Foundations of Geriatrics Flashcards
The amount of population over 65 classified as poor or nearly poor
18%
Biggest source of income in population over 65
social security (42%)
Elderly men and women in the workforce
Percent of older men in workforce in decreasing
Percent of older women in workforce is increasing
Majority of elders over 85 do not need
assistance with ADLs (77%)
Only 25% of population over 95 reside in long-term care
Majority of elderly live with
spouse or other relative
Eriksons theory of older adult
ego integrity vs. despair
Model of Change
Precontemplation: no intention
Contemplation: intending to change in 6 months
Preparation: ready to take action
Action: made modifications to reduce risk of disease
Maintenance: working to prevent relapse
Gene Theory of aging
one or more harmful genes becomes activated and organism cannot survive
Error Theory of aging
as cell ages, proteins contain more and more errors, “killer” gene is produced
Somatic Mutation Theory of aging
destruction of key gene causes cells to stop dividing
longevity depends on how well the cell can repair DNA
Programmed Theory of aging
Senescence factor accumulates in cells, acts in a dominant fashion
Immunologic theory of aging
imbalance of T cells, cellular immune function decreases
Free radical theory of aging
unpaired electrons are produced both intrinsically and externally, altered biochemical reactions result in DNA damage and cell death
Cross-link theory of aging
collagen molecules cross link in tissues, produces stiffness and rigidity
Stress-adaptation of aging
hypothermia, cardiac output decline and vital capacity result in diminished ability to cope with stress
High degree of variability
Suspicious indicators of elder abuse
description of injury doesn’t match physical findings
history of similar injuries
pattern of seeking different health care
frequent ER use
Emotional indicators of elder abuse
appears afraid avoids eye contact flinches when you reach to touch them withdrawal from social activities significant changes in affect
Physical evidence of elder abuse
bruises, burns, scratches, lacerations Injuries in various healing stages untreated malnutrition misuse of medications untreated medical needs
The socioeconomic standard of living in the elderly is _________ than ever was in this population
higher
Types of care that requires functional deficits
adult day care
home health care
life care communities
Theories of aging that time equals cell death
error theory
cross-link theory
free radical theory
Normal aging related changes
increased anterior-posterior chest diameter
corneal ring (senile arcus)
decreased skin turgor
Organ systems most affected by age related decline
neurological
cardiovascular
MSK
lower urinary
Atypical presentation of illness
in geriatrics, the organ system associated with particular abnormality or problem is less likely to be source of symptoms than in a younger adult
Predominant symptoms of illness in older adult
acute confusion, depressions, falls, incontinence, syncope
Symptoms usually present _____ in the elderly due to ________
earlier, impaired compensatory systems
Most common cause of dementia
Alzheimers
Alzheimers symptoms
confabulations, animated, exaggerated
Primary concern of delirium
patient safety
Age-related risk factors for falls
female gender chronic medical conditions cognitive impairment ADL dependence impaired vision/hearing polypharmacy environmental hazards gait/balance disorders
Assessment for falls in elderly
Vitals (orthostasis=lasix/metoprolol overuse, dehydration)
CV assessment
Sensory assessment
Gait/balance assessment
Contributing factors to pressure ulcers
moisture advancing age low BP smoking elevated body temp dehydration
Conditions that mimic pressure ulcers
fungal/yeast infections
malignancy
venous/arterial ulcers
neuropathic ulcers
