Assisting in Geriatrics Flashcards
What is geriatrics?
field of medicine concerned with the problems of aging
- patients over 65
- more and unique health concerns
What are physical changes of aging in the integumentary system?
thinning and wrinkling skin, decreased collagen
- atrophy (degeneration) of the subcutaneous layer of skin
- lentigos (liver spots)
- decreasing inflammatory response, slower healing
What are some signs of physical changes in musculoskeletal systems?
- osteoporosis
- osteoarthritis
- kyphosis
What are some age-related changes to the nervous system?
- decreased blood flow to the brain
- shortened attention span and hard to multitask
- weaker signals to the brain for processing
- impairment of fine motor activities
- memory loss
What are age-related changes to the special senses?
- presbyopia: vision loss
- presbycusis: hearing loss
- decreased sense of taste
What are age-related changes to the respiratory system?
increased shortness of breath
What are some age-related changes to the cardiovascular system?
- atherosclerosis
- hypertension
- hypotension
- myocardial infarction
- stroke
What are some age-related changes to the immune system?
- increased susceptibility
- infectious diseases
What are some age-related changes to the digestive system?
- constipation
- fecal incontinence
What are some age-related changes to the genitourinary system?
urinary incontinence
What are examples of lack of patient compliance in geriatrics?
- forgetful
- difficulty swallowing
- patient education improves compliance
- simplification of medications
What does osteoporosis lead to?
fractures
How can we prevent falls in the elderly in the office?
- help patients on and off exam tables
- ensure good lighting
- wear well-fitting shoes
- no loose rugs or clutter
- handrails in bathroom
What are some symptoms of depression in the elderly?
- doesn’t enjoy life
- difficulty concentrating
- appetite changes
- sleep disturbances
- worthlessness
What are some signs of elder neglect?
- foul odors
- poor skin color
- inappropriate or soiled clothing
- concerns about money
