GERONTOLOGIC HESI HINTS QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS

Document Content and Description Below

Either a lack of stimulation or an overload of changes can result in stress. Provide as much consistency and routine as possible when caring for the older adult so as to reduce the possibility of crea... ting stress and/or confusion. Correct Answer Changes in the heart and lungs result in less efficient use of O2, which reduces an individual's capacity to maintain physical activity for long periods of time. Physical training for older persons can significantly reduce blood pressure and increase aerobic capacity. NCLEX-PN questions may ask about health maintenance factors for the older adult. Two important factors are physical activity and nutrition. Correct Answer Many older adults have problems with sleep; they cannot fall asleep at night and do not sleep soundly after they fall asleep. This is because they have shorter stages of sleep, particularly shorter cycles from stages 1 to 4, and REM sleep (sage 4 is deep sleep). They are easily awakened by environmental stimuli. They often compensate by napping during the day, which may lead to further disruptions of night sleep. The important point is that they get enough sleep to feel rested. A common response is the use of prescription sleeping pills, which can create even further problems. A healthier approach is to use nonpharmacologic methods to improve sleeping, such as developing a bedtime routine or using relaxation techniques. Correct Answer Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure tend to increase with normal aging, but the elevation of the systolic is greater. REMEMBER: The physiology of blood pressure is expressed as a ratio of systolic to diastolic pressure. Systolic refers to the level of blood pressure during the contraction phase, whereas diastolic refers to the stage when the chambers of the heart are filling with blood. The healthy older heart is able to sustain adequate function everyday life. Correct Answer Dysrhythmias in older adults are particularly serious because they cannot tolerate decreased cardiac output, which can result in syncope, falls, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Pulse may be rapid, slow and irregular. Correct Answer With aging, the muscles that operate the lungs lose elasticity so that respiratory efficiency is reduced. Vital capacity (the amount of air brought into the lungs at one time) decreases. Breathing may become more difficult after strenuous exercise or after climbing up several flights to stairs. The rate of decline has been found to be slower in persons who are more active. The nurse should encourage older persons to remain physically active for as long as possible. Declining muscle strength may impair cough efficiency. Correct Answer COPD is the major cause of respiratory disability in the older adult. Correct Answer The following are changes that occur with aging that contribute to chronic constipation: [Show More]

Last updated: 1 year ago

Preview 1 out of 5 pages