NUR 2214 :Nursing Care of Older Adult Module
2 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
, 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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