Evidence-Based Gerontological Nursing Practices

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Questions and Answers

What is geriatric disturbance in sensory perception?

The decline in sensory functions such as vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch commonly experienced by older adults.

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of sensory decline in geriatrics?

Chronic Conditions

Environmental Factors

Improved Nutrition (correct)

Aging Process

What are the common conditions associated with vision impairment?

Glaucoma

All of the above (correct)

Presbyopia

Cataracts

Environmental factors can hasten sensory decline in older adults.

True Signup and view all the answers

What impact do sensory impairments have on emotional health?

Sensory decline can affect a patient’s self-esteem and confidence, leading to depression or anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

What should be a focus of nursing care for older adults with sensory impairments?

Promoting Independence Signup and view all the answers

______ is age-related difficulty in focusing on nearby objects, commonly requiring reading glasses.

Presbyopia Signup and view all the answers

Name two common conditions that can lead to hearing loss in older adults.

Presbycusis and ototoxic medication effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is chronic confusion often associated with in older adults?

Cognitive decline Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can lead to chronic confusion? (Select all that apply)

Alzheimer's disease Signup and view all the answers

Chronic confusion is a reversible condition.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key characteristics of chronic confusion?

Persistent disorientation Signup and view all the answers

Name one common cause of chronic confusion in the elderly.

Alzheimer's disease Signup and view all the answers

Chronic confusion in older adults can also be linked to ____ illnesses.

chronic Signup and view all the answers

What are early-stage symptoms of chronic confusion? (Select all that apply)

Forgetfulness of recent events Signup and view all the answers

What type of assessment should nurses perform for chronic confusion?

Cognitive assessments Signup and view all the answers

Cognitive stimulation can help improve chronic confusion in elderly patients.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key nursing intervention for chronic confusion?

Ignoring behavioral changes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evidence-Based Gerontological Nursing Practices

Geriatric sensory decline in older adults encompass vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.
Sensory changes impact quality of life, independence, and safety of older adults.
Physiological changes in sensory functions can be exacerbated by chronic diseases and lifestyle factors. -Aging process -Chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, CVD) -Medications (ototoxic drugs, chemotherapy) -Environmental Factors (loud noises, harmful chemicals)

Nursing Considerations

Holistic and person-centered care: Emphasize patient preferences, needs, and coping mechanisms.
Psychosocial impact: -Social Isolation: Encourage social connections through assistive devices and support. -Emotional Health: Provide emotional support and refer to mental health professionals if necessary.
Patient and Family Education: -Explain sensory decline and coping strategies. -Equip patients and families with resources for modifications and assistive technologies.
Promoting Independence -Teach use of sensory aids (glasses, hearing aids). -Encourage participation in daily activities with adjustments. -Occupational therapy may be helpful for adaptive techniques.

Common Types of Sensory Perception Disturbances in Older Adults

Vision Impairment -Presbyopia: Difficulty focusing on near objects. -Cataracts: Clouding of the eyes. -Glaucoma: Increased pressure damaging optic nerve. -Macular degeneration: Affects central vision. -Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetes-related vision loss.
Hearing Loss -Presbycusis: Age-related difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds. -Tinnitus: Ringing/buzzing in ears. -Conductive Hearing Loss: Blockage in ear.
Touch and Sensory Loss -Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage (numbness/tingling). -Reduced Sensitivity: Decreased sensitivity to pain, pressure, temperature.
Taste and Smell Decline -Age-related loss: Impacts enjoyment of food. -Anosmia/Hyposmia: Loss/reduced ability to smell, impacting taste.

Chronic Confusion

Definition: Chronic confusion or dementia is a gradual decline in memory, reasoning, language, and behavior. Distinct from delirium.
Key characteristics: -Persistent disorientation to time, place, and people. -Impaired memory (particularly short-term memory).
Causes: -Alzheimer's disease -Vascular dementia -Lewy body dementia -Parkinson's disease dementia -Frontotemporal dementia -Chronic illnesses -Medications -Depression

Clinical Manifestations

Early: Forgetfulness, difficulty planning, confusion.
Mid-stage: Increased memory loss, recognizing others hard.
Late: Severe cognitive impairment, inability to communicate.

Nursing Interventions for Chronic Confusion

Assessment: Conduct regular cognitive assessments (MMSE, MoCA).
Orientation Techniques: Provide cues for time, date, and location, create structured daily routines.
Cognitive Stimulation: Engage in mentally stimulating activities.
Communication Strategies: Use clear, simple language, active listening.
Safety Measures: Prevent falls, wandering.
Management of Behavioral Symptoms: Implement calm environments, redirection, therapeutic techniques.
Mental Health Considerations: Assess for depression or anxiety; encourage spiritual comfort.

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Description

Explore the critical aspects of sensory decline in older adults and its impact on their quality of life. This quiz covers physiological changes, the influence of chronic diseases, and the importance of holistic nursing care. Enhance your understanding of how to support geriatric patients through education and emotional health considerations.