Chapter 13 Environmental Safety and Security Flashcards
0
Q
Fever
A
- Older adults have lower baseline temperatures than younger adults.
- Absence of fever does not rule out infection; a one degree change from baseline may be significant in older adults
- High fevers are serious and associated with bacterial and viral infection.
1
Q
Thermoregulation
A
- Neurosensory changes in older adults diminish or delay perception of environmental temperature changes.
- Physiological changes also impair cooling and warming responses to environmental temperature changes.
- Medications and alcohol impair vasomotor response, inhibit neuromuscular activity, suppress metabolic heat generation, and/or dull awareness of surroundings.
2
Q
Hyperthermia
A
- Normal thermoregulatory response is impaired.
- Hyperthermia progresses from heat fatigue to heat stroke, a medical emergency with high mortality in older adults.
3
Q
Hyperthermia S/Sx
A
Pale, sweaty skin Elevated heart rate Feelings of exhaustion and weakness Mildly increased core temperature Decreased pulse pressure
4
Q
Interventions to prevent hyperthermia
A
- Drink 2-3 L of cool fluid daily
- Wear hats and loose clothing of natural fibers when outside
- Take tepid baths or showers
- Evaluate medications for risk of hyperthermia
- Avoid alcohol
5
Q
Hypothermia
A
- Temperature less than 95*F
- Nearly 50% of hypothermia deaths occur in older adults
6
Q
Risk factors for hypothermia
A
- Impaired circulation
- Diabetes (altered sensation)
- Adrenal or thyroid dysfunction
- Malnutrition
- Excessive alcohol use
- Inadequate housing or supervision
- Use of sedatives, anxiolytics, antidepressants
7
Q
Hypothermia S/Sx
A
- Peripheral vasoconstriction (protecting core)
- Shivering
- Increased muscle activity
- Increased O2 intake
8
Q
Older adults most at risk during natural disasters
A
- Limited mobility
- Dependent on others for ADLs
- Social isolation
- Cognitive impairment
- Institutionalized adults
9
Q
Limited access to safe transportation may contribute to:
A
social isolation, poor nutrition, and neglect of health
10
Q
SAFE DRIVE mnemonic
A
Safety record Attention skills Family report ETOH use Drugs Reaction time Intellectual impairment Vision Executive functions
11
Q
Gerotechnology
A
term used to describe assistive technologies for older people
