ch 8 management of the older adult Flashcards
what is the leading cause of death in the older adult
cardiovascular disease
depression
most common affective disorder of older adult with high risk of suicide
depression symptoms
empty moods, hopelessness, irritability, restlessness, loss of interest, decreased energy & fatigue
depression risk factors
medical condition (stroke, cancer, thyroid), genetics, stress, sleep probelems, lack of exercise
medications in older adults for depression
SSRI/ SSNI
adverse effect of SSRI/SSNI medications
orthostatic hypotension
delirium
sudden onset of confusion, most common complication of hospitalized older adult, may be sign of underlying medical condition
outcomes of delirium
may cause long term cognitive decline, falls
confusion assessment methods (CAM) diagnostic algorithm
acute onset -> fluctuating course ->inattention -> disturbance of thought/ disturbance of consciousness -> delirium
hyperactive delirium
increased psychomotor activity, rapid speech, irritability, restlessness
hypoactive delirium
lethargy, slowed speech, decreased alertness, apathy
mixed delirium
shift between hyper & hypo active delirium
delirium management
use hospital admission risk profile, prevention activities (close to nurses station, watched closely), prompt treatment (CBC, urinalysis), supportive environment
dementia
a clinical syndrome of cognitive, functional, and behavioral changes/ progressive, NOT REVERSIBLE
dementia involves
subtle onset, slow progression, memory impairments
common forms of dementia
alzheimers, vascular, dementia with lewy bodies (effects people at younger age)
Alzheimers disease
fifth leading cause of death in older adults, increases with age (doubles every 5 years after 65 y.o), no known cause
some causes of Alzheimers
neurological changes, vascular changes, (things that accuse with HTN, stroke), stress hormones, head trauma, genetics, alcohol abuse