An elderly patient has presented to the clinic with a new diagnosis of osteoarthritis. The patient's daughter is accompanying him and you have explained why the incidence of chronic diseases tends to increase with age
What rationale for this phenomenon should you describe?
A) With age, biologic changes reduce the efficiency of body systems.
B) Older adults often have less support and care from their family, resulting in illness.
C) There is an increased morbidity of peers in this age group, and this leads to the older adult's desire to also assume the "sick role."
D) Chronic illnesses are diagnosed more often in older adults because they have more contact with the health care system.
Ans: A
Feedback:
Causes of the increasing number of people with chronic conditions include the following: longer lifespans because of advances in technology and pharmacology, improved nutrition, safer working conditions, and greater access (for some people) to health care. Also, biologic conditions change in the aged population. These changes reduce the efficiency of the body's systems. Older adults usually have more support and care from their family members. Assuming the "sick role" can be a desire in any age group, not just the elderly.
You might also like to view...
During an assessment the nurse suspects an older male patient is experiencing andropause. What did the nurse assess in this patient? (Select all that apply.)
A) Breast enlargement B) Testicular shrinking C) Dark spots on the skin D) Reduced muscle mass E) Bruising and petechiae
The family of a 75-year-old client who is dying of liver cancer expresses a concern that the client will not eat or drink. The client is alert and oriented, and expresses no desire to eat. What action would the nurse take?
A) comply with the client's wishes despite the family's concern B) contact the physician for an order for tube feedings C) consult the dietician for feeding supplements D) force fluids
The abbreviation "sig" means _______ __ ________
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
When does sexual or gender identity develop?
1. between 12 and 16 years of age 2. at birth 3. at puberty 4. between 18 months and 3 years of age