1 Week Handout Flashcards
Describe physiological and psychosocial and developmental concerns of an older adult
Cardiovascular Changes: Aging may lead to decreased elasticity of blood vessels, increased blood pressure, and changes in the heart’s structure, contributing to cardiovascular diseases.
Musculoskeletal Changes: Loss of bone density, muscle mass, and joint flexibility can result in conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis, affecting mobility and increasing the risk of falls.
Cognitive Decline: Older adults may experience cognitive changes, including a decline in memory, processing speed, and executive function. Some may develop neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease.
Sensory Impairments: Hearing and vision loss are common with aging, impacting communication and safety. Regular screenings and appropriate aids can mitigate these issues.
Metabolic Changes: Alterations in metabolism can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and changes in nutritional requirements. Monitoring and managing these changes are crucial for overall health.
Immunosenescence: The aging immune system may become less efficient, increasing susceptibility to infections and making vaccinations important for preventing illnesses.
Psychosocial Challenges: Loss of loved ones, retirement, and changes in social roles can contribute to mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. Maintaining social connections and engaging in meaningful activities are crucial.
Medication Management: Older adults often take multiple medications, increasing the risk of adverse drug interactions. Regular medication reviews and communication with healthcare providers are essential.
Functional Decline: Activities of daily living may become challenging due to physical limitations. Occupational and physical therapy can help maintain independence.
End-of-life Planning: Discussions about preferences for end-of-life care, advance directives, and hospice care become important aspects of aging.
What happens with nails with age
Thicken and brittle
(kyphosis)…
forward rounding of the back.
Hunchback (kyphosis) usually refers to an abnormally curved spine. It’s most common in older women and often related to osteoporosis.
3 D’s of Cognition in Elderly
Delirium, Dementia, Depression
Lewy body Dementia is…
a disease associated with abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain.
Goals for Alzheimer’s
Maintain Functional Abilities:
Ensure the patient independently performs at least four out of six identified activities of daily living (ADLs), as measured by a standardized assessment, over the next three months.
Provide Safety:
Reduce the risk of falls by 20% within the next month through environmental modifications and regular safety assessments.
Promote Cognitive Function:
Increase the patient’s engagement in cognitive activities, as evidenced by a 15% improvement in scores on cognitive assessment tools within six weeks.
Ensure Adequate Nutrition:
Achieve a 5% increase in body weight over the next two months through nutritional interventions and regular monitoring.
Interventions for alzheimer’s
Cognitive Stimulation Activities:
Structured Routine:
Environmental Modifications:
Medication Management:
Family and Caregiver Education:
Nutritional Support:
Sensory Stimulation:
Respitory rate may (increase/decrease) with age
Increase
Dentition …
Arrangement of teeth
The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) …
To recongize Delirium in patients
Is a standardized evidence-based tool that enables non-psychiatrically trained clinicians to identify and recognize delirium quickly and accurately in both clinical and research settings
If you suspect a client of being depressed use this Scale
Geriatric Depression Scale
If you suspect the client has delirium use this scale
Confusion Assessment Method
An overall tool to assess older adults well being. Also used to predict successful release from the hospital
SPICES (fulmer)
Sleeep disorder
Problem Eating / Feeding
Incontinence
Confusion
Evidence of Fallls
Skin breakdown
Is mild short term memory loss common in older individuals
Yes but can be helped by Notes, Reminders, Calanders
Disengagement theory states that its normal for old people to withdraw from society.
Is this finding accurate
No
The continuity theory is correct and says that people should continue being active
