Deck 7: Selected Health Education and Aging Topics

Question 1

Which of the following is a stereotypical attitude about smokers who survive into old age?

A) Most older adults smoke.
B) Older adults can change health behaviors.
C) Because of their advanced age, they no longer have time to benefit from a reduction in risk by quitting.
D) The number of failed attempts in their earlier years appears to be related to success in quitting at a specific point in their later years.

Answer 1

C
A stereotypical attitude about smokers who survive into old age suggests that because of their advanced age, they no longer have time to benefit from a reduction in risk by quitting. In fact, smokers who continue to smoke as older adults continue to increase their risk of morbidity and mortality. Those who quit smoking, even late in life, can improve their physical function and overall health in comparison to those who continue smoking.

Question 2

Which of the following is true about Medicare smoking cessation coverage?

A) Medicare offers coverage for smoking cessation counseling only for beneficiaries who have tobacco-related diseases (e.g., cardiovascular, cancer, respiratory, gastrointestinal, osteoporosis, cataracts, blood clots).
B) Two quit attempts are covered per year, each consisting of up to four counseling sessions. Smoking counseling must be prescribed by a doctor, as well as provided by a qualified doctor or a Medicare-recognized practitioner.
C) Medicare offers coverage for smoking cessation counseling only for beneficiaries who are on drug regimens that were adversely affected by smoking (e.g., insulin, hypertensive medications, treatments for blood clots or depression).
D) Medicare provides guidelines when it comes to qualifications.

Answer 2

B
Currently, Medicare covers two quit attempts per year, each consisting of up to four counseling sessions. Smoking counseling must be prescribed by a doctor, as well as provided by a qualified doctor or a Medicare-recognized practitioner. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services do not provide guidelines when it comes to qualifications, and encourage clinicians to become appropriately trained until a consensus on national credentialing emerges.

Question 3

Describe the health implications of the rise in electronic cigarette use.
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Answer 3

The electronic cigarette (e-cigarettes) is a battery-powered device that delivers an odorless dose of nicotine and flavoring without tar or additives and produces a vapor mist similar to tobacco smoke. Studies indicate that e-cigarettes are a gateway to smoking and may cause damage to DNA, impede the ability of cells to repair themselves, and possibly increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Question 4

Identify the benefits of driverless cars for older adults.
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Question 5

What constitutes moderate drinking?

A) No more than three drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women
B) No more than a drink a day for men and women
C) No more than two drinks a day for men and women
D) No consensus exists among alcohol researchers and other experts regarding what constitutes moderate drinking and what constitutes alcoholism

Question 6

Which of the following is not considered a positive effect of one drink per day?

A) Weight loss
B) Reduced risk of heart failure
C) Protective effect against ischemic stroke
D) Lowering blood pressure, raising protective HDL cholesterol, or reducing the likelihood of blood clots

Question 7

Older adults account for what proportion of outpatient prescription medications?

A) One fourth
B) One third
C) One half
D) Three fourths

Question 8

To avoid adverse drug reactions, patients need to do which of the following?

A) Decide which medications to use without consulting family members
B) Use over-the-counter medications
C) Stay on the same medications
D) Comply with their medication regimen, report unexpected side effects, and exercise caution with over-the-counter medications

Question 9

Which of the following is the definition of polypharmacy?

A) Use of more medications than are clinically indicated
B) 5+ medications a day
C) Taking multiple medications at once
D) Combination of over-the-counter and prescribed medication

Question 10

What environmental factors contribute to the greater frequency, severity of injuries, and death by falls among older adults?

A) Living in a nursing home
B) Living independently
C) Throw rugs, inadequate lighting, steep stairs, and lack of handrails on stairs
D) Living alone

Question 11

What proportion of the older adult population falls each year?

A) One fourth
B) One third
C) One half
D) Three fourths

Question 12

Identify the challenges of sex in long-term care facilities.
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Question 13

Which of the following statements about fall risk factors is true?

A) Most older adults fall in nursing homes.
B) Many fall risk factors are preventable.
C) Falling is inevitable.
D) People aged 85 and older account for 85% of falls.

Question 14

What is true about normal aging?

A) Lessened quality and quantity of sleep
B) Larger social circles
C) Retirement
D) Lessened quality and quantity of food

Question 15

What is a behavioral intervention to improve sleep?

A) Psychodynamic therapy
B) Sleep medication
C) Psychosocial therapies
D) Cognitive behavioral therapy