Chapter 38- Geriatrics

Question 1

What is an effective communication technique when communicating with a geriatric patient?

Answer 1

Use written instructions in block print.

Question 2

Which age-related change occurs in the cornea?

Answer 2

Thickens, with decreased curve
Becomes more opaque
The anterior chamber decreases in size and volume and the number of rods and nerve in the retina decreases.

Question 3

Which disorder will cause a pt to experience buzzing in the ears?

Answer 3

Tinnitus

Question 4

Tinnitus-

Answer 4

A hearing disorder in which the pt may hear a buzzing or ringing sound in the ears.

Question 5

Glaucoma-

Answer 5

Is an eye disease in which a blockage of the outflow of aqueous humor causes damage to the otic nerve.

Question 6

Presbyopia-

Answer 6

A vision problem in which the pt cannot focus on close objects

Question 7

Presbycusis:

Answer 7

Is the inability to hear high frequencies and differentiate sounds

Question 8

Which age related change in the musculoskeletal system is seen in geriatric patients ?

Answer 8

Loss of bone density due to hormonal changes, diet, exercise or heredity
- decrease in muscle mass, gain weight, cartilage loss and degeneration

Question 9

Which lifestyle factor plays a role in diabetes management for older people?

Answer 9

Poor nutrition

Question 10

Which age related change occurs in the gastrointestinal system?

Answer 10

Difficulty swallowing
- decrease taste buds, decrease hydrochloric acid and stomach that empties slower

Question 11

Which hormone decreases with age?

Answer 11

Growth hormone

Question 12

Which hormones increase with age?

Answer 12

Parathyroid & luteinizing hormone

Question 13

Which hormone remain mostly unchanged as the body ages?

Answer 13

Thyroid hormones

Question 14

Which is an accurate statement regarding the normal aging process?

Answer 14

Most aging people are likely to have health issues

Question 15

Which condition occurs in geriatric male patients that can cause difficulty with urination?

Answer 15

Enlargement of the prostate
- pressing down on the urethra causes urination difficulty

Question 16

Impotence-

Answer 16

Affects sexual function

Question 17

Testosterone levels decrease or increase in aging males?

Answer 17

Decreases

Question 18

Which food will help prevent macular degeneration?

Answer 18

Leafy vegetables - contain antioxidants, like vitamin C, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin

Question 19

What food prevents the risk of cardiovascular disease?

Answer 19

Whole grains

Question 20

Which statement is true regarding the Shringix vaccine ?

Answer 20

It consists of two doses, separated by 2 to 6 month. Recommend for anyone 60 and older and is administered to prevent shingles.

Question 21

Which is the most common endocrine system disorder seen on older adult?

Answer 21

Diabetes mellitus, type 2 (a result of a decrease in insulin production and and increase in insulin resistance at the tissue level).

Question 22

Arteriosclerosis:

Answer 22

A cardiovascular condition that involves the thickening of the vessel walls

Question 23

Which condition can cause a geriatric pt to have trouble differentiating green from blue?

Answer 23

Yellowing of the lenses of the eyes with age
(It’s not an disorder but a common age related issue)

Question 24

Decrease in pupil size-

Answer 24

Limits the amount of light that can reach the retina

Question 25

Overexposure to sun-

Answer 25

Will cause the skin problems but not the pt inability to differentiate between colors

Question 26

Which are myths and stereotypes about aging?

Answer 26

• most older adults have dementia
• most older adults acquire disease as a result of aging
• most older adults are not interested in sexual relations

Question 27

Which medication considerations are important when treating an older pt with diabetes?

Answer 27

• older pt may have decreased mental abilities to understand and adhere to a complicated medication treatment plan
  -older pt are more likely to be prescribed more medications and therefore have an increased risk of adverse drug interactions.

Question 28

Which guidance should be procided if a patient who was vaccinated with Zostravax is inquiring about the Shingrix vaccine?

Answer 28

• the Shringix vaccine is recommend after waiting at least 2 months after receiving the Zostravax vaccine
• The Shringix vaccine will be administered in two doses, which will be separated 2 to 5 months apart

Question 29

Which statement accurately describes the middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease and would be included when providing education to family?

Answer 29

Your other may become moody, suspicious, compulsive, repetitive and angry.

Question 30

Which statements convey truth to family members who are concerned about aging parents?

Answer 30

• your older parents have the ability to create new memories
• your parents should stay active to help keep them independent
• your parents are less likely to be depressed compared to younger adults

Question 31

Which interventions are helpful to a visually impaired older adult?

Answer 31

• instruct the pt to use glare free lights
• use large prints on handouts while teaching the pt
• ask the pharmacist to label medication bottles with large bottles

Question 32

Which condition can be experienced in a geriatric pt who is disagnosed with presbyopia?

Answer 32

The pt cannot read a newspaper without corrective lenses

Question 33

Which cardiovascular conditions are commonly seen in geriatric pt?

Answer 33

Hypertension
Arteriosclerosis
Orthostatic hypotension

Question 34

Which is the most likely cause of hoarseness in the voice of geriatric pt?

Answer 34

A normal change in the larynx

Question 35

Which advice is suggested to a geriatric pt to prevent deterioration in sensory functions?

Answer 35

Attend annual eye examinations
Lower the volume when watching tv
Include dark green, leafy vegetables in your diet

Question 36

Which medication is used to treat osteoporosis?

Answer 36

Risedronate

Question 37

Which instructions will be given to geriatric pt to improve sleep?

Answer 37

Change eating times
Reduce the amount of caffeine
Take fewer naps

Question 38

Which response offers correct information for a pt concerned about vision changes when getting older?

Answer 38

Although you may need more light to read, too much light may cause problems with glare

Question 39

Which actions can an older or pt perform to prevent dry skin?

Answer 39

Use a room humidifier
Use a moisturizer daily
Mild cleansing cream

Question 40

Which statement indicates that the pt has a risk of skin dryness?

Answer 40

I take a bath with hot water

Question 41

Which is a characteristic of cholinesterase inhibitors?

Answer 41

The medications prevent further memory deterioration

Question 42

Which age related change in the gastrointestinal system can cause constiptation?

Answer 42

Decreases peristalsis

Question 43

Which instructions are provided to a pt to prevent the progression of hypertension?

Answer 43

• avoid sweet foods
• reduce fats and oily and foods
• eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Question 44

Which is a characteristic of vaginal dryness in an older pt?

Answer 44

It is caused by a decrease in estrogen levels

Question 45

Which nervous system disorders are found in geriatric pt?

Answer 45

Dementia
Parkinson disease
Alzheimer’s disease