What are the normal memory changes that occur as one ages? - ANSWER Short-term
memory declines, whereas long-term memory stays the same.
What three physiologic changes are clinically significant in older adults? - ANSWER Loss
in compensatory reserve, progressive loss in efficiency of the body to repair damaged tissue,
and decreased functioning of the immune system processes
Why can the BP of older adults be expected to increase? - ANSWER The heart's work in-
creases in response to increased peripheral resistance.
What is the major cause of respiratory disability in older adults? - ANSWER COPD
List five nursing interventions to promote adequate bowel functioning for older people. -
ANSWER Determine what is "normal" GI functioning for each individual, increase fiber
and bulk in the diet, provide adequate hydration, encourage regular exercise, and encourage
eating small meals frequently.
What lifestyle factors negatively affect nearly every system in the older adult's body? - AN-
SWER Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle (inactivity), and excessive di-
etary intake versus energy output
What visual problem most commonly occurs in older adults? - ANSWER cataracts
What are the three most common disorders that result from changes in the neurologic sys-
tem? - ANSWER Dementia disorders, cerebrovascular disorders, and movement disorders
(e.g., Parkinson disease)
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memory declines, whereas long-term memory stays the same.
What three physiologic changes are clinically significant in older adults? - ANSWER Loss
in compensatory reserve, progressive loss in efficiency of the body to repair damaged tissue,
and decreased functioning of the immune system processes
Why can the BP of older adults be expected to increase? - ANSWER The heart's work in-
creases in response to increased peripheral resistance.
What is the major cause of respiratory disability in older adults? - ANSWER COPD
List five nursing interventions to promote adequate bowel functioning for older people. -
ANSWER Determine what is "normal" GI functioning for each individual, increase fiber
and bulk in the diet, provide adequate hydration, encourage regular exercise, and encourage
eating small meals frequently.
What lifestyle factors negatively affect nearly every system in the older adult's body? - AN-
SWER Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle (inactivity), and excessive di-
etary intake versus energy output
What visual problem most commonly occurs in older adults? - ANSWER cataracts
What are the three most common disorders that result from changes in the neurologic sys-
tem? - ANSWER Dementia disorders, cerebrovascular disorders, and movement disorders
(e.g., Parkinson disease)
1
