Nurs 3035 Midterm #1 - Questions from Notes (PDF)

1. Q: What is the importance of understanding key concepts in gerontological nursing? A: Understanding key concepts is critical for delivering person-centred care, ensuring the rights and dignity of older individuals, and addressing their unique needs and challenges. 2. Q: What are the prefe...

1. Q: What is the importance of understanding key concepts in gerontological nursing? A: Understanding key concepts is critical for delivering person-centred care, ensuring the rights and dignity of older individuals, and addressing their unique needs and challenges. 2. Q: What are the preferred terms for describing individuals aged 60 and older? A: Preferred terms include older adult, older individuals, older person, or older people, which emphasize personhood and diverse experiences. 3. Q: Which terms should be avoided when referring to older individuals, and why? A: Terms like seniors, the elderly, or the aged should be avoided as they can be overly generalizing and may convey a sense of frailty. 4. Q: How is the global aging population expected to change by 2030? A: By 2030, it is estimated that one out of every six people globally will be 60 years of age or older, with the population of those aged 60 and above increasing from 1 billion to 1.4 billion between 2020 and 2030. 5. Q: What demographic trends are expected for the population aged 80 or older by 2050? A: The number of individuals aged 80 or older is anticipated to triple between 2020 and 2050, reaching 426 million. 6. Q: How does Canada classify older persons in demographic terms? A: In Canada, adults are classified as those aged 25–64 and older persons as those aged 65 and older. 7. Q: What are the predictions for the population aged 65 and older in Canada by 2030? A: The number of adults over 65 is predicted to reach approximately 10 million by 2030 and nearly 11 million by 2040. 8. Q: What factors contribute to the rapid increase in Canada's oldest citizens? A: The increase is attributed to baby boomers aging, rising life expectancy, and a higher fertility rate among women of child-bearing age between 1946 and 1965. 9. Q: What are some key elements of emancipatory perspectives in demographic analysis? A: Key elements include emphasizing autonomy, agency, and self-determination of older persons, recognizing their expertise, and identifying systemic barriers to equitable healthcare access 10. Q: What is the shift encouraged by the emancipatory perspective in nursing care? A: The perspective encourages a shift from a paternalistic approach to one that fosters empowerment and recognizes the human rights of older individuals. 11. Q: What is the role of the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (CGNA)? A: The CGNA supports gerontological nurses in their work within their regulated scope of practice, including publishing the Gerontological Nursing Standards of Practice and Competencies (GNSPC). 12. Q: How many standards are encompassed in the GNSPC? A: The GNSPC includes six standards, which are Relational Care, Ethical Care, Evidence-Informed Care, Aesthetic/Artful Care, Safe Care, and Socio-politically Engaged Care. 13. Q: What does the summary of the chapter emphasize about the approach to gerontological nursing? A: The summary emphasizes a holistic, emancipatory, and collaborative approach, positioning nurses as change agents in promoting the well-being of older persons and their families. 14. Q: What commitment does the emancipatory lens promote for healthcare providers? A: It promotes a commitment to recognize and address the diverse bio-psycho-social- emotional-spiritual needs of older persons, fostering an environment that values cultural diversity and sensitivity. 15. Q: What is the anticipated trend for the centenarian population in Canada between 2046 and 2065? A: The number of centenarians is expected to increase significantly as many baby boomers reach the age of 100. 16. Q: What are contextual factors in relation to older persons' health? A: Contextual factors are interconnected elements and conditions, including social, physical, organizational, institutional, and legislative structures, that shape an individual's circumstances, experiences, and perspectives. 17. Q: Why is understanding contextual factors vital for older adults? A: Understanding contextual factors is essential for exploring how various elements interact to influence the experiences and well-being of older adults. 18. Q: What role do social structures and physical environments play in the lives of older adults? A: Social structures and physical environments significantly shape the experiences and well-being of older adults, affecting how they engage with their surroundings. 19. Q: Name three theoretical perspectives discussed in the chapter. A: The three theoretical perspectives are Freire’s emancipatory education, Bourdieu’s habitus related to individual agency, and Crenshaw’s approach to context and lived experience. 20. Q: What is the Social Ecological Model? A: The Social Ecological Model, originally described by Urie Bronfenbrenner, is used to understand how various layers of context influence individuals’ development and experiences. 21. Q: What does the micro level of the Social Ecological Model focus on? A: The micro level focuses on immediate personal relationships, such as family, friends, and community, and how supportive social connections empower older adults. 22. Q: How does loneliness affect older adults? A: Loneliness can lead to poor life satisfaction, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly for older individuals with fewer social connections. 23. Q: What factors are examined at the meso level of the Social Ecological Model? A: The meso level examines community systems and institutional factors, such as housing conditions, transportation, access to healthy food, and quality of healthcare. 24. Q: How do cultural values and norms influence older adults’ health experiences? A: Cultural values and norms significantly affect older adults’ health experiences and their decisions regarding health and medical interventions. 25. Q: What role do government policies play in the health of older adults? A: Government policies shape socioeconomic determinants of health, impacting financial stability, healthcare access, and reducing health disparities among older adults. 26. Q: How can nursing care be improved for older adults? A: Nursing care should move beyond standardized plans to recognize the unique social and historical contexts of each older person, allowing for tailored care that reflects their realities, preferences, and interests. 27. Q: What is the significance of integrating individual contexts into nursing practice? A: Integrating individual contexts into nursing practice ensures that care strategies effectively support older adults by aligning with their complex needs and circumstances. 28. Q: What should nursing educators, clinicians, and leaders focus on regarding older adults? A: They should foster awareness and confidence in providing care that respects the unique contexts of older people, promoting holistic and client-focused care plans. 29. Q: What is the summary conclusion regarding an emancipatory approach in nursing? A: An emancipatory approach recognizes that older adults are situated within complex historical, political, social, physical, and relational contexts that shape their self- perception and worldview, significantly influencing their health management. 30. Q: How does the chapter illustrate the micro, meso, and macro levels of context? A: The chapter uses the Social Ecological Model to discuss how these levels affect older adults' perceptions and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of understanding complex influences for holistic care. 31. Q: What is the primary goal of healthcare transitions for older persons? A: The primary goal is to facilitate the transition to the best level of care that meets the specific needs of individuals and their families, ensuring transparency and collaboration throughout the process. 32. Q: Why are transitions in care considered challenging? A: Transitions in care can expose patients and families to gaps in the healthcare system, which may lead to poor or worsening health outcomes. 33. Q: What does adopting an emancipatory lens in healthcare transitions involve? A: It involves empowering patients and their families by actively involving them in decision-making during the transition process. 34. Q: What is a key initial step when beginning a transition conversation? A: A key step is to listen attentively to the person without interrupting and to ask reflective questions. 35. Q: Why is early planning important for transitions in care? A: Early planning is crucial for optimal preparedness and effectiveness, especially for those in rural areas or facing barriers to care. 36. Q: What role do nurses play in facilitating transitions of care? A: Nurses are essential team members who begin the transition process during initial encounters, collecting information to help patients return home safely. 37. Q: What types of models and frameworks guide transitions in care? A: Models include nurse case management models, discharge planning rounds, transitional discharge models, and post-discharge case management approaches. 38. Q: What should discharge plans for older persons include? A: Discharge plans should involve input from various stakeholders, web-based supports, and consideration of the older person's readiness to transition. 39. Q: What are common challenges related to medication safety during transitions of care? A: Challenges include inaccurate discharge instructions, miscommunication of medication information, and difficulties for community providers in processing discharge prescriptions. 40. Q: What is the Best Possible Medication History (BPMH), and why is it important? A: BPMH is a systematic process that ensures accurate medication information is obtained, which is crucial for preventing medication errors during transitions. 41. Q: How can patients contribute to medication safety during transitions? A: Patients can actively partner in their healthcare by accessing necessary information for the safe use of medications. 42. Q: What is the role of organizations in facilitating safe transitions of care? A: Organizations play a pivotal role in selecting appropriate frameworks and models that address the diverse needs of the populations they serve. 43. Q: What is emphasized in the summary regarding the responsibilities of nurses? A: Nurses are encouraged to listen attentively to patients' narratives, advocate for their needs, and provide support to ensure safe, high-quality transitions in care. 44. Q: Why is it important for nurses to embody an emancipatory approach in transitions of care? A: An emancipatory approach ensures that the unique needs of older persons are respected and addressed, promoting their autonomy and involvement in care decisions. 45. Q: What is the significance of time in the transition of care for older persons? A: Honoring time is imperative, as it allows for careful planning and consideration of the individual's unique needs during transitions. 46. Q: What are the key ethical principles in the care of older people? A: The key ethical principles are respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and the recognition of discrimination. 47. Q: How does the CNA Code of Ethics relate to older persons' care? A: The CNA Code of Ethics emphasizes adherence to ethical guidelines while promoting a deeper understanding of the unique needs and narratives of older adults. 48. Q: What is narrative ethics? A: Narrative ethics considers the unique stories and circumstances of older persons, ensuring that care is tailored to their individual experiences. 49. Q: What legal frameworks support the right to appropriate care for older adults? A: The legal frameworks include the Human Rights framework, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Residents’ Bill of Rights, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. 50. Q: What is the role of nurses in empowering older patients regarding their rights? A: Nurses are vital in making patients aware of their rights and facilitating their understanding and exercise of those rights. 51. Q: What are the criteria for autonomous decision-making? A: The criteria include intention, understanding, and volition or desire. 52. Q: How should decision-making capacity be assessed in older adults? A: Decision-making capacity should respect older adults' autonomous decisions and recognize that they may have intermittent capacity. 53. Q: What is the significance of the relationship between nurses and patients in assessing capacity? A: A robust relationship and deeper narrative understanding enhance the nurse's ability to identify concerns about consent and decision-making capacity. 54. Q: What is an advanced directive for medical care? A: An advanced directive is a legal document that allows competent older adults to outline the medical care they wish to receive or refuse when they can no longer make decisions for themselves. 55. Q: What are the types of elder abuse? A: Types of elder abuse include financial, physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. 56. Q: Who are the most common perpetrators of elder abuse? A: Most often, elder abuse is perpetrated by family members, including adult children and grandchildren, as well as friends, caregivers, and others in positions of trust. 57. Q: What are some warning signs of elder abuse? A: Warning signs include controlling behavior, isolation from family, threats of violence, disregard for privacy, and financial manipulation. 58. Q: Why are some older adults at greater risk of abuse? A: Factors such as isolation, depression, previous abuse, and being female can increase the risk of elder abuse. 59. Q: What is the role of nurses in relation to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)? A: Nurses must provide appropriate information about MAiD, protect patients from undue pressure, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their end-of- life care. 60. Q: What should nurses be aware of regarding the ethical principles involved in older adults' care? A: Nurses need to understand the ethical principles, consider older persons' narratives and relationships, and be equipped with the tools to address ethical and legal issues in their practice. 61. Q: What role do nurses play in the care of older persons? A: Nurses build meaningful relationships, empower individuals to engage in their healthcare, enhance quality of life through a holistic approach, and recognize the interconnectedness of all needs. 62. Q: What are some factors that influence cognitive ability as we age? A: Environmental factors, genetic predispositions, chronic diseases, lifestyle choices, and social determinants of health all influence cognitive ability. 63. Q: How does aging affect cognitive function? A: Aging can lead to a decrease in brain size, fluid and crystallized intelligence, and various cellular and molecular changes. 64. Q: What impact does social isolation have on older adults? A: Social isolation can lead to depression, stigma, ageism, and a reduced quality of life. 65. Q: What are some nursing interventions for addressing cognitive needs in older adults? A: Interventions include assessing social determinants of health, fostering community connections, promoting healthy lifestyle modifications, and addressing social isolation. 66. Q: What are the common types of hearing loss associated with aging? A: Hearing loss can be sensorineural, conductive, or mixed, affecting one or both ears. 67. Q: How can nurses support older adults with hearing impairments? A: Nurses can conduct screenings, adapt communication methods, connect individuals with community supports, and promote lifestyle changes. 68. Q: What visual changes occur as people age? A: Changes may include a decrease in visual acuity, reduced flexibility of the lens, and alterations in tear production. 69. Q: How does vision impairment affect an older adult's quality of life? A: Vision impairment can challenge reading, mobility, daily activities, and can contribute to social isolation and depression. 70. Q: What strategies can nurses use to help older adults with vision needs? A: Strategies include screening for visual acuity, connecting with community resources, and promoting a culture of dignity and empowerment. 71. Q: What changes in sleep patterns are common in older adults? A: Older adults may experience a decrease in restorative sleep, hormonal changes, and alterations in cellular and molecular processes. 72. Q: What are the impacts of poor sleep quality on older adults? A: Poor sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, cognitive decline, social isolation, and increased risk of depression. 73. Q: What collaborative approaches are essential for supporting older adults' sleep needs? A: Nurses should assess social determinants of health, foster healthy lifestyle changes, and connect individuals with community support systems. 74. Q: How can an emancipatory approach help address the needs of older persons? A: An emancipatory approach empowers older individuals through education, decreases stigma, and fosters autonomy in managing their health needs. 75. Q: What are the overall goals of a holistic approach to older persons' care? A: The goals include preventing social isolation, promoting social engagement and physical activity, and supporting cognitive health and overall healthy aging. 76. Q: What are some environmental and genetic factors that influence skin health as we age? A: Factors include intrinsic changes (like hormonal levels) and extrinsic factors such as environmental pollutants. 77. Q: What are the main age-related changes observed in the skin? A: Key changes include decreased thickness of the epidermis, reduced collagen and elastin production, decreased hydration, and loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue. 78. Q: How can aging affect the healing process of the skin? A: Aging can lead to extended healing times for wounds, increased risk of infection, and overall skin fragility. 79. Q: What factors impact circulation health in older adults? A: Factors include structural changes in blood vessels, lifestyle choices, chronic diseases, gender disparities, and social determinants of health. 80. Q: What are some age-related changes in the circulatory system? A: Changes include reduced elasticity of blood vessels, increased blood pressure, decreased cardiac output, and fewer capillaries. 81. Q: What impact does poor circulation have on the quality of life of older adults? A: It can lead to difficulties with activities of daily living, social isolation, stigmatization, and depression. 82. Q: What respiratory changes occur as people age? A: Changes include structural and functional alterations, weakened respiratory muscles, and diminished blood flow to the upper respiratory structures. 83. Q: How does aging affect thermoregulation in older adults? A: Aging reduces the body’s ability to sweat, shiver, and maintain core temperature, making older adults vulnerable to hypothermia and hyperthermia. 84. Q: What are some age-related changes affecting sexual health in older adults? A: Women may experience menopause and related pelvic floor changes, while men may face andropause and erectile dysfunction. 85. Q: What factors influence the sexual needs of older adults? A: Factors include chronic disease, societal expectations, mental health conditions, lifestyle, social isolation, and stigma. 86. Q: How can nurses support older adults in managing their skin health? A: Nurses can assess individual needs, provide education about skin aging, and promote healthy lifestyle choices to maintain skin health. 87. Q: What role do nurses play in addressing circulation needs in older adults? A: Nurses can assess, support, educate, and promote exercise and healthy diets, helping to foster active participation in managing circulatory health. 88. Q: What strategies can be employed to support respiratory health in older adults? A: Strategies include assessing individual respiratory needs, educating about indoor and outdoor pollutants, and encouraging participation in health-promoting activities. 89. Q: How can nurses help older adults maintain their thermoregulation? A: Nurses can educate about appropriate clothing choices, monitor for extreme temperatures, and develop safety plans during extreme weather. 90. Q: What collaborative approaches are essential in addressing the sexual needs of older adults? A: Approaches include building trust, educating about risks associated with sexual activity, and addressing stigma and social determinants of health. 91. Q: What are some age-related changes that affect nutritional needs in older adults? A: Changes include a decreased response throughout the digestive tract, issues with esophageal and gastric motility, and physical changes like missing teeth and dry mouth that contribute to swallowing difficulties. 92. Q: What risk factors can affect the nutritional needs of older adults? A: Risk factors include physiological changes, limited access to food, economic constraints, social determinants of health, and the presence of various health conditions. 93. Q: How does poor nutrition impact the quality of life in older adults? A: Poor nutrition can lead to reduced physical performance, falls, loss of independence, and gastrointestinal challenges, ultimately contributing to malnutrition and social isolation. 94. Q: What collaborative care strategies can help address nutritional needs in older adults? A: Strategies include involving speech-language pathologists, geriatricians, nurses, and dietitians, identifying individuals at risk of malnutrition, and modifying dietary management based on individual needs. 95. Q: What is the significance of addressing elimination needs in older adults? A: Recognizing and addressing elimination issues like urinary and fecal incontinence is essential to combat stigma and improve the overall well-being and quality of life for older individuals. 96. Q: What are some common types of urinary incontinence? A: Types include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, and total incontinence. 97. Q: What are reversible factors contributing to geriatric urinary incontinence? A: Factors include delirium, infections, atrophic vaginitis, certain medications, psychological issues, endocrine problems, restricted mobility, and stool impaction (DIAPPERS). 98. Q: How can nursing care support older adults with elimination needs? A: Nurses can promote lifestyle changes, manage fluid intake, educate on healthy elimination patterns, and assist with effective bladder control techniques. 99. Q: What are the age-related changes affecting mobility and safety in older adults? A: Changes include osteoporosis, reduced muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), delayed nerve impulse conduction, and alterations in visual ability. 100. Q: What impact do falls have on older adults' quality of life? A: Falls can lead to social isolation, loss of independence, poorer quality of life, increased rates of disability and hospitalization, and higher mortality rates. 101. Q: What are some evidence-based strategies for preventing falls in older adults? A: Strategies include promoting regular physical activity, ensuring home safety, providing access to appropriate support and resources, and employing exercises to improve strength and balance. 102. Q: How can nurses ensure the safety of older adults in their homes? A: Nurses can implement safety measures in various home areas (bathroom, kitchen, etc.), conduct regular assessments, and educate older adults on hazards. 103. Q: What is the role of a holistic approach in caring for older adults? A: A holistic approach involves collaboration among healthcare professionals to develop personalized care plans that address physical, psychological, and social needs, aiming to enhance overall well-being. 104. Q: Why is understanding social determinants of health important in managing the needs of older adults? A: Understanding social determinants can help identify barriers to health and well-being, allowing for tailored interventions that promote better health outcomes and reduce isolation. 105. Q: How can older adults maintain their oral health to support nutritional needs? A: Regular dental check-ups, maintaining proper oral hygiene, and addressing issues like dry mouth can help improve eating habits and prevent malnutrition.