NUR 2214 Nursing Care of Older Adult
Module 2
What do the biological theories of aging do? (Answer)- 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? (Answer)- 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? (Answer)- 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? (Answer)- cancers, diabetes,
arthritis, atherosclerosis
What can be taken to neutralize free radicals? (Answer)- antioxidants- in
the form of food, vitamins. they help to donate electrons from stale
atoms
What is the cross linkage theory? (Answer)- 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? (Answer)- 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? (Answer)- Diseases and functional issues
What interventions can the nurse do to limit free radical spread and
promote health with cross linkage theory? (Answer)- smoking cessation,
sun exposure, UV light exposure, diet management
What is the biological clock theory? (Answer)- 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? (Answer)- they are important
for replication and repair and without this, efficiency is lost and aging
occurs
What is unique about the biological clock theory as it pertains to
humans? (Answer)- not all humans have the same number of cell
divisions or ticks and timers since some age faster or than others due to
genetics, stressors and exposures
What is the wear and tear theory? (Answer)- the idea that the body is
similar to a machine; with older adults, as they age, their tissues and
organs wear down after consistent use to maintain bodily function.
What is the wear and tear theory caused by that contributes to aging?
(Answer)- external and internal damages to the body from stressors,
exposures, diet, weight, lifestyle, environment can lead to faster aging
on the body that can damage hormones, DNA, ligaments, muscles,
structure, etc.