health assessment expected changes Flashcards
height/weight
monitor for changes in weight// weight gain:heart problem//weight loss: possible depression, dental problem, or cancer. Also dementia can cause weight loss
Temperature
even slight changes can affect. As low as 100 F may indicate pending sepsis
blood pressure
positional blood pressure reading! due to high occurence of orthostatic hypotension.
Skin
due to thinning, tenting is not a good indicator of hydration status
Ear
due to common drying cerumen, impaction are common.
hearing
High-frequency hearing loss (presbycusis) is common
Eyes.
Redueced pupillary responsiveness (miosis) is normal if euqal bilaterally. Gray ring around the iris (arcus senilis), sagging of lids, position of lids.
Vision
Increased glare sensitivity, Decreased contrast sensitivity. Needs more light to read. Ensure to lit adequately in waiting room, decreased color discrimination–could affect self-administer medication safely.
Mouth
excessive dryness. Periodontal disease is common.
Neck
because of loss of fat tissue, carotid arteries may look enlarged.
Chest
Kyphosis will alter location of lobes. Crackle in lower lobes may clear with cough. Risk for aspiration penumonia increased. Therefore, neeed for lateral exam and measurement of oxygen sat
Heart
Forth heart sound is common
Extremities
Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses very difficult to palpate. edema is common. look for other signs for vascular intergrity
Abdomen
deposition of fat in the belly, asucultation of bowel tones may be difficult.
Musculoskeletal
Osetoarthritis is very common, and pain often undertreated. conduct passive range of motion excercises if active one is not possible. Do not push past comfort level.
