Gerontological Nursing Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary goal of geriatrics?

To treat terminal illnesses exclusively.

To focus solely on surgical interventions for the elderly.

To promote health by preventing diseases in older adults. (correct)

To encourage elderly individuals to avoid medical help.

Which aspect is NOT included in the role of a gerontological nurse?

Respecting the rights of older individuals.

Guiding people of all ages concerning the aging process.

Providing financial advice to older adults. (correct)

Eliminating ageism regarding old age.

What does the letter 'R' in the acronym GERO stand for?

Rehabilitation of elderly patients.

Researching geriatric diseases.

Reporting health metrics of the aged.

Respecting the right of old people. (correct)

Which of the following is a component of the conceptual framework for gerontological nursing?

Opening channels of development activities for the elderly. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'experimental gerontology' emphasize?

The relationship between behavioral and cognitive aspects of aging. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a health risk that may occur in old age?

Higher vulnerability to chronic illnesses. Signup and view all the answers

At what age does gerontologic age begin?

60 years old Signup and view all the answers

What significant contribution was made in 1970 for geriatric nursing?

Publication of Standards for Geriatric Nursing Practice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the approach in geriatrics?

Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of aging and related health issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of geriatrics as a medical specialty?

Care and treatment of older persons Signup and view all the answers

Which action is part of a gerontological nurse's responsibility?

Noticing health hazards that may occur in old age. Signup and view all the answers

Which year did the Geriatric Nursing Division gain full recognition as a nursing specialty?

1966 Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception exists about older adults?

They all have cognitive decline Signup and view all the answers

What organization recommended the formation of the specialty group for geriatric nurses in 1961?

American Nurses Association Signup and view all the answers

In which year did the first 74 nurses achieve recognition of their certification in geriatric nursing practice?

1975 Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does clinical gerontology primarily focus on?

Maintaining health in older populations Signup and view all the answers

What results from the decreased number of T cells in adults?

Increased risk for diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the biological timetable in aging responsible for?

Sequential switching of specific genes Signup and view all the answers

What happens to telomeres with each cell division?

They shorten progressively Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concept behind the 'Hayflick Limit'?

Cells undergo a predetermined number of divisions Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to genes as cells age according to the programmed theory?

There is a chance of gene inactivation Signup and view all the answers

What does the gene theory suggest regarding aging?

A harmful gene activates over time Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of telomeres becoming too short?

Cells enter senescence stage Signup and view all the answers

What might lead to organism failure in late life?

Accumulative presence of imperfect genes Signup and view all the answers

What role does telomerase play in DNA replication?

It fills the gap left at the end of chromosomes. Signup and view all the answers

How does the reduction of telomerase levels affect aging?

It causes telomeres to become shorter over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main hypothesis of the Error Theory of aging?

Aging occurs due to errors during RNA protein synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is likely to possess telomerase?

Stem cells. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Somatic Mutation Theory suggest causes aging?

Genetic mutations accumulate over time. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does shortened telomeres have on cells?

They cause cells to age and malfunction. Signup and view all the answers

What research area is suggested to potentially help detect cancer?

Assessing telomerase levels. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to cancer cells concerning telomerase?

They maintain telomerase levels to support growth. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change causes the corneal surface to flatten in older adults?

Changes in nasal cartilage Signup and view all the answers

How does the lens's transparency change as a person ages?

It weakens, filtering out shorter wavelengths of light Signup and view all the answers

What effect does aging have on the retina?

It functions less efficiently Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of the accumulated effects of aging on nasal structures?

Increased nasal resistance Signup and view all the answers

What age-related condition is characterized by a gradual decline in the ability to hear high-frequency sounds?

Presbycusis Signup and view all the answers

Which pigment change occurs in the lens as it ages?

It accumulates yellow substances Signup and view all the answers

With aging, what is the impact on the sense of smell?

Olfactory receptors and bulbs undergo changes Signup and view all the answers

How does aging affect the ability to perceive colors during the day?

Blue and violet colors appear less vivid Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geriatric Nursing and Gerontology

Geriatric nurses historically undervalued, seen as less capable in acute care settings.
Gerontology begins around age 60-65; misconceptions include the belief that all older adults experience cognitive decline.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) formed a specialty group for geriatric nurses in 1961, leading to recognition of geriatric nursing as a specialty by 1966.
Standards for Geriatric Nursing Practice were established and published in 1970 to promote quality care for older adults.
A dedicated journal for gerontological nursing was launched in 1975 to meet professional needs.

Clinical Gerontology

Focuses on health maintenance and illness prevention in older populations.
Aims to enhance health outcomes and manage diseases or disabilities in older adults.

Role of a Gerontological Nurse

Provides guidance, eliminates ageism, respects the rights of older adults, and improves healthcare facilities.
Observes potential health hazards and educates caregivers while listening to the concerns of older patients.
Offers support and resources aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults through education and community engagement.

Theories of Aging

Programmed Theory: Suggests aging follows a biological timetable; genetic material limits cell divisions (Hayflick Limit).
Telomere Theory: Telomeres shorten with each cell division, leading to cellular senescence. Telomerase maintains telomere length; its decrease is linked to aging.
Error Theory: Proposes that errors in RNA synthesis lead to cell dysfunction and aging, influenced by both internal and external damage.
Somatic Mutation Theory: Aging occurs due to accumulated DNA damage from environmental factors, causing cellular malfunctions over time.

Physiological Changes in Aging

Age-related changes affect vision, hearing, and nasal flow:
- Corneal Flattening: Reduces light transmission to the eye, affecting vision.
- Lens Transparency: Leads to a diminished ability to transmit shorter wavelengths; older lens fibers create a denser center, altering color perception.
- Less Efficient Retina: High-frequency hearing loss (presbycusis) emerges from sensory cell degeneration in the cochlea and changes in the auditory nerve.

Common Misconceptions about Older Adults

There is a belief that aging universally leads to decline in cognitive abilities, which is misleading as many older adults maintain cognitive health.
Ageism and negative stereotypes affect the perception and treatment of older adults in healthcare and society.

Important Contributions to Geriatric Nursing

Professional development and education in gerontology are crucial in improving care practices for older populations.
Multidisciplinary approaches in geriatric care address physical, mental, and social factors related to aging.

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Description

Explore the misconceptions and challenges in gerontological nursing as it pertains to older adults aged 60-65 and above. This quiz addresses the stigma associated with geriatric nurses and the diverse subfields within gerontological nursing. Test your knowledge on the realities of nursing care for the elderly population.