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Questions and Answers
Gerontological nurses focus their teaching on modifiable risk factors to help older adults remain ______.
Gerontological nurses focus their teaching on modifiable risk factors to help older adults remain ______.
independent
An essential part of gerontological nursing involves assessing activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) to determine the older adult's level of ______.
An essential part of gerontological nursing involves assessing activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) to determine the older adult's level of ______.
functioning
The nurse, as an advocate, acts on behalf of older adults to promote their best ______ and strengthen their autonomy.
The nurse, as an advocate, acts on behalf of older adults to promote their best ______ and strengthen their autonomy.
interests
In intervention strategies for rehabilitation, gerontological nurses must consider the ______ aspects of disability that can affect older adults' recovery.
In intervention strategies for rehabilitation, gerontological nurses must consider the ______ aspects of disability that can affect older adults' recovery.
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Evidence-based practice is fundamental to gerontological nursing, ensuring the delivery of ______ care to older adults.
Evidence-based practice is fundamental to gerontological nursing, ensuring the delivery of ______ care to older adults.
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Gerontological nursing involves understanding the psychological aspects of ______.
Gerontological nursing involves understanding the psychological aspects of ______.
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Intervention strategies in rehabilitation focus on enhancing ______ and personal autonomy.
Intervention strategies in rehabilitation focus on enhancing ______ and personal autonomy.
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Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are essential for maintaining ______ in elderly populations.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are essential for maintaining ______ in elderly populations.
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Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) extend beyond basic tasks and involve more complex ______.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) extend beyond basic tasks and involve more complex ______.
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Functional assessments are tools used to evaluate an individual's ______ capabilities.
Functional assessments are tools used to evaluate an individual's ______ capabilities.
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Gerontological nursing principles emphasize the importance of a ______-centered approach to care.
Gerontological nursing principles emphasize the importance of a ______-centered approach to care.
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Stress management techniques are crucial for ______ in geriatric care settings.
Stress management techniques are crucial for ______ in geriatric care settings.
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To become a geriatrician, a physician must complete a three-year ______ and achieve board certification.
To become a geriatrician, a physician must complete a three-year ______ and achieve board certification.
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The DSWD provides necessary technical assistance in the form of social and recreational services, health and personal care services, and ______ services.
The DSWD provides necessary technical assistance in the form of social and recreational services, health and personal care services, and ______ services.
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Republic Act No. 8425 institutionalizes the social reform and ______ alleviation program.
Republic Act No. 8425 institutionalizes the social reform and ______ alleviation program.
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The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) provides a mechanism for older persons to participate in ______ formulation.
The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) provides a mechanism for older persons to participate in ______ formulation.
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Home care services should be ______-centered, catering to the unique needs of older adults.
Home care services should be ______-centered, catering to the unique needs of older adults.
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Functional assessment considers the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living, or ______, which are essential for self-care.
Functional assessment considers the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living, or ______, which are essential for self-care.
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In gerontological nursing, interventions often focus on enhancing older adults' ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living, also known as ______.
In gerontological nursing, interventions often focus on enhancing older adults' ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living, also known as ______.
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"You matter because of who you are; you matter to the last moment of your ______."
"You matter because of who you are; you matter to the last moment of your ______."
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Care for older persons includes structured activities and providing time for socialization, which is vital for their ______ health.
Care for older persons includes structured activities and providing time for socialization, which is vital for their ______ health.
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Study Notes
Roles of a Gerontological Nurse
- Older adults often present with atypical symptoms that complicate diagnosis and treatment. Nurses need knowledge of common disease processes in the elderly. This involves background statistics, risk factors, signs/symptoms, treatments, nursing care (evidence-based practice), and rehabilitation.
- Teaching is essential for gerontological nurses. They focus on modifiable risk factors, lifestyle modifications (diet, smoking cessation, weight maintenance, physical activity, stress management) as preventative measures for age-related diseases.
- Gerontological nurses act as managers, balancing patient, family, nursing, and interdisciplinary team concerns. Skills needed are staff coordination, time management, assertiveness, communication, and organization. They may supervise other nursing personnel (LPNs, CNAs, nurse technicians).
- Advocacy is crucial. Nurses act on behalf of older adults to promote their best interests, strengthen autonomy, and support decision-making. This includes explaining medical/nursing procedures to family members.
- Nurses participate in research, reading current research literature, applying valid studies, and improving patient care quality.
Geriatric Healthcare Team
- Geriatricians: Fully trained physicians (MDs or DOs) specializing in treating elderly patients. They complete a 3-year residency and must become board certified in internal medicine or family medicine.
- Gerontologists: Their role is supportive and educational – focusing on the application of knowledge through coursework and continuing education in gerontology.
Gerontology as a Discipline
- Gerontology is a scientific study of aging, its effect on individuals and cultures. It's a multidisciplinary field encompassing medicine, biology, psychology, sociology, and other related fields.
- Gerontology nurses are specialized to work directly with elderly adults, ensuring high-quality and specialized care.
Similarities between Gerontologists and Geriatricians
- Gerontologists and geriatricians might work together in research or facilities providing elder care.
- Both bring unique specialized knowledge and skills to the plan of care.
- Geriatricians are trained physicians who provide direct treatment for age-related disorders
Differences between Gerontologists and Geriatricians
- Clinicians, registered nurses, social workers, and psychologists may gain credentials in gerontology.
- Gerontologists are focused on supportive and educational functions.
- Gerontologists may build long-term relationships for clients' comprehensive care. These may include support with diets, exercises, and cognitive therapies.
Geriatric Occupational Therapy
- Occupational therapy (OT) is an allied health profession utilizing everyday routines to treat physical, mental, and emotional health concerns impacting activities of daily living (ADLs).
- OT aids in regaining independence by using valuable skills.
- The therapist facilitates reintegration, assists in restoring physical, mental, and emotional health, addressing depression and misconceptions.
- The importance of communication: clear expectations and recovery time frames should be established.
Types of Occupational Therapy Activities for Older Adults
- Relaxation techniques
- Physical exercises
- Personal activities
- Cognitive exercises
- Recreational activities
Physical Therapists
- Essential for older adults with physical disabilities.
- Expertise in movement and exercise; training includes assessment, exercise prescription, and progression.
- Treatment is personalized to improve function, prevent decline, and manage pain. This may include gait training.
- Examples of conditions where Physical therapists are helpful are: Broken hip, osteoarthritis, pain, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, stroke, vertigo, and cerebral palsy.
Speech Therapists
- Focusing on communication, and cognitive skills development in older adults, including safe swallowing.
- Assisting with diet modifications, teaching conversational techniques to strengthen cognitive skills, and addressing aphasia (loss of language understanding or ability to talk).
- Speech therapy aims to improve functional communication, cognitive skills, and safety in swallowing.
- Examples of conditions are aphasia, stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and brain injuries.
Nursing Interdisciplinary Care Conference Team
- Addresses various aspects of comprehensive patient care in gerontological settings.
Communication with the Elderly
- Communication is essential in all human cultures and strongly influences personal life.
- Communication styles vary based on personality type and age.
- Older adults may withdraw or disengage, but communication can improve interactions through various approaches.
- Offering reading groups, book clubs, story circles, and one-on-one visits can support communication.
Ethical Issues in the Care of Older Adults
- Ethics: Declarations of right and wrong.
- Bioethics: Applying ethics to matters concerning life, death.
- Ethical Dilemmas: Difficult problems with conflicting solutions.
- Nursing Ethics: Applying ethical principles in nursing practice.
- Decision-making Capacity: Implies the ability of an individual to comprehend the nature and implications of options, choosing among them.
- Informed Consent: Understanding and agreeing to treatments.
- Refusal of Treatment: A patient's right to decline treatment despite possible negative outcomes.
- Advance Directive: A document explaining the individual's preferences regarding end-of-life care.
Advanced Directive (Patient Self Determination Act- (PSDA))
- Written documents (Living Will) explaining preferences for medical care and treatment decisions.
- Designation of a healthcare agent (Health- Care Power of Attorney) enabling someone to make decisions when the person is unable.
- Informing patients about these options is mandated by law.
Senior Citizen Policies, Rights, and Privileges
- Senior Citizens Act (Republic Act No. 9994): Providing benefits like discounts or free services. These benefits and rights may vary based on the type of service or product.
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Description
This quiz explores the essential roles of gerontological nurses in providing care for older adults. It covers the unique challenges they face, including atypical symptoms in patients, the importance of teaching lifestyle modifications, managing care teams, and advocating for patient autonomy. Test your knowledge on these crucial nursing practices in gerontology.
