Aging and the Elderly

Older persons living with their children often feel:

• Independent`

• Wanted and a part of things

• Useless

• Dignified

Which statement about a partner's death is true

• the surviving partner's life will not likely change

• preparing for the event lessens grief

• grief cannot cause physical problems

• feelings of loss and emptiness occur

Skin changes occur with aging. Care should include:

• keeping the room cool

• a daily soap and water bath

• applying lotion

• bathing in hot water

An older person complains of cold feet. You should

• provide socks

• apply a hot water bottle

• soak the feet in hot water

• apply a heating pad

Musculo-skeletal changes occur with aging which is true:

• bones become firm

• exercise promotes muscle atrophy

• joints become still and painful

• bedrest prevents loss of strength

Changes occur in the nervous system. Which is true:

• less sleep is required than when they were younger

• the person forgets events that were long ago

• sensitivity to pressure increases

• confusion occurs in all older people

Which is true of hearing loss in older persons

• low pitched sounds are hard to hear

• acoustic nerve changes affect hearing

• earwax cannot affect hearing

• ear infections often cause hearing loss

The study of the aging process is called

• dyspnea

• gerontology

• geriatrics

• dysphagia

Most older persons are

• in nursing centers

• in a family setting

• with children

• in senior citizen housing

Respiratory changes occur with aging. Which is true

• heavy bed linens are used

• the person is turned often if on bedrest

• the side lying position is best for breathing

• deep breathing is avoided