NUR 2214 :Nursing Care of Older Adult Module
- Theories and Terms
What do the biological theories of aging do?(ANS- Help nurses understand older adult changes, behaviors, and to recognize problems and provide interventions over time. Not just one theories explains it, must be supported with evidence over time.What is the free radical theory?(ANS- The idea that molecules that are harmful to the human body that are unstable move around the body, causing harm to living cells. This can disrupt metabolism and cell processes, leading to disease.How does the free radical theory work?(ANS- During normal cell molecule formation, electrons are shared with each other, but from aging or damage to cell DNA from over exposure to radiation and pollution, the molecule splits and does not pair with an electron, causing a free radical to be formed and that can harm cells.What types of diseases does the free radical theory propose when these cells travel in the body with aging?(ANS- cancers, diabetes, arthritis, atherosclerosis What can be taken to neutralize free radicals?(ANS- antioxidants- in the form of food, vitamins. they help to donate electrons from stale atoms 1 / 2
What is the cross linkage theory?(ANS- when free radicals interact or connect with cell molecules and connective tissue that causes tissues to be damaged and unable be repaired. when it is damaged, this can lead to disease and function problems in older adults What is connective tissue?(ANS- matrix that provides support, binds tissues in the body such as organs, muscles, bones and joints, adipose tissues, cartilage, blood and lymph.What happens when free radical cells destroy connective tissue in older adults?(ANS- Diseases and functional issues What interventions can the nurse do to limit free radical spread and promote health with cross linkage theory?(ANS- smoking cessation, sun exposure, UV light exposure, diet management What is the biological clock theory?(ANS- The idea that we as humans have a predetermined number of cell divisions that will occur during our lifetime, and that each one is a tick of a clock. these are genetically predetermined and as older adults, these cell divisions are slowed down, so more cell loss is perceived Why are cell divisions important to aging?(ANS- they are important for replication and repair and without this, efficiency is lost and aging occurs
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