Geriatrics Flashcards
1
Q
Aging of body systems
A
- Cardiovascular
- Respiratory
- Neurological
- Gastrointestinal
- Endocrine
- Musculoskeletal
- Renal
- Integumentary
2
Q
Cardiovascular System
A
- Hypertension (Common)
- Valves stiffen and narrow (Stenosis)
- Cardiac Hypertrophy (Enlarged heart)
- Heart rate and rhythm change
- Coronary artery disease (Common)
- Atherosclerosis
- Arteriosclerosis
3
Q
Respiratory System
A
- Cough reflex and power is diminished
- Leads to more infections (pneumonia)
- Less elasticity and recoil of the thorax
- Decrease in smooth muscle fibers of smaller airways
4
Q
Neurologic System
A
- Decrease in size and mass of the brain
- Depression (Common)
- Senses diminish:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment
5
Q
Cataracts
A
Clouding of the lens of eyes
6
Q
Glaucoma
A
Increased pressure in eye damages optic nerve
7
Q
Macular Degeneration
A
Affects ability to see objects in center of visual field
8
Q
Neuropathy System
A
- Abnormal functions or nerve tracts
SXSX:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
9
Q
Gastrointestinal System
A
- Malnutrition as a result of deterioration of small intestine
- Constipation (Common)
- Deterioration of mouth structures
10
Q
Endocrine System
A
- Changes can lead to increased risk of health problems
- Diabetes
- Fluid imbalances
- Hypertension
11
Q
Musculoskeletal System
A
- Osteoporosis (Common)
- Kyphosis- curvature of the spine
- Must pad voids when putting in spine motion restriction, including padding under head - Joints lose flexibility
- Prone to falls due to:
- general weakness
- worsening balance
- Loss of joint mobility
12
Q
Renal System
A
- Kidneys become smaller in size and weight
- Drug toxicity common
- From a decrease in kidney function and decrease in GI system absorption
13
Q
Integumentary System
A
- Skin becomes thin
- Wounds heal slowly
- Less perspiration
- Thermoregulation changes , hypothermia and hyperthermia common
14
Q
Ageism
A
- Occurs when a person discriminates against people who are old
- Always treat the elderly with the utmost respect and ask for their names. Do no use terms such as dear, honey, etc
15
Q
Social Factors
A
- Many on a fixed income
- Patient may not want to be transported for a fear that they will lose their independence and not come home
