3.1 Assessment Flashcards
Physiological changes and aging
Cardiovascular?
Nursing intervention?
Cardiovascular
Increased peripheral resistance Decreased cardiac output Increased fatigue Decreased circulation Orthostatic hypotension Atherosclerosis Valve change and increase heart size
Nursing interventions
Physiological changes and aging
Respiratory?
Nursing intervention?
Respiratory
Decreased respiratory muscle strength
Decreased elasticity of chest wall (stiffer)
Increased residual lung volume
Decreased O2 in blood due to alveolar thickening
Decreased ciliary clearance
Increased AP diameter of chest
Nursing interventions
Physiological changes and aging
Nervous/sensory
NI
Nervous/sensory
Decreased neurons and neurotransmitters= slower reaction time
Increased dizziness and proprioception altered
Decreased gag reflex
Senses changes: vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste
Compromised thermoregulation
Increased sleep disorders
NI
Physiological changes and aging
Immune
NI
Immune
Increased susceptibility infection Decreased lymphatic tissue Atypical presentation of infections Decreased febrile response Chronic inflammation in individuals
NI
Physiological changes and aging
Musculoskeletal
NI
Musculoskeletal
Decrease joint mobility Decreased lean body muscle mass and strength Demineralization of bone Deterioration of cartilage= Kyphosis Decreased height
NI
Physiological changes and aging
Gastrointestinal
NI
Gastrointestinal
Decreased strength in muscles chewing, cervical spine changes = swallowing problems
Decreased peristalsis and absorption of nutrients/meds
Decreased bowel control, impaired sensation of defacate
Decreased thirst, taste, salivation, appetite
Liver decreases in size and function
Decreased mucus and enzyme activity
Anemia
NI
Physiological changes and aging
Urinary
NI
Urinary
Decreased ability to concentrate urine
Decreased renal mass, blood flow and GFR
Decreased bladder muscle tone, elasticity, capacity
Increased frequency, urgency
Increased PVR (post void residual) and retention
Enlarge prostate in men
NI
Physiological changes and aging
Sexuality
NI
Sexuality
Men:
testosterone decreased, testes smaller, length of time to achieve erection increases
Women:
estrogen decreases, breast and reproductive organ atrophy, vaginal secretions decrease and more alkaline
NI
Physiological changes and aging
Integumentary
NI
Integumentary
Gray hair, sparse hair, dry skin Decreased turgor, elasticity Hardened nails, calluses Tooth loss, receding gums Liver spots Loss of SQ fat
NI
Physiological changes and aging
Endocrine
NI
Endocrine
Thyroid gland becomes more fibrous and hormone production decreases
Pancreas releases insulin more slowly
Adrenal and pituitary function can decrease
NI
Physiological changes and aging
Emotional
NI
Emotional
Increased anxiety Increased social isolation Spiritual distress Low self esteem Powerlessness
NI
