplant
False
During this stage of grief, patients may make promises with God to obtain more time.
Bargaining
What is the only organ that cannot be transplanted?
The brain