The family member of a patient asks if vitamin C will prevent aging. In formulating an appropri-ate response, the nurse considers the:
a. free radical theory.
b. autoimmune theory.
c. wear-and-tear theory.
d. continuity theory.
ANS: A
The free radical theory posits that aging is a result of random damage from free radicals. Re-search is ongoing on the ability of substances with antioxidant effects to counter the actions of free radicals. For many years it was thought that consumption of supplemental antioxidants, such as vitamin C, could delay or minimize the effects of aging. However, it is now known that the intake of supplemental antioxidants can be deleterious to one's health. The autoimmune theory posits that the cells of the immune system become progressively more diversified with age and lose self-regulatory ability. The use of vitamin C is not associated with this theory. The wear-and-tear theory posits that cellular errors are the result of wearing out over time due to con-stant use. The continuity theory is a sociological theory that deals with the tendency of individu-als to develop and maintain consistent patterns of behavior throughout their lives.
You might also like to view...
A patient diagnosed with terminal brain cancer is discussing the different types of advance directives with the nurse. The nurse knows that the most important aspect of a living will consists of which of the following?
A) The patient retains the option to nullify the document. B) The patient's health overrules his desired wishes. C) The patient cannot terminate the living will. D) The patient must be in a terminal state for a living will to be upheld.
The nurse is caring for a client with potentially life-threatening digoxin toxicity and prepares to administer:
a. lidocaine. c. naltrexone. b. digoxin immune fab. d. potassium.
Resistance to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is measured by:
1. Measuring the DNA viral load in the serum 2. Determining plasma viral RNA on two successive measurements 3. Phenotype assays of the combination of ART the patient is on 4. Elevation of T4 counts
A new resident has dementia. You should expect which of the following?
a. The person's confusion will decrease in the new setting. b. The person may show signs of fear and agitation. c. The admission will not have any effect on the person. d. The person will die within the first few months.