Gerontological Nursing Chapter 4- Theoretical Perspectives on Aging Well.

Origin: Chapter 4- Theoretical Perspectives on Aging Well, 1 1.A 77-year-old client was put on broad-spectrum antibiotics when hospitalized for sepsis. The client has a history of rheumatoid arthritis and a recurring problem with pneumonia. Which of the following theories best explains why the client has had these issues? A) Free radical theory B) Genetic theory C) Immunity theory D) Wear-and-tear theory Ans: C Feedback: Immunity theories focus on immunosenescence. Older adults are more susceptible to cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infections, a phenomenon that is known as immunosenescence. Wearing out is exacerbated by harmful factors, such as stress, disease, smoking, poor diet, and alcohol abuse. Free radicals are waste products of metabolism and they can damage cells. Current studies indicate that the genetic effect on longevity is due to modest effects of many genes interacting, with some genes increasing one's susceptibility to age-related disease and early death and other genes slowing the aging process and leading to a longer life. Origin: Chapter 4- Theoretical Perspectives on Aging Well, 2 2.Until recently, a 77-year-old client lived alone in her own home. The client fell and fractured an ankle and was placed in a long-term care facility for physical therapy. After the physical therapy was finished, the client tells the nurse, "I want to stay at the facility; I am happy living there and I like the social interaction." Which of the following theories of aging best describes the status of this client? A) Activity theory B) Feminist theory C) Life-course theory D) Theory of thriving Ans: D Feedback: The theory of thriving posits that the older adult thrives when there is concordance between the person and the human and nonhuman environment. Activity theory postulates that older people remain socially and psychologically fit if they remain actively engaged in life such as engaging in full-time work and low-level volunteering. Feminist gerontology theories examine aging from the experiences of older women. Feminist theories address gender inequalities with regard to caregiving roles, diseases, and economic status.