WGU Study Guide for Care of the Older
Adult OA 2024-2025. Real Questions &
Correct Answers. Graded A+.
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communications – ANS refers to all forms of
communication that enhances or supplements speech and writing. AAC can enhance
(augment) and replace (alternate) conventional forms of expression for people who can
not communicate through speech, writing or gestures.
active aging – ANS based on the human rights of older people - principles of
independence, participation, dignity, care and self-fulfillment
Adherence in low literacy patients – ANS color code medication bottles or use organizer
that separates daily doses into morning, noon, evening and night
ADL's vs IADL's - ANSADL - Activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing,
transferring, walking, eating, and continence.
IADL - Activities R/T independent living such as meal preparation, money mgmt.,
shopping, housework, telephone use.
African Americans – ANS second largest minority populations.
Role of religion and spirituality plays important role in health and wellness.
Equate good luck, good fortune, and good health with being right with God.
Disease and illness can be thought of as being in disfavor with God.
Believe they have less control over their health and well-being than God. Illness/disease
is part of God's plan.
Closer ties with extended families and rely on their close family ties for support.
Distrustful of health care personnel because of discrimination in medical care and
because most authority figures in health care are not African Americans.
African Americans - top five health disparities – ANS new cases of gonorrhea,
congenital syphilis, new cases of AIDS, and deaths due to HIV infection.
The impact of racism has long been considered one of the factors that contribute to
decreased longevity and increases of chronic illnesses
Age related changes which may affect therapeutic communication – ANS Visual acuity
Hearing loss
Speech and language difficulties
Ageism – ANS prejudice towards elderly
,Among older adults living in the community, when and where do most falls occur? -
ANSmost falls occur during usual activities such as walking. Indoor falls occur most
often in the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen.
Analyze a given policy or legislative act that promotes or hinders the independence and
autonomy of older adults. - ANSPatient Protection and Affordable Care Act - eliminates
lifetime limits for health insurance coverage for essential services, eliminates the ability
of insurance companies to rescind coverage, free preventative care, development of a
prevention and public health fund, increases access to affordable care, and quality
improvement and risk reduction.
Asian Americans - ANSmost still practice holistic (naturalistic) medicine and may
incorporate this as an adjunct to Western medicine.
Use herbal supplements
Majority of influence comes from Confucianism (stresses accommodation and avoids
confrontation). Follows a naturalistic perspective, defining health and illness as a
balance between the individual and the world around the individual. (Strives to be in
harmony with the universe in which he or she lives)
Basic concept of Chinese medicine is that all things, including the body, are composed
of opposing forces called yin and yang. (Health is said to depend on balance of these
forces).
Chinese medicine focuses on maintaining the yin-yang balance to maintain health and
prevent illness.
If the balance of yin and yang is broken, it is essential to restore the balance. To regain
balance, the belief is that the balance between the internal body organs and the
external elements of earth, fire, water, wood, and metal must be adjusted.
Treatments may involve - acupuncture, moxibustion (burning of herbal leaves on or
near the body), cupping (the use of warmed glass jars to create suction on certain parts
of the body), massage, herbal remedies, movement and concentration exercises (tai
chi)
Some elders may forgo life sustaining treatment because of the principles of ren. Ren is
the golden rule of Chines decision making "Do not do to others what you do not want
done to yourself".
Asian Americans - top 5 disparities - ANSnew cases of TB, congenital syphilis, no pap
test among females > 18, exposure to particulate matter, and carbon monoxide
exposure
Assess the availability of services and resources to provide comprehensive end-of-life
care. - ANS
Assistive technology is designed to fill the patient's gap in functional ability. This goes
back to the ADLs and IADLs. What can they do and what can they not do. Can we put
something in place to help them? - ANSany item, piece of equipment or product system,
that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities.
,AUDIT - Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - ANS10 item screening test
developed by the World Health Organization and is sensitive for deterring alcohol
dependence and abuse
Baby Boomers - ANSlarge group of people born between 1946-1964. Considered more
affluent, better educated and healthier. Baby boomers have entered the older age group
as of 2011
Baby Boomers unique characteristics that make them a challenge for healthcare
professionals - ANSThey expect and demand excellence in geriatric care. Health
disparities exist among minority elder group. Other vulnerable older adults are veterans,
those with disabilities, and prisoners.
Barthel Index - ANSdesigned to measure functional levels of self-care and mobility, and
it rates the ability to feed and groom oneself, bathe, go to the toilet, walk (or propel a
wheelchair), climb stairs, and control bowel and bladder.
A detailed assessment will provide information for appropriate nursing interventions,
that is, those designed to promote ability and compensate for and prevent further
disability for that individual.
BEER's List of Inappropriate drugs to use in older adults - ANSBenzodiazepines are
mentioned quite a bit.
Medications to Avoid in the Elderly
Medication Effect
Propoxyphene (Darvon) and combination products (Darvon with ASA, Darvon-N, and
Darvocet-N) Offers few advantages over acetaminophen, yet has the same adverse
effects as other narcotic medications
Amitriptyline (Elavil), chlordiazepoxide-amitriptyline (Limbitrol), and perphenazine-
amytriptyline (Triavil) Strong anticholinergic and sedation effects
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) May cause confusion and sedation; use in smallest
possible dose for emergency allergic reactions
All barbiturates, except when used to control seizures Highly addictive, more adverse
effects in the older adult
Meperidine (Demerol) May cause confusion
Short-acting nifedipine (Procardia and Adalat) Potential hypotension and constipation
Clonidine (Catapres) Potential for orthostatic hypotension and CNS adverse effects
Mineral oil Potential for aspiration and adverse effects; other options readily available
Estrogens only Lack of cardioprotective effect in older women; evidence of carcinogenic
potential
Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin) Potential for renal impairment; other alternatives available
Cimetadine (Tagamet) CNS effects including confusion
, Indomethacin (Indocin and Indocin SR) CNS adverse effects; other NSAIDs available
with fewer adverse effects
Methocarbamol (Robaxin), carisoprodol (Soma), chlorzoxaxone (Paraflex),
cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), oxybutynin (Ditropan) Anticholinergic effects, sedation,
weakness
Short-acting dipyridamole (Persantine) Orthostatic hypotension
Methyldopa (Aldomet) and methyldopa-hydrochlorothiazide (Aldoril) May cause
bradycardia and exacerbate depression in older adults
Briefly discuss assistive robots and sensor-based monitoring systems that we may see
used in the future and why they may be useful. - ANSOne project explores the
effectiveness of a robotic reminder, which follows people around, so they cannot
become lost.
Professional caregivers can use the robot to establish a "tele-presence" and interact
directly with remote care recipients. This makes many doctor visits unnecessary.
Robots can be used for a wide range of emergency conditions that can be avoided with
systematic data collection (e.g., certain types of heart failures).
A semi-intelligent mobile manipulator integrates robotic strength with a person's senses
and intellect. This mobile manipulation can overcome barriers in handling objects (e.g.,
refrigerator, laundry, and microwave) that currently force older adults to move into
assisted-living facilities.
Sensor-Based Monitoring-developed and is testing technological solutions for in-home
distance monitoring of the functional abilities of older adults.
The system is composed of unobtrusive and low-cost sensors (no cameras or
microphones) that detect movement and pressure. There is a data logging and
communications module, in addition to an integrated data management system, linked
to the Internet. Using the appropriate data analysis tools, important observations about
activities of daily living can be made from the data generated by the monitored person.
CAGE questionnaire - ANSCut down
Annoyance
Guilt
Eye Opener
CAGE self assessment - ANSCut down- refers to attempts by the client to cut down on
drinking
Annoyance - related to suggestions by friends/family to cut down on drinking
Guilt - relates to guilt about drinking
Eye opener - relates to the need for a drink in the morning to get going
Care Transitions four conceptual domains/pillars - ANSMedication self management
Use patient centered health record
PCP/Specialist follow up
Knowledge of red flags
Adult OA 2024-2025. Real Questions &
Correct Answers. Graded A+.
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communications – ANS refers to all forms of
communication that enhances or supplements speech and writing. AAC can enhance
(augment) and replace (alternate) conventional forms of expression for people who can
not communicate through speech, writing or gestures.
active aging – ANS based on the human rights of older people - principles of
independence, participation, dignity, care and self-fulfillment
Adherence in low literacy patients – ANS color code medication bottles or use organizer
that separates daily doses into morning, noon, evening and night
ADL's vs IADL's - ANSADL - Activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing,
transferring, walking, eating, and continence.
IADL - Activities R/T independent living such as meal preparation, money mgmt.,
shopping, housework, telephone use.
African Americans – ANS second largest minority populations.
Role of religion and spirituality plays important role in health and wellness.
Equate good luck, good fortune, and good health with being right with God.
Disease and illness can be thought of as being in disfavor with God.
Believe they have less control over their health and well-being than God. Illness/disease
is part of God's plan.
Closer ties with extended families and rely on their close family ties for support.
Distrustful of health care personnel because of discrimination in medical care and
because most authority figures in health care are not African Americans.
African Americans - top five health disparities – ANS new cases of gonorrhea,
congenital syphilis, new cases of AIDS, and deaths due to HIV infection.
The impact of racism has long been considered one of the factors that contribute to
decreased longevity and increases of chronic illnesses
Age related changes which may affect therapeutic communication – ANS Visual acuity
Hearing loss
Speech and language difficulties
Ageism – ANS prejudice towards elderly
,Among older adults living in the community, when and where do most falls occur? -
ANSmost falls occur during usual activities such as walking. Indoor falls occur most
often in the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen.
Analyze a given policy or legislative act that promotes or hinders the independence and
autonomy of older adults. - ANSPatient Protection and Affordable Care Act - eliminates
lifetime limits for health insurance coverage for essential services, eliminates the ability
of insurance companies to rescind coverage, free preventative care, development of a
prevention and public health fund, increases access to affordable care, and quality
improvement and risk reduction.
Asian Americans - ANSmost still practice holistic (naturalistic) medicine and may
incorporate this as an adjunct to Western medicine.
Use herbal supplements
Majority of influence comes from Confucianism (stresses accommodation and avoids
confrontation). Follows a naturalistic perspective, defining health and illness as a
balance between the individual and the world around the individual. (Strives to be in
harmony with the universe in which he or she lives)
Basic concept of Chinese medicine is that all things, including the body, are composed
of opposing forces called yin and yang. (Health is said to depend on balance of these
forces).
Chinese medicine focuses on maintaining the yin-yang balance to maintain health and
prevent illness.
If the balance of yin and yang is broken, it is essential to restore the balance. To regain
balance, the belief is that the balance between the internal body organs and the
external elements of earth, fire, water, wood, and metal must be adjusted.
Treatments may involve - acupuncture, moxibustion (burning of herbal leaves on or
near the body), cupping (the use of warmed glass jars to create suction on certain parts
of the body), massage, herbal remedies, movement and concentration exercises (tai
chi)
Some elders may forgo life sustaining treatment because of the principles of ren. Ren is
the golden rule of Chines decision making "Do not do to others what you do not want
done to yourself".
Asian Americans - top 5 disparities - ANSnew cases of TB, congenital syphilis, no pap
test among females > 18, exposure to particulate matter, and carbon monoxide
exposure
Assess the availability of services and resources to provide comprehensive end-of-life
care. - ANS
Assistive technology is designed to fill the patient's gap in functional ability. This goes
back to the ADLs and IADLs. What can they do and what can they not do. Can we put
something in place to help them? - ANSany item, piece of equipment or product system,
that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities.
,AUDIT - Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - ANS10 item screening test
developed by the World Health Organization and is sensitive for deterring alcohol
dependence and abuse
Baby Boomers - ANSlarge group of people born between 1946-1964. Considered more
affluent, better educated and healthier. Baby boomers have entered the older age group
as of 2011
Baby Boomers unique characteristics that make them a challenge for healthcare
professionals - ANSThey expect and demand excellence in geriatric care. Health
disparities exist among minority elder group. Other vulnerable older adults are veterans,
those with disabilities, and prisoners.
Barthel Index - ANSdesigned to measure functional levels of self-care and mobility, and
it rates the ability to feed and groom oneself, bathe, go to the toilet, walk (or propel a
wheelchair), climb stairs, and control bowel and bladder.
A detailed assessment will provide information for appropriate nursing interventions,
that is, those designed to promote ability and compensate for and prevent further
disability for that individual.
BEER's List of Inappropriate drugs to use in older adults - ANSBenzodiazepines are
mentioned quite a bit.
Medications to Avoid in the Elderly
Medication Effect
Propoxyphene (Darvon) and combination products (Darvon with ASA, Darvon-N, and
Darvocet-N) Offers few advantages over acetaminophen, yet has the same adverse
effects as other narcotic medications
Amitriptyline (Elavil), chlordiazepoxide-amitriptyline (Limbitrol), and perphenazine-
amytriptyline (Triavil) Strong anticholinergic and sedation effects
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) May cause confusion and sedation; use in smallest
possible dose for emergency allergic reactions
All barbiturates, except when used to control seizures Highly addictive, more adverse
effects in the older adult
Meperidine (Demerol) May cause confusion
Short-acting nifedipine (Procardia and Adalat) Potential hypotension and constipation
Clonidine (Catapres) Potential for orthostatic hypotension and CNS adverse effects
Mineral oil Potential for aspiration and adverse effects; other options readily available
Estrogens only Lack of cardioprotective effect in older women; evidence of carcinogenic
potential
Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin) Potential for renal impairment; other alternatives available
Cimetadine (Tagamet) CNS effects including confusion
, Indomethacin (Indocin and Indocin SR) CNS adverse effects; other NSAIDs available
with fewer adverse effects
Methocarbamol (Robaxin), carisoprodol (Soma), chlorzoxaxone (Paraflex),
cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), oxybutynin (Ditropan) Anticholinergic effects, sedation,
weakness
Short-acting dipyridamole (Persantine) Orthostatic hypotension
Methyldopa (Aldomet) and methyldopa-hydrochlorothiazide (Aldoril) May cause
bradycardia and exacerbate depression in older adults
Briefly discuss assistive robots and sensor-based monitoring systems that we may see
used in the future and why they may be useful. - ANSOne project explores the
effectiveness of a robotic reminder, which follows people around, so they cannot
become lost.
Professional caregivers can use the robot to establish a "tele-presence" and interact
directly with remote care recipients. This makes many doctor visits unnecessary.
Robots can be used for a wide range of emergency conditions that can be avoided with
systematic data collection (e.g., certain types of heart failures).
A semi-intelligent mobile manipulator integrates robotic strength with a person's senses
and intellect. This mobile manipulation can overcome barriers in handling objects (e.g.,
refrigerator, laundry, and microwave) that currently force older adults to move into
assisted-living facilities.
Sensor-Based Monitoring-developed and is testing technological solutions for in-home
distance monitoring of the functional abilities of older adults.
The system is composed of unobtrusive and low-cost sensors (no cameras or
microphones) that detect movement and pressure. There is a data logging and
communications module, in addition to an integrated data management system, linked
to the Internet. Using the appropriate data analysis tools, important observations about
activities of daily living can be made from the data generated by the monitored person.
CAGE questionnaire - ANSCut down
Annoyance
Guilt
Eye Opener
CAGE self assessment - ANSCut down- refers to attempts by the client to cut down on
drinking
Annoyance - related to suggestions by friends/family to cut down on drinking
Guilt - relates to guilt about drinking
Eye opener - relates to the need for a drink in the morning to get going
Care Transitions four conceptual domains/pillars - ANSMedication self management
Use patient centered health record
PCP/Specialist follow up
Knowledge of red flags
