Aging Gracefully
This normal aging change causes older adults to need brighter light when reading
What is decreased vision / decreased pupil response? Decreased accommodation?
Inability to fall asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or premature waking
What is insomnia?
This common side effect of many medications increases fall risk in older adults.
What is dizziness? (or sedation)
This is the most common cause of injury in older adults and should always be prioritized in safety planning.
What is Falls?
This intervention helps prevent skin breakdown in immobile patients and should be done at least every 2 hours.
What is repositioning or turning?
Is a deliberate threat or attempt to harm another person that the person believes could be carried through
What is Assault?
This sensory change makes it harder for older adults to hear high-pitched sounds. This is considered a normal part of aging.
What is presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)?
Neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move legs when one lies down
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
This term describes when a patient is taking multiple medications, increasing the risk for interactions and side effects.
What is polypharmacy?
Anything that restricts movement, can be physical or chemical
What is a restraint?
This area of the body is at highest risk for pressure injuries when a patient is lying on their back.
What is sacrum? Or will accept heels as well
Unconsented touching of another person in a socially impermissible manner or carrying through an assault. (i.e. performing a procedure without consent)
What is Battery?
This musculoskeletal change leads to decreased height and a slightly stooped posture in older adults.
What is bone density loss / spinal compression?
Pain that has been present for 3 months or longer
What is Chronic Pain?
Before administering a medication, the nurse should always verify these to ensure safe administration.
What is the 5 Rights of Administration?
This intervention should be used instead of restraints to reduce fall risk and maintain patient safety.
What is a bed alarm?
(also accept: frequent rounding, lowering bed, non-skid socks)
This early sign of a pressure injury includes redness that does not turn white when pressed.
What is non-blanchable redness?
Written form of defamation
What is libel?
This cardiovascular change is expected with aging and may result in slightly higher blood pressure.
What is decreased elasticity of blood vessels?
This is NOT a normal aging change and may indicate a neurological problem: sudden weakness on one side of the body.
What is stroke symptom?
This action is appropriate when a medication order seems too high or unsafe for an older adult.
What is hold the medication and notify the provider?
This medication side effect increases fall risk by causing dizziness and low blood pressure when standing.
What is orthostatic hypotension?
This nutrient is especially important for skin healing and preventing breakdown.
What is protein?
Unlawful restraint or detention of a person
What is false imprisonment?
This normal aging change in the urinary system may cause older adults to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
What is nocturia (or decreased bladder capacity)?
An older adult becomes newly incontinent of urine. This should be considered this rather than a normal part of aging.
What is UTI? (or new onset delirium, s/e new medications, depression, et.. just convince me you are correct
This over-the-counter medication can increase bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners and should be used cautiously.
What is aspirin (or NSAIDs like ibuprofen)?
This is the safest initial action when a patient at high risk for falls insists on going to the bathroom alone.
What is stay with the patient and assist them to the bathroom?
This action should be avoided because it can increase skin breakdown by causing friction and shear when moving a patient in bed.
What is dragging the patient across the bed?
(better practice: use a draw sheet or lift device)
Failure to abide by the standards of one's profession (i.e. not checking that a nasogastric tube is in the stomach before administering a tube feeding.)
What is malpractice?