Chapter 11 Flashcards
What is Geriatrics?
Branch of medicine dealing with the aged and the problems of aging
Mature Adult
10 Chronic Conditions of people older than 65 years
Arthritis Hypertension Hearing Impairment Heart Disease Cataracts Deformity or orthopedic impairment Chronic sinusitis Diabetes Visual impairment Varicose veins
Heart disease, cancer and strokes are the cause of
80% of deaths in persons over the age of 65. (need to know the number)
Heart disease, cancer, and stroke account for
7 out of every 10 deaths among people older than 65.
Most Common Health Complaints of The Elderly
Weight gain Fatigue Loss of bone mass Joint stiffness Loneliness
One of five people older than age 65 in a community will show signs of
Clinical depression
Patient with dementia or depression may not
Be able to understand or retain directions
Dealing with Patient with dementia or depression
Explain to the patient about the procedure
Repeat same instructions a number of times
Assist the patient in following the directions
What is an Integumentary System?
The skin and its derivatives (sweat & oil glands, hair & nails) make up a very complex set of organs that serves a number of functions
1st apparent sign of aging
Skin wrinkles Skin on back of hands and forearms thin & fragile Easily traumatized Skin looks pale Hair becomes thin & more brittle
Responsibility for pt with Integumentary System
Not damaged during positioning
Provide a pad on the table for the patient to lay on
Head & Neck Areas
Adaptation from light to dark areas is diminish (lose ability on dark)
Loss of ability to focus on nearby objects
Hearing loss is common (men)
Forward upper thoracic curvature – kyphosis
Sense of taste & smell decreases
Responsibility with pt of Head & Neck Areas
Assist patient to table
Speak loudly enough to be heard
Not all patients are hard of hearing
Use a table pad
What is the most frequent lung infection and a leading cause of death in the elderly?
Pneumonia
Pneumonia causes
Normal respiratory defense mechanism is reduced
Lung capacity diminishes
Become breathless & fatigue more easily
Dyspnea can result from
laying flat on radiographic table for long period of time
Most common cause of death worldwide
Cardiovascular System
What causes Cardiovascular System
Heart rate during exercise decreases with age (Short of breath & Tire easily)
Increase systolic BP (Risk for heart disease/stroke)
Decline in coronary blood flow (Complaints of feeling cold)
Postural or orthostatic hypotension
Assist patient to sitting position for several minutes before standing
Rapid position change can result in dizziness and can lead to the patient falling
A drop in systolic pressure of 20-30 mmHg
Gastrointestinal System
Esophageal and gastric motility declines
Dentures (Need to removed)
Loss of sphincter control
Musculoskeletal System
Bone mass is reduced resulting in weaker bones (women 4X)
Muscle strength decreases (Difficulty in maintaining positions for procedures. Use positioning sponges to facilitate position)
Intervertebral discs shrink / vertebrae collapse
Urinary System
Changes in bladder capacity
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Affect up to 70% of men older than 70 years
