Geriatric Assessment - Changes with Age

Question 1

What are some changes in the Integumentary System with elderly patients?

Answer 1

Wrinkles
Thinner skin
Decreased fat
Gray hair

Question 2

What are some changes in the respiratory system in the elderly patient?

Answer 2

Changes in the airway
Decreasing muscles of ventilation
Increased residual volume
Decreased sensitivity of chemoreceptors

Question 3

What are some changes in the cardiovascular system with an elderly patient?

Answer 3

Development of atherosclerosis
Decreasing cardiac output
Development of arrhythmias
Changes in blood pressure

Question 4

What are some changes in the nervous system in the elderly patient?

Answer 4

Brain shrinkage
Slowing of the peripheral nerves
Slowed reflexes
Decreasing pain sensation

Question 5

What are some changes in the sensory system in the elderly patient?

Answer 5

Vision distorts and eye movements slow
Hearing loss is more common
Taste decreases

Question 6

What are some psychological changes in the elderly patient?

Answer 6

Depression
Anxiety
Adjustment disorders

Question 7

What are some changes in the Renal, Hepatic and GI systems in the elderly patient?

Answer 7

Kidney's become smaller
Hepatic blood flow decreases
Production of enzymes declines
Salivation decreases
Gastric motility slows

Question 8

What are some changes in the MSK system in the elderly patient?

Answer 8

Decreasing muscle mass
Changes in posture
Arthritic changes
Decrease in bone mass

Question 9

What are some changes in the immune system in the elderly patient?

Answer 9

Less effective immune response
Pneumonia and UTI are common
Increase in abnormal immune system substances

Question 10

What are the five leading causes of death in older people?

Answer 10

Disease of the heart
Cancer
CVA/Stroke
COPD
Pneumonia