WGU study guide for care of the older adult OA || 100% Verified
Answers.
Age related changes which may affect therapeutic communication correct answers Visual acuity
Hearing loss
Speech and language difficulties
ways to communicate or assist patient with disabilities such as hearing deficits, vision
impairments, or aphasia and dysarthria. correct answers Hearing deficits -
Do not shout. Project voice from diaphragm (deepens voice).
Make use of other unimpaired senses. (examples - 1)use touch or by using a visual cue and wait
for patient to visually orient to you before speaking, 2)stand in front of person in a well lit room
(helps the patient lip read), 3) speak to side that has better hearing, 4) make sure hearing aid is in
and turned on, 5) use gestures or objects for communication.
Limit background noise.
Allow adequate time for response.
Use short sentences and speak clearly
May need to write or use a pictogram grid
Vision impairments -
Position yourself within their vision field.
Give verbal indication of the actions you are about to do (avoid startling or scaring them).
Label objects or simplify what is in their visual field.
Aphasia/Dysarthria (speech impairments) -
May be more anxious or self aware.
Limit distractions
Face patient and maintain eye contact
May need to use multiple forms of communication (body language, written or pictorial
information)
Use short uncomplicated sentences with simple choices.
Summarize message for accuracy.
Take time and do not correct every error and respect the elder's limitations.
Be patient!!
Communication with a delirious elder correct answers Keep discussions simple and questions
concise.
Use large print calendars and clocks to assist with orientation.
Pictures of family may assist in reorienting.
Well lit room.
Offer frequent reassurance.
Avoid physical restraints
Use distraction and soothing conversation.
Communication with dementia correct answers Make sure the person is attending to you prior to
beginning the conversation.
, Face the person
Speak slowly and clearly.
Eye level
Reduce or limit background noise.
Break tasks into small manageable steps and provide simple and clear directions ( one step at a
time may be needed )
Praise efforts.
Use concrete terms and familiar words.
Offer simple choices.
Allow adequate time to respond.
Do not argue or attempt to reason with someone regarding delusions or hallucinations.
Encourage discussion of life events, traditions, memories.
Use large print calendards
Label items
Establish a familiar environment
Hearing aids are one of the most common and economical devices used by a person with hearing
deficits. Consider the types that would best suit the older adult correct answers BTE (Behind the
ear) - worn behind the outer ear. Has an adjustable volume and is battery powered. IT IS THE
MOST COMMON. Suitable for the entire range of hearing loss.
OTE (over the ear) - very small and sits on top of the outer ear.
ITE (in the ear) - custom fitted, adjustable volume and battery powered. Much smaller and some
may have difficulty using. Used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
ITC (in the canal) - tiny that fit in the ear canal and barely visible. Customized fit. May be too
small for some to use.
CIC (completely in canal) - smallest type. Difficulty handling and positioning the device. Most
expensive.
Preventive measures such as flu and pneumococcal vaccines correct answers Pneumococcal -
>65.one dose if not previously received, followed with dose at least one year after the most
recent dose.
Influenza -yearly by October
Zostavax >60
Tetanus -every 10 years
Elder abuse is often referred to as a silent crime with many case going unreported. Because of
this the student should be aware of the classic cues that abuse may have taken place with the
elderly. There are many factors that place an older adult at risk for abuse or neglect. Students
should be aware of their local protocols when abuse or neglect is suspected. correct answers May
include physical, sexual, psychological, and financial exploitation, neglect, and violation of
rights.
Physical abuse - shaking, restraining, hitting, or threatening with objects.
Answers.
Age related changes which may affect therapeutic communication correct answers Visual acuity
Hearing loss
Speech and language difficulties
ways to communicate or assist patient with disabilities such as hearing deficits, vision
impairments, or aphasia and dysarthria. correct answers Hearing deficits -
Do not shout. Project voice from diaphragm (deepens voice).
Make use of other unimpaired senses. (examples - 1)use touch or by using a visual cue and wait
for patient to visually orient to you before speaking, 2)stand in front of person in a well lit room
(helps the patient lip read), 3) speak to side that has better hearing, 4) make sure hearing aid is in
and turned on, 5) use gestures or objects for communication.
Limit background noise.
Allow adequate time for response.
Use short sentences and speak clearly
May need to write or use a pictogram grid
Vision impairments -
Position yourself within their vision field.
Give verbal indication of the actions you are about to do (avoid startling or scaring them).
Label objects or simplify what is in their visual field.
Aphasia/Dysarthria (speech impairments) -
May be more anxious or self aware.
Limit distractions
Face patient and maintain eye contact
May need to use multiple forms of communication (body language, written or pictorial
information)
Use short uncomplicated sentences with simple choices.
Summarize message for accuracy.
Take time and do not correct every error and respect the elder's limitations.
Be patient!!
Communication with a delirious elder correct answers Keep discussions simple and questions
concise.
Use large print calendars and clocks to assist with orientation.
Pictures of family may assist in reorienting.
Well lit room.
Offer frequent reassurance.
Avoid physical restraints
Use distraction and soothing conversation.
Communication with dementia correct answers Make sure the person is attending to you prior to
beginning the conversation.
, Face the person
Speak slowly and clearly.
Eye level
Reduce or limit background noise.
Break tasks into small manageable steps and provide simple and clear directions ( one step at a
time may be needed )
Praise efforts.
Use concrete terms and familiar words.
Offer simple choices.
Allow adequate time to respond.
Do not argue or attempt to reason with someone regarding delusions or hallucinations.
Encourage discussion of life events, traditions, memories.
Use large print calendards
Label items
Establish a familiar environment
Hearing aids are one of the most common and economical devices used by a person with hearing
deficits. Consider the types that would best suit the older adult correct answers BTE (Behind the
ear) - worn behind the outer ear. Has an adjustable volume and is battery powered. IT IS THE
MOST COMMON. Suitable for the entire range of hearing loss.
OTE (over the ear) - very small and sits on top of the outer ear.
ITE (in the ear) - custom fitted, adjustable volume and battery powered. Much smaller and some
may have difficulty using. Used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
ITC (in the canal) - tiny that fit in the ear canal and barely visible. Customized fit. May be too
small for some to use.
CIC (completely in canal) - smallest type. Difficulty handling and positioning the device. Most
expensive.
Preventive measures such as flu and pneumococcal vaccines correct answers Pneumococcal -
>65.one dose if not previously received, followed with dose at least one year after the most
recent dose.
Influenza -yearly by October
Zostavax >60
Tetanus -every 10 years
Elder abuse is often referred to as a silent crime with many case going unreported. Because of
this the student should be aware of the classic cues that abuse may have taken place with the
elderly. There are many factors that place an older adult at risk for abuse or neglect. Students
should be aware of their local protocols when abuse or neglect is suspected. correct answers May
include physical, sexual, psychological, and financial exploitation, neglect, and violation of
rights.
Physical abuse - shaking, restraining, hitting, or threatening with objects.
