Module 3: Special Needs Of The Elderly

1. When a resident has a poor appetite it is best to:

Serve very large portions so they are encouraged to eat

Serve small portions so they can finish the food and offer more if desired

Skip every other meal so the resident can build up an appetite

All of the above

When a resident has a poor appetite, it is best to serve small portions so they can finish the food and offer more if desired. This approach allows the resident to feel less overwhelmed by a large amount of food and increases the likelihood of them eating. Offering more food if desired gives the resident the option to eat more if they feel like it, without wasting food. This strategy promotes a positive eating experience and ensures that the resident is getting adequate nutrition.

Explanation

When a resident has a poor appetite, it is best to serve small portions so they can finish the food and offer more if desired. This approach allows the resident to feel less overwhelmed by a large amount of food and increases the likelihood of them eating. Offering more food if desired gives the resident the option to eat more if they feel like it, without wasting food. This strategy promotes a positive eating experience and ensures that the resident is getting adequate nutrition.

2. When a resident has a respiratory infection you may notice:

Elevated boy temperature

Fatigue

Increased sputum

All of the above

When a resident has a respiratory infection, they may experience an elevated body temperature, fatigue, and increased sputum. An elevated body temperature is a common symptom of infection as the body's immune system fights off the pathogens. Fatigue is often present due to the body's increased energy expenditure to combat the infection. Increased sputum production is a typical response of the respiratory system to an infection, as it tries to clear the airways of mucus and other irritants. Therefore, all of the above symptoms can be observed in a resident with a respiratory infection.

Explanation

When a resident has a respiratory infection, they may experience an elevated body temperature, fatigue, and increased sputum. An elevated body temperature is a common symptom of infection as the body's immune system fights off the pathogens. Fatigue is often present due to the body's increased energy expenditure to combat the infection. Increased sputum production is a typical response of the respiratory system to an infection, as it tries to clear the airways of mucus and other irritants. Therefore, all of the above symptoms can be observed in a resident with a respiratory infection.

3. You should remind a resident to use caution when entering a room that has a dramatically different light level because:

A resident can be frightened of the dark

The resident's eyes need time to adjust to a different light level

A change in light can cause permanent blindness in the elderly

None of the above

When entering a room with a dramatically different light level, it is important to remind a resident to use caution because their eyes need time to adjust to the new light level. Abrupt changes in lighting can temporarily impair vision and make it difficult to see clearly. By reminding the resident to take their time and allow their eyes to adjust, the risk of accidents or falls can be minimized.

Explanation

When entering a room with a dramatically different light level, it is important to remind a resident to use caution because their eyes need time to adjust to the new light level. Abrupt changes in lighting can temporarily impair vision and make it difficult to see clearly. By reminding the resident to take their time and allow their eyes to adjust, the risk of accidents or falls can be minimized.

4. If a resident has problem with ear wax build up, you should:

Place warm moist wash cloths on the outside of the ear before clean

Gently clean out the ear canal as far as you can reach with a cotton swab

Instill warm oil in the ear

Make a physician appointment

If a resident has a problem with ear wax build-up, it is recommended to make a physician appointment. This is because ear wax build-up should be assessed and treated by a medical professional. Attempting to clean the ear canal with a cotton swab or instilling warm oil may cause further complications or damage to the ear. Placing warm moist washcloths on the outside of the ear may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue of ear wax build-up. Therefore, seeking medical advice is the appropriate course of action.

Explanation

If a resident has a problem with ear wax build-up, it is recommended to make a physician appointment. This is because ear wax build-up should be assessed and treated by a medical professional. Attempting to clean the ear canal with a cotton swab or instilling warm oil may cause further complications or damage to the ear. Placing warm moist washcloths on the outside of the ear may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue of ear wax build-up. Therefore, seeking medical advice is the appropriate course of action.

5. Which of the following best describes skin care for elderly residents?

Their skin is very strong and does not require special care.

Skin monitoring should only be done by a registered Nurse or physician.

Pressure ulcers are normal.

Their skin typically becomes frail and should be monitored for breakdown.

As people age, their skin tends to become thinner and more fragile, making it susceptible to breakdown and injury. Therefore, it is important to monitor the skin of elderly residents for any signs of breakdown, such as pressure ulcers. This monitoring can help prevent and treat any skin issues that may arise, ensuring the overall health and well-being of the elderly residents.

Explanation

As people age, their skin tends to become thinner and more fragile, making it susceptible to breakdown and injury. Therefore, it is important to monitor the skin of elderly residents for any signs of breakdown, such as pressure ulcers. This monitoring can help prevent and treat any skin issues that may arise, ensuring the overall health and well-being of the elderly residents.

6. A dark, blackened area on the skin, called eschar, is:

A concern as there may be greater tissue damage we cannot see

A good sign that the skin is healing and the scabbing over

Is not a major concern, unless it is larger than a half dollar

None of the above

A dark, blackened area on the skin, called eschar, is a concern as there may be greater tissue damage we cannot see. This is because the dark color indicates that the tissue in that area has died or become necrotic. Necrotic tissue can hinder the healing process and may also be a sign of an underlying infection or other complications. Therefore, it is important to monitor and address the eschar to ensure proper healing and prevent further damage.

Explanation

A dark, blackened area on the skin, called eschar, is a concern as there may be greater tissue damage we cannot see. This is because the dark color indicates that the tissue in that area has died or become necrotic. Necrotic tissue can hinder the healing process and may also be a sign of an underlying infection or other complications. Therefore, it is important to monitor and address the eschar to ensure proper healing and prevent further damage.

7. If a resident has had a stroke and cannot say words easily you should:

Try to complete the resident's sentences for him so he is not embarrassed

Tell the resident to speak as little as possible, so he does not become frustrated

Have patience when the resident is speaking

All of the above

When a resident has had a stroke and cannot say words easily, it is important to have patience when they are speaking. This is because they may have difficulty finding the right words or forming sentences, and rushing them or interrupting them can cause frustration. By being patient and allowing them to express themselves at their own pace, we can create a supportive and understanding environment for the resident.

Explanation

When a resident has had a stroke and cannot say words easily, it is important to have patience when they are speaking. This is because they may have difficulty finding the right words or forming sentences, and rushing them or interrupting them can cause frustration. By being patient and allowing them to express themselves at their own pace, we can create a supportive and understanding environment for the resident.

8. The memory impairment seen in Alzheimer's disease can be best described as:

Short term memory is affected first

Long term memory is affected first

Both short term and long term are affected immediately

Memory is unaffected

In Alzheimer's disease, short-term memory is affected first. This is because the disease primarily affects the hippocampus, which is responsible for forming new memories and consolidating them into long-term memory. As the disease progresses, it gradually affects long-term memory as well. This impairment in memory is one of the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Explanation

In Alzheimer's disease, short-term memory is affected first. This is because the disease primarily affects the hippocampus, which is responsible for forming new memories and consolidating them into long-term memory. As the disease progresses, it gradually affects long-term memory as well. This impairment in memory is one of the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

9. If reident who uses routine oxygen develops a red area under his nose, your first intervention should be:

Clean the area well and apply Vaseline twice a day for three days

Put a small amount of baby oil on the red area to sooth the area

Clean the area twice a day with rubbing alcohol

None of the above

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Explanation

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10. Functional incontinence interventions typically include:

Have the resident perform special pelvic exercises as ordered by the physician

Leave the light on in the bathroom

Possible surgical enlargement of the urethra so it functions properly

All of the above

Functional incontinence refers to the inability to reach the bathroom in time due to physical or cognitive impairments. Leaving the light on in the bathroom can help improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents, especially for individuals with visual impairments or cognitive deficits. This intervention can help the individual navigate their way to the bathroom more easily and reduce the likelihood of accidents. While special pelvic exercises and surgical enlargement of the urethra may be appropriate interventions for other types of incontinence, they are not specific to functional incontinence. Therefore, the correct answer is to leave the light on in the bathroom.

Explanation

Functional incontinence refers to the inability to reach the bathroom in time due to physical or cognitive impairments. Leaving the light on in the bathroom can help improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents, especially for individuals with visual impairments or cognitive deficits. This intervention can help the individual navigate their way to the bathroom more easily and reduce the likelihood of accidents. While special pelvic exercises and surgical enlargement of the urethra may be appropriate interventions for other types of incontinence, they are not specific to functional incontinence. Therefore, the correct answer is to leave the light on in the bathroom.