Question

1--Discuss three possible complications of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in the old adult. Use specific examples.

2--What is the nurse's role in assisting the older patient in his sexuality? Discuss the assessment, the diagnosis and implementation.

3--What is the therapeutic value of exercise in the older adult? Give at least three specific examples.

Answer 1

1. Complimentary therapies are interventions such as herbal medicines, message that are used as alternative treatments to therapeutic interventions.

Some of the common complications of alternative therapies in older adults are :

- skin rashes as seen with use of some herbal oils such as eucalyptus oil.

- Diarrhoea as seen with use of certain medicinal plants use.

- nausea and vomiting

2. As the person ages his sexual health and needs also changes. Older adults may face issues such as performance pressure, erectile dysfunction and sexually transmitted diseases. The nurse should perform thorough assessment of older adults for the sexual health. Nurse may ask questions about their sexual activity, needs and problems. The nurse should assess the patient for STDs. Nurse can provide interventions such as sexual counselling and orientation, antibiotic treatment for STDs, relaxation techniques and therapeutic exercises. Healthy diet also improves the sexual health in older adults.

3. Exercises have proved to be beneficial in keeping one fit and healthy. With aging many physiological changes take place. Regular exercise and physical activity helps keep older adults healthy.
Exercises help older adults in following ways :

- With increasing age muscloskeletal sytem undergoes various changes such as muscle stiffness, jpint degeneration and weakening, muscle and joint pains. Regular exercises such as walking, stretching helps increase the strength pf musculoskeletal system and prevent age related diseases such as osteoarthritis.
- Age also affects the functioning of cardiovascular and respiratory system. Regular exercises such as aerobic exercises and breathing exercises help strengthen the cardiovascular and respiratory system and improve aerobic fitness.
- With ageing the body metabolism slows down resulting in obesity, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia. Regular exercises help improve the body metabolism, prevents obesity and regulates the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in body.