Assisting in Geriatrics Flashcards
What is geriatrics?
Field of medicine concerned with the problems of aging
Patients are considered geriatrics over what age?
Over the age of 65
What are the physical changes of aging for the integumentary system?
- Thinning and wrinkling skin
- Atrophy or degeneration of the subcutaneous layer of skin
- Lentigo or liver spots
- Decreased inflammatory response
What are the physical changes of aging in the musculoskeletal system?
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Kyphosis
What are the physical changes of aging in the nervous system?
- Arteriosclerosis
- Shortened attention span
- Memory Loss
- Impairment of fine motor skills
What is presbyopia?
Impaired vision due to aging
What is presbycusis
Impaired hearing due to aging
What are the physical changes of aging of the respiratory system?
Increased shortness of breath
What are the physical changes of aging of the cardiovascular system?
- Atherosclerosis
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
- Stroke
- Myocardial Infarction
What are the physical changes of aging in the immune system, digestive system, and genitourinary system?
Immune: Increased susceptibility
Digestive: Constipation and fecal incontinence
Genitourinary: Urinary incontinence
How can a geriatric patient maintain health?
- Daily exercise
- Balanced nutrition
- Good sleeping patterns
- Social contact
- Regular health checkups
- Keep brain activity
- Regular screenings and preventative care
How to communicate effectively to a geriatric patient?
- Written instructions
- Speak clearly
- Low tone
How can a geriatric patient may have denial or confusion?
- Perception of state of health
- May over or underestimate abilities
- May not realize they are confused
Why are some geriatric patient lack of patient compliance with medications?
- Forgetful
- Difficulty swallowing
What to look for if a geriatric patient may seem depressed?
- does not enjoy life
- difficulty in concentrating
- worthlessness
- sleep disturbances
- appetite changes
