Caring for Older Adults : Info from Mosby's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker - E-Book – Sheila A. Sorrentino, Leighann Remmert, Mary J. Wilk, Rosemary Newmaster

Question 1

Feelings of intolerance or prejudice toward a person or group of people because of their age.

Answer 1

agism

Question 2

A decrease in size or wasting away of tissue.

Answer 2

atrophy

Question 3

The unfair treatment of people on the basis of such aspects as their physical characteristics, health history, or group membership.

Answer 3

discrimination

Question 4

Difficulty swallowing

Answer 4

dysphagia

Question 5

Difficult, laboured, or painful breathing.

Answer 5

dyspnea

Question 6

The branch of medicine that provides care for older adults.

Answer 6

geriatrics

Question 7

The study of the aging process.

Answer 7

gerontology

Question 8

An overly simple or exaggerated view of a group of people.

Answer 8

stereotype

Question 9

In late adulthood nails become thick and tough.

T or F

Answer 9

True

Question 10

In late adulthood, changes to the nervous system cause

Answer 10

Vision and hearing decrease
Senses of taste, smell, and touch decrease Sensitivity to pain is reduced
Blood flow to the brain is reduced
Cells shrink
Memory becomes shorter (forgetfulness)
Ability to respond slows Sleep patterns change Dizziness occurs

Question 11

In late adulthood, changes to the digestive system cause

Answer 11

Saliva production decreases
Swallowing becomes difficult
Appetite decreases Secretion of digestive juices decreases Digesting fried and fatty foods becomes difficult Indigestion occurs
Teeth fall out
Peristalsis decreases, causing flatulence and constipation

Question 12

In late adulthood, changes to the urinary system cause

Answer 12

Blood supply to kidneys is reduced 
Kidneys atrophy 
Kidney function decreases 
Urine becomes concentrated 
Urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence may occur Nighttime urination may occur

Question 13

Normal aging does not mean loss of health, so quality of life does not have to change with aging.
T or F

Answer 13

True

Question 14

Dry skin is easily damaged and causes itching, so older adults with dry skin should have daily showers or tub baths.
T or F

Answer 14

False

Dry skin is easily damaged and causes itching, so older adults with dry skin should AVOID daily showers or tub baths.

Question 15

There must be a doctor’s order for applying heat or cold to your client.
T or F

Answer 15

True

Fragile skin, poor circulation, and decreased sensitivity to heat can all increase the risk of burns.

Question 16

Normal breathing should be promoted in older clients. Heavy bed linens should not cover the client’s chest because they can prevent normal chest expansion.
T or F

Answer 16

True

Question 17

In older adults, arteries lose their elasticity and become narrow. These changes result in: 
A A slower heart rate 
B Lower blood pressure 
C Poor circulation to many body parts 
D Less blood in the body

Answer 17

C Poor circulation to many body parts

Question 18

Older adults should avoid fried and fatty foods because of: 
A Decrease in saliva secretion 
B Ill-fitting dentures or loss of teeth 
C Decreased amount of digestive juices 
D A decreased sense of taste

Answer 18

C Decreased amount of digestive juices

Question 19

A physician orders increased fluid intake for an older client. You should:
A Give most of the fluid before 1700 h (5:00 p.m.) B Provide mostly water
C Start a bladder training program
D Insert an indwelling urinary catheter

Answer 19

A Give most of the fluid before 1700 h (5:00 p.m.)