Chapter 30 Flashcards
Geriatrics
what is the leading cause of death in men and women?
heart disease
what is clouding of the lens of the eye?
cataracts, causes light to scatter creating a glare
what is the epidermis?
the top layer of skin; cells start to reproduce more slowly with age and causes the skin to appear thinner. The skin becomes more prone to tearing and blistering. Vitamin D synthesis significantly declines with age and there is a decrease in the number of melanocytes which increases photosensitivity
what are the symptoms of diabetes?
polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Old patients may experience unexplained weight loss, slow wound healing, recurrent infections, changes in mental state, cataracts, macular disease, muscle weakness and pain, angina, foot ulcers, and uremia
Diabetes type 1
a life long condition where the pancreas make little to no insulin, which lead to high blood sugar levels. The etiology is unknown, but it often starts before adulthood. Having a family member with the disease can raise a persons risk for having it
Diabetes type 2
insulin production by the beta cells in the pancreas decreases and insulin resistance at the tissue level increases
constipation in reference to aging patients
peristalsis of the colon decreases with age, leading to constipation and diverticular disease. Poor eating habits, reduced fluid intake, and some medications can also contribute to constipation
glaucoma
a result of a blockage of the outflow of aqueous humor, which causes an increase in intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve
What are age-related changes in the cardiovascular system?
The aging process cause structural changes in the heart. The mycardial wall becomes stiffer and increases the time needed for the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle. Reduction in the cardiac output leads to pooling of blood in the legs, cod extremities, and edema. Exercise, sudden movements, and changes in position can cause dizziness and loss of balance. Aging causes a rise in blood pressure. Hypertension increases the work load of the left ventricle, and can result in hypertrophy and weakening of the myocardial wall. The walls of the veins tend to weaken and stretch, and as a result edema and varicose veins in the lower extremities is common in older adults
Signs and symptoms that are similar to those seen with dementia?
Depression, reactions to prescriptions and OTC drugs, alcoholism, malnutrition, thyroid, liver, heart, and vascular disorders, and Parkinson’s disease
What are weight bearing exercises?
They are recommended to prevent demineralization of the bone
What medications can contribute to constipation?
Antidepressants, diuretics, antacids containing aluminum or calcium, and medications for Parkinson’s disease
What is dysphagia?
Difficulty swallowing
What is the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease?
A progressive deterioration of the brain caused by the destruction of the central nervous system neurons
