Diet & Fuel
This specific BMI range is often considered "healthy" for adults over 65 to provide a nutritional reserve.
What is 23–30 (Slightly higher than the standard 18.5–24.9 is protective in seniors)?
This age-related change in the mouth leads to decreased appetite and difficulty swallowing.
What is Xerostomia (dry mouth)?
This type of incontinence occurs with sudden intra-abdominal pressure, like coughing or sneezing.
What is Stress Incontinence?
This butterfly-shaped gland regulates metabolism and often slows down in older adults.
What is Thyroid Gland?
The "three P's" that are hallmark clinical manifestations of hyperglycemia.
What is Polyuria, Polydipsia, Polyphagia?
Order: 500 mL 0.9% NS over 4 hours. Calculate the mL/hr.
What is 125 mL/hr?
(Step: 500 mL / 4 hrs = 125)
Lack of this "intrinsic factor" in the aging stomach can lead to a deficiency in this vital vitamin.
What is Vitamin B12 (Pernicious Anemia)?
This is the most common cause of constipation in older adults, rather than aging itself.
What is Diet/Low Fiber Intake (rather than just physiological slowing)?
This term describes the need for an older adult to wake up multiple times at night to urinate.
What is Nocturia?
In older adults, symptoms of this thyroid condition are often "masked" or mistaken for depression.
What is Hypothyroidism?
This 3-month average blood glucose test is the gold standard for monitoring long-term diabetes control.
What is Hemoglobin A1C?
Order: 1,000 mL D5W over 8 hours. Drop factor: 15 gtt/mL. Find the gtt/min.
What is 31 gtt/min?
(Step: [1000 mL × 15 gtt] / [8 hrs × 60 min] = 15,000 / 480 = 31.25)
This is the recommended daily fiber intake (in grams) for older adults to maintain bowel health.
What is 20–30 grams?
This GI condition involves small pouches bulging out through weak spots in the colon wall, common in seniors.
What is Diverticulosis?
This is why older adults are more susceptible to UTIs despite a lack of traditional fever.
What is Asymptomatic Bacteriuria or decreased immune response (confusion is the key indicator)?
This "ensemble view" of aging includes the transition into menopause and this male equivalent.
What is Andropause?
This life-threatening Type 2 complication involves extreme dehydration without significant ketosis.
What is HHS (Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome)?
Order: Humulin R 8 units SC. Available: 100 units/mL. How many mL will you give?
What is 0.08 mL?
(Step: 8 units / 100 units/mL = 0.08 mL)
This nutritional screening tool is commonly used to identify older adults at risk for malnutrition.
What is Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)?
This age-related change in the stomach lining can lead to decreased acid and malabsorption.
What is Atrophic Gastritis?
This type of incontinence happens when a patient cannot reach the toilet due to physical or cognitive limitations.
What is Functional Incontinence?
These are the "Big 3" clinical signs of Hypothyroidism in seniors: fatigue, cold intolerance, and...
What is Constipation?
This morning hyperglycemia is a rebound response to low blood sugar during the night.
What is Somogyi Effect?
Order: Heparin 1,200 units/hr. Available: 25,000 units in 500 mL D5W. Find the mL/hr.
What is 24 mL/hr?
(Step: [1,200 units / 25,000 units] × 500 mL = 24)
Older adults should be encouraged to consume this many mL of fluid daily to prevent dehydration.
What is 1,500–2,000 mL (or 30 mL/kg of body weight)?
This is the medical term for "difficulty swallowing," a major risk factor for aspiration in seniors.
What is Dysphagia?
This value is a better indicator of renal function in the elderly than serum creatinine alone.
What is Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) or Creatinine Clearance?
This syndrome involves excessive ADH, leading to water retention and dangerously low sodium.
What is SIADH?
The nurse must clarify giving this type of insulin (e.g., Glargine) when a patient is NPO for surgery.
What is Basal (Long-acting) Insulin?
Patient weighs 176 lbs. Order: 0.5 units/kg of insulin daily. Total daily units?
What is 40 units?
(Step: 176 lbs / 2.2 = 80 kg; 80 kg × 0.5 units/kg = 40)