Ageing and body systems

Question 1

How does ageing affect the respiratory system?

Answer 1

• lung and chest wall compliance decreases.
• TLC, FVC, FEV1 and VC reduces with age.
• reduction in elastic support leading to increased collapsibility.

Question 2

what are some post-op complications for the elderly and what increases the risk?

Answer 2

• atelectasis, PE, and pneumonia.

- complications increases in smokers, chronic disease patients etc.

Question 3

what are the skin complications that arise with ageing?

Answer 3

• thin skin .
• fragile subcutaneous blood vessels which bruise easily.
• this makes securing venous access difficult.

Question 4

what CVS complications arise with age?

Answer 4

• large and medium sized vessels become less elastic and less compliant.
• raised systemic vascular resistance and hypertension. which leads to LV strain and hypertrophy.
• conducting cells decrease in number making arrhythmias etc.
• CO reduces by 3% per decade.

Question 5

what effect does CO fall of 3% per decade have on drug dosing?

Answer 5

• increases the arm-brain circulation time for drugs meaning IV anaesthesia achieved slowly.
• needs reduced doses to avoid overdosing.