Gerontology
What is the Gerontology
holistic study of the aging processes and indiviuals as they mature throughout the adult life span
Name the three most common inflammatory joint diseases affecting the older person
rheumatoid arthritis, gout and pseudogout
3 major biological defense mechanisms that protect the body
1. Physical, anatomical, biochemical
2. Innate immune system
3. Adaptive immune system
What is cellulitis and what are some common symptoms?
acute bacterial infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue
inflammation, pain, heat, redness, swelling, weeping
What are some causes of unintentional weightloss?
Depression, medication, isolation, dependent, improper assistance, pain, xerostmia, dehydration, food insecurity, dysphagia etc...
What is Geriatrics?
study of health and disease later in life, comprehensive health care of older people and their caregivers
What is the difference between Osteoporosis and Osteomalacia?
Osteoporosis bone mass decreases, but bone matrix remains normal.
Osteomalacia the bone matrix ratio is low usually resulting from vitamin D deficiency
What is Bacteraemia?
microorganisms introduced to the blood stream
ex: catheters, skin infections
The waterproof barrier in the epidermis continually regenerating and shedding
What is Xerostomia?
Dry mouth can affect taste perception, hinder swallowing, and cause insufficient retention of dentures
What is senescence?
Progressive deterioration of body systems that increase mortality as indivduals age
A patient with dementia is a falls risk and has been given a bed alarm. The nurse lowers the bed to the lowest position, raises the bed rails to prevent the patient from falling out and ensures the resident has their call bell.
Did the nurse provide proper care? If yes, what should she have changed?
BED RAILS BUDDY
Factors that increase the likelihood of skin infections
reduced activity, malnutrition, dehydration
What happens to the epidermis at age 50?
thins, less moisture, mitosis slows by 30%, longer healing time, increased risk of infection
What are the interventions for Dysphagia safety?
Gentle cough after each swallow
Thinned/thickened food
upright after meals
What are 5 chronic diseases that the older population have?
heart disease, cancer, stroke, alzheimers, diabetes
Your patient has fallen, what steps do you take
Pt is assessed (vitals, head to toe) condition/circumstances of the fall (tripped/wet floor) provide treatment/care and monitor for injuries that may not be apparent, collaborate with healthcare team, post fall assessment, referral if necessary
What illness is the most common cause of death in those 65+
Pneumonia
What are the three stages of wound healing
Inflammation, Proliferation, Maturation
True or false
The amount of time spent in deeper levels of sleep diminishes with aging?
True
What is Jungs theory of aging?
As a person ages, the shift of
focus goes from extroversion
to introversion
True or False
95% of hip fractures are caused by falls
True
True or false, UTIs are more prevalent in men, with only 12% accounting for women
FALSE
What is Xerosis?
dry, flaky, scaly crusty skin, most common on legs, hands and trunk
Define Myoclonus
Sudden contractions of muscles and tingling feelings in the legs, also known as restless leg syndrome