The population estimated of older adult over 65 in 2060 will rise to 92 million. Currently, older women outnumber older men, but men are more likely to be married. It is expected that this discrepancy proportions between older women and men will continue to increase.
2. Describe the economic and cultural diversity of this group by 2050.
Between 2012 and 2050, Hispanic population is estimated to increased from 6.6% to 19.7%; the African American population from 8.3% to 13%; Asian/Pacific Islanders from 2.3% to 8.5%; American Indians/Alaskan Natives from 0.6% to 1%. However, the percentage …show more content…
Identify one cultural group (other than American) and explain how you will honor their beliefs about health and illness.
To honor the beliefs about health and illness that people have of other cultures, nurses should be respectful, listen, and understand the needs of the patient. To get a better understand of the patients beliefs, nurses can ask questions like “What do you rely on in times of need?,” “How does spirituality and religion impact your health and decisions about your health?”
For example, Chinese and other Asian groups that believe in yin and yang theory. When one is ill, they believe that there is imbalance and measures have to be taken to restore this balance (such as herb, acupuncture, acupressure). Nurses should be respectful of these beliefs.
4. What is polypharmacy and what is your role as a nurse working with patients on many medications?
Polypharmacy is defined as “giving medications without a clear indication, giving two similar medications for the same indication, giving medication that are contraindicated, and/or giving medications where the dosage is either too high or too low” (Meiner, pp. 365). Nurses should assess the drugs of the older adult patient, to make sure the patient doesn’t take the same drug, a similar drug from the same drug class, or drugs that are contraindicated when taken together. The nurse should also be aware if the patient has multiple physicians that are treating