Geriatric Prep Points

Front 1

3. Based on an understanding o the cognitive changes that normally occur with aging, what would you expect a newly hospitalized older adult to do?

Back 1

? Take longer to respond and react.

Front 2

4. Which of the following nursing actions would help maintain safety in the older adult?

Back 2

Orient the patient to new surroundings

Front 3

5. As defined by Erickson, in what stage of human development is the older adult?

Back 3

Ego-Integrity versus despair.

Front 4

3. Which of the following statements concerning the physical condition of older adults are accurate?

Back 4

a. In older adults, all organs undergo some degree of decline in overall functioning.
b. Body functions that require integrated activity of several organ systems are affected the most in older adults.
c. An older adult who lives alone is at greatest risk for loss of independence.
d. An older adult’s ability to adapt determines whether he/she is ill or healthy.

Front 5

4. Which of the following facts regarding Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are accurate?

Back 5

a. Scientist estimate that more than 4 million people have AD.
b. The number of people with AD doubles every 5 years beyond the age 65.
c. AD affects brain cells and is characterized by patchy areas of the brain that degenerate.

Front 6

5. Which of the following accurately describe conditions found in older adulthood?

Back 6

a. Sun downing syndrome is a condition in which an older adult habitually becomes confused, restless, and agitated after dark.
b. Depression is a prolonged or extreme state of sadness occurring in many older adults.
c. A significant percentage of older adults limit their activities because of fear of falling that might result in serious health consequences.

Front 7

4. You are a visiting nurse for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease. Describe what physical and psychological changes you would expect to occur in this patient over time.

Back 7

a. Alzheimer’s Disease affects brain cells and is characterized by patchy areas of the brain that degenerate, or break down. At first, forgetfulness and impaired judgment may be evident; over a period of several years, the person becomes progressively more confused, forgetting family and becoming disoriented in familiar surroundings.

Front 8

5. Give an example of how older adulthood may affect the following body systems.

Back 8

a. Integumentary: Wrinkling and sagging of skin occur with decreased skin elasticity; dryness and scaling are common.
b. Musculoskeletal: Muscle mass and strength decrease.
c. Neurologic: Temperature regulation and pain perception become less efficient.
d. Cardiopulmonary: The body is less able to increase heart rate and cardiac output with activity.
e. Gastrointestinal: Malnutrition and anemia become more common.
f. Genitourinary: Blood flow to the kidneys decreases with diminished cardiac output.

Front 9

1. Place the following steps in the order in which they should be performed when an emergency occurs:

Back 9

a. Assess the scent for safety -> Asses the victime for life-threatening conditions and yell for help if necessary -> Assess and make a quick determination regarding the nature of the emergency and the approximate age of the victim -> Alert EMS for medical assistance, if necessary. -> Attend to the victim and provide necessary care until EMS arrives and takes over.

Front 10

2. Place the following steps for applying restraints to a patient in the order in which they should occur:

Back 10

a. Determine the need for restraints and assess patient’s physical condition, behavior, and mental statues -> Confirm agency policy for application of restraints and secure physician order. -> Explain the reason for use of restraints to the patient and family. -> Perform hand hygiene -> Apply restraints according to manufacturer’s directions -> Fasten restraint to the bed frame, not the bed rail -> Remove restraint at least every 2 hours; reassure patient at regular intervals and assess for signs of sensory deprivation -> Perform hand hygiene; document reason for restraining patient.