Chapter 4 Flashcards
Homeostasis
The name for the condition in which all of the body systems are working at their best
Metabolism
Physical and chemical processes that must be working at a steady level to maintain homeostasis
10 systems of the human body
- Integumentary
- Muscoskeletal
- Nervous
- Circulatory
- Respiratory
- Urinary
- Gastrointestinal
- Endocrine
- Reproductive
- Immune and lymphatic
Normal changes of aging to the integumentary system
Skin is thinner, dryer and more fragile. It is more easily damaged
Skin is less elastic
Protective fatty tissue is lost, so the person may feel colder
Hair thins and may turn gray
Wrinkles and brown spots, or “liver spots” appear
Nails are harder and more brittle
Try, itchy skin may result from a lack of oil from the sebaceous glands
How the CNA can help
Give complete baths only twice a week, with Sponge baths everyday
Apply lotions as ordered to relieve dry skin
Be gentle. Elderly skin is fragile and can tear easily
Hair becomes drier needs to be shampooed less often
Gently brushing dry hair stimulates and distributes natural oils
Layer clothing for additional warmth
Bed linens should be kept wrinkle free
To not cut residence toenails
Encourage fluid intake
Observing and reporting: integumentary system
Pale, white, reddened or purple areas
Blisters or bruises
Complaints of tingling, warmth or burning
Dry or flaking skin
Itching or scratching
Rash or any skin discoloration
Swelling
Cuts, boils, sores, wounds or abrasions
Fluid or blood draining from the skin
Broken skin
Changes in an injury or wound (size, depth, drainage, color, odor)
Redness or broken skin between toes or a round toenails
Scalp or hair changes
In darker complexions, changes in skin tone
Changes in skin temperature and the feel of the tissue as compared to the skin nearby
Results of inactivity and immobility
Loss of self-esteem
Depression
Pneumonia
Urinary tract infections
Constipation
Blood clots
Dulling of the senses
Muscle atrophy or contractures
Atrophy
When the muscle waste away, decreases in size and becomes weak due to inactivity
Range of motion exercises can help prevent atrophy
Contractures
The muscle or tendon shortens, becomes inflexible and freezes in position. This causes permanent disability of the limb.
Range of motion exercises can help prevent contractures
Normal changes of aging in the muscoskeletal system
Muscles weaken and lose tone
Body movement slows
Bones lose density becoming more brittle and susceptible to breaks
Joints May stiffen and become painful
Height is gradually lost
How the CNA can help
Prevent calls by answering call light to mediately
Keep pathways clear, clean up spills and do not move furniture.
Walkers and canes need to be placed where residents can easily reach
Residents should wear non-skid shoes that are securely fastened
Encourage regular movement and self-care
Encourage residents to perform as many ADLs as possible
Assist with range of motion exercises as needed
Observing and reporting: signs and symptoms of the musculoskeletal system
Changes in ability to perform routine movements and activities
Any changes in a residence ability to perform range of motion exercises
Pain during movement
Any new or increased swelling of joints
Wait, shiny, red or warm areas over a joint
Bruising
Aches and pains
Arthritis
A general term referring to inflammation, or swelling of the joints.
It causes stiffness, pain and decreased mobility.
Arthritis may be the result of aging, injury or an autoimmune illness
Autoimmune illness
When the body’s immune system attacks normal tissues in the body
Rheumatoid arthritis
Joints become red, swollen and very painful. Deformities can result and may be severe and disabling. Movement is eventually restricted.
Fever, fatigue and weight loss are also symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease
Arthritis treatments
Anti-inflammatory medication
Aspirin, ibuprofen as well as other medications
Local applications of heat to reduce swelling and pain
Range of motion exercises
Regular exercise and/or activity routine
Diet to reduce weight or maintain strength
Observing and reporting guidelines for arthritis
Watch for stomach irritation or heartburn caused by aspirin, ibuprofen or other medications. Report immediately
Encourage activity
Adapt ADLs to allow for Independence. Encourage self-care
Osteoporosis
The condition in which Bones lose density causing them to become porous and brittle.
Maybe caused by a lack of calcium in the diet, Loss of estrogen, lack of exercise, reduced mobility or age
It is more common in women after menopause
Menopause
The end of menstruation; occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months
Signs and symptoms of osteoporosis
Low back pain
Stooped posture
becoming shorter over time
fractures
How to slow osteoporosis
Encourage residents to walk and the other light exercise
Move residence very carefully
Medications and supplements
Fractures
Broken bones
Signs and symptoms of fractures
Pain
swelling
bruising
changes in skin color at the site
limited movement
Guidelines to assisting clients after hip replacements
Keep often used items within easy reach.
Dress the affected (weaker) side first
Never rush the resident. Use praise and encouragement often. Do this for even small tasks
Ask the nurse to give pain medication prior to moving if needed
Have the residents set to do tasks in order to save energy
Follow the care plan exactly, even if the resident wants to do more
Never perform rage of motion exercises on the operative (affected) leg unless directed by the nurse
Tossing the resident not to sit with their legs crossed or turn their toes in where they’re outward
Do not bend or flex the hip more than 90°. It also cannot be turned inward or outward
An abduction pillow may be used for 6 to 12 weeks. The legs are secured to the sides of the pillow using straps in order to immobilize and position the hips and lower extremities
Use a pillow between the thighs to keep the legs separated when transferring from the bed. Raise the head of the bed. This allows the resident to move their legs over the side with the thighs still separated. Stand on the unaffected side. Strong side should lead in standing, pivoting and sitting
With chair or toilet transfers, the operative leg should be straightened.
The stronger leg should stand first then the foot of the affected leg can be brought back into the walking position