CP 20, The Aging Adult
About this set
Created by:
Clittzen on April 9, 2011
Subjects:
Description:
Objectives:
Describe the common myths of aging.
Describe nursing interventions to promote health for older adults.
Classes:
Nursing 131, BCCC 2011 Fundamentals
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42 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 Ageism | Attitudes that stereotype the older adult on the basis of chronological age. |
| Alzheimer's Disease | Type of dementia in which discrete patches of brain tissue degenerate; this devastating disease eventually affects all body functions. |
| Cascade Iatrogenesis | Downward spiral or sequence of adverse events often triggered by a medical or surgical intervention during the hospitalization of an older adult. |
| Delirium | A temporary state of confusion. |
| Dementia | Organic impairment of intellectual functioning, gradually leading to interference with social or occupational functioning, memory, and often personality integration. |
| Functional Health | Level of health defined by ones ability to carry out usual and desired daily activities. |
| Gerontologic Nursing | Nursing specialty concerned with the care of the older adults. |
| Gerontology | Study of all aspects of the aging process and their consequences. |
| Life Review | Universal phenomenon identified by Butler as a review of ones life through ones recollections. |
| Middle Adult | The adult between the ages of 40 and 60 years. |
| Older Adult | Refers to adults over age of 65. |
| Polypharmacy | The use of many medications at the same time. |
| Reality Orientation | Method of care used to promote awareness of reality in confused or disoriented patients. |
| Social Isolation | Sense of aloneness because of decreasing relationship with others, resulting from attitudinal, geographic, financial, or illness-related factors. |
| Sun-downing Syndrome | Describes a phenomenon when a person habitually becomes confused or disoriented with darkness. |
| What are the physical changes in the middle adult? | Fatty tissue is redistributed: men tend to develop abdominal fat, women thicken through the middle. Wrinkle lines appear on the face. Gray hair appears, and man may lose hair on their head. Cardiac output begins to decrease. Muscle mass, strength, and agility gradually decrease. Loss of calcium from bones, especially in premenopausal women. Fatique increases. Visual acuity diminishes, especially in near vision (Presbyopia). Hearing acuity diminishes, especially for high pitched noises. Hormone production decreases, resulting in menopause or andropause. |
| What is Erikson's Theory of Development in regards to the Middle Adult? | Generativity versus stagnation. The tasks are to establish and guide the next generation, accept middle age changes, adjust to the needs of aging parents, and reevaluate ones goals and accomplishments. Those who do not achieve these tasks tend to focus on themselves, becoming overly concerned with their own physical and emotional health needs. |
| What is Havighurt's Theory of Development in regards to the Middle-Adult? | Learned behaviors arising from maturation, personal motives and values, and civic responsibility. Must accept and adjust to physical changes, maintain a satisfactory occupation, assist children to become responsible adults, adjust to aging parents, and relate to one's spouse or partner as a person. |
| What is Levinson's Theory of Development in regards to the Middle-Adult? | May choose either to continue an established lifestyle or to reorganize ones life in a period of midlife transition. |
| What is Gould's Theory of Development in regards to the Middle-Adult? | View the middle years as a time when adults look inward, accept their life span as having definite boundaries, and have a special interest in spouse, friends and community, and increase their feelings of self-satisfaction, value spouse as a companion, and become more concerned with health. |
| What are adjustments that middle adulthood may encompass? | Employment changes, Spousal Relationship changes, changes and changes with relationships with children and aging family members. |
| What is the role of the Nurse in promoting health and preventing illness in the Middle-Adult? | By teaching, serving as a role model, and encouraging self-care responsibilities. Teaching to eat a diet low in fat and cholesterol, including fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and use sugar, salt, and sodium in moderation. Make exercise a regular part of life. Drink alcohol in moderation if at all. Do not smoke. |
| What is the reality of the myth, "Old age begins at 65 years of age?" | Defining 65 years of age as "old age" happened arbitrarily when 65 years of age was set for Social Security payments in the 1930s, based on the labor market and the economy of that time. |
| What is the reality of the myth, "Most older adults live in nursing homes?" | Only about 7% of older adults live in nursing homes. Most older adults own their own homes; 30% live alone, 54% live with spouses, and the rest live with family or friends. |
| What is the reality of the myth, "Most older adults are sick?" | Fully 65% of all older adults rate their health as good or excellent. |
| What is the reality of the myth, "Old age means mental deterioration?" | Although response time may be prolonged from a longer processing time, neither intelligence or personality normally decrease because of aging. |
| What is the reality of the myth, "Older adults are not interested in sex?" | Although sexual activity may be less frequent, the ability to perform and enjoy sexual activity lasts well into the 90s in healthy older adults. |
| What is the reality of the myth, "Most older adults are isolated and lonely?" | Loneliness results from death of loved ones or other losses, just as it does for people of all ages. Many older adults are active in social and community activities. |
| What is the reality of the myth, "Bladder problems are a problem of aging?" | Incontinence is not a part of aging; it requires medical attention. |
| What is the reality of the myth, "Older adults do not deserve aggressive treatment for serious illnesses?" | Older adults deserve aggressive treatment if they want aggressive treatment. |
| What is Eriksons Theory of Development as it pertains to the Older-Adult? | Integrity versus despair, the last stage of human development. Continue to look forward but now also look back and begin to reflect on their life. It is a time for realization of a wholeness perspective, with an inner search for meaning an order in the life cycle. Often go through "life review". |
| What is the nurses role in promoting health and preventing illness in the older-adult? | Teach the patient and family general health-promotion activities. Eat a diet that includes all food groups; is low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol; balances calories with physical activity; has recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, and grains; and uses sugars and salt in moderation. Make exercise a part of daily activity, drink alcohol in moderation, do not smoke. |
| A older adult is more likely to suffer then a younger adult with what? | Multiple system dysfunction, iatrogenic complications (caused by medications or treatments), accidents such as falls, and increasing dependence and confusion. |
| In promoting health in older adults, what are nursing actions for physiologic function being an area of concern? | Maintain physiologic reserves, Maintain ongoing assessments for early detection of problems. Review perceptions of current health status, health problems, and prescribed OTC meds. Include nursing care and maintain physical status, such as skin care and planned rest and activity. |
| In promoting health in older adults, what are nursing actions for cognitive function being an area of concern? | Slow pace of activity and wait for responses, be sure eyeglasses and hearing aids are used; ensure lenses are clean and batteries are strong. |
| In promoting health in older adults, what are nursing actions for Psychosocial needs being an area of concern? | Be aware that illness, hospitalization, or changes in living arrangements are major stressors. Assess and support sources of strength, including cultural and spiritual values and rituals. Encourage the use of support systems: family, friends community resources, and pets. Set mutual goals and encourage the patients role in making decisions about care. Encourage life review and reminiscence. Encourage self-care. Consider that patients background, interests, capabilities, values, culture, and lifestyle when planning care. |
| In promoting health in older adults, what are nursing actions for Nutrition being an area of concern? | Assess for loss or damaged teeth; ensure dentures fit properly; provide foods appropriate to the patients health ability to chew. Asses height, weight, eating patterns, and food choices. If weight is being lost, assess income, storage, and transportation. Assess swallowing ability, consider using supplements. |
| In promoting health in older adults, what are nursing actions for Sleep and Rest being an area of concern? | Discourage excessive napping. Assess normal bedtime, time for rising, bedtime rituals, effects of pain, medications, anxiety, and depression. |
| In promoting health in older adults, what are nursing actions for Elimination being an area of concern? | Assess frequency of bladder elimination as well as problems with incontinence. Assess normal times for bowl movements, changes in activity, privacy, and medications. Ensure that the floor is not cluttered, the toilet is easily accessible, lighting is adequate, and privacy is provided. Suggest having safety bars installed in the bathroom. Review diet for necessary fluid and fiber content. |
| In promoting health in older adults, what are nursing actions for Activity and Exercise being an area of concern? | Assess ability to walk; ensure that assisted devices are available. Consider effects of illness, surgery, medications, and changes in diet and fluid intake on strength and motor function. Ensure an uncluttered environment with good lighting; suggest using a night light and removing throw rugs. Slow the pace of care, allowing extra time to carry out activities. |
| In promoting health in older adults, what are nursing actions for Sexuality being an area of concern? | Assist as necessary with hygiene, hair care, oral care, clean clothing and bedding, makeup and shaving. Maintain a clean, odor free environment. Demonstrate genuine caring, ask preferred name, listen carefully, and respect belongings. Discuss safe sex if appropriate. Discuss water soluble lubricants for women; refer men for evaluation if erectile dysfunction is a concern. |
| In promoting health in older adults, what are nursing actions for Meeting Developmental Tasks as an area of concern? | Promote continued development and maintenance of functional health by identifying unmet tasks, feelings of isolation, and physical or sensory limitations. Assist in finding creative solutions for developmental tasks. Collaborate with other health care providers to provide information and referral to community resources for the patient and family. |
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