NUR 252 Healthy Aging – Exam 3 Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering fall risks, sleep disorders, social health, and developmental concepts for NUR 252 Exam 3.

Falls in Older Adults

Risk is increased by age-related decreases in muscle strength, balance, vision, hearing, reaction time, and chronic illnesses.

Environmental Fall Factors

Specific conditions including poor lighting, clutter, slippery floors, improper bed height, lack of grab bars, and unsafe footwear.

Polypharmacy

The use of $\ge 5$ medications, which increases the risk of falls.

Hip Fractures

A consequence of falling, with $95\%$ of cases being caused by falls in older adults.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A drop of $\ge 20\,mmHg$ systolic or $\ge 10\,mmHg$ diastolic after standing; measured after lying for $5\,min$ then standing at $1$ and $3\,min$.

Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

An assessment used by nurses to evaluate mobility and fall risk.

Fear of Falling

A psychological state that can reduce activity, worsen weakness, and decrease quality of life and independence.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Seniors

Increases intracranial bleed risk for those on anticoagulants and may mimic dementia symptoms.

Physical Activity Benefits

Improves strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, cognition, mood, and independence while reducing fall risk.

Exercise Recommendations

Training should include strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance; Tai Chi is specifically recommended.

Normal Age-Related Sleep Changes

Taking longer to fall asleep, frequent awakenings, less $N3$ and REM sleep, more daytime naps, and earlier bedtimes/wake times.

Sleep Stage N3

Deep restorative sleep involving tissue repair and the release of growth hormone.

REM Sleep

Stage characterized by vivid dreams, an active brain, and temporarily paralyzed muscles.

Chronic Insomnia

Difficulty sleeping for $> 3$nights per week for$\ge 3$$ months; increases falls and CV mortality.

CBT-I

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, which is considered the first-line treatment.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Characterized by loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches; risks include age, obesity, and alcohol.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

A crawling or tingling sensation with an urge to move the legs, worsening at night; treated with iron if deficient, stretching, and exercise.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

The acting out of dreams due to loss of REM paralysis; associated with future Parkinson disease or Lewy body dementia.

Foot Care for Diabetes/PVD

Requires nail care by qualified providers only, yearly comprehensive exams, and avoidance of nail salons.

Social Isolation

An objective lack of relationships that increases risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, dementia, and earlier death.

Spirituality

A search for meaning, purpose, hope, and connection that is broader than religion.

Religion

A system of structured beliefs and rituals, distinct from the personal nature of spirituality.

Spiritual Distress Risks

Life-threatening illness, depression, cognitive impairment, loss of hope/faith, or inability to participate in rituals.

Gerotranscendence

A shift from a material to a cosmic perspective with increased life satisfaction.

Wisdom

The reflective use of life experiences that promotes successful aging.

Self-actualization

The highest potential characterized by courage, altruism, humor, moral development, and self-renewal.