Health Care of the Older Adult Flashcards
Young Old
65-74
Middle Old
75-84
Old Old
85 years and older
Changes in the Cardiovascular System
Heart valves become thicker and stiffer
Heart muscle and arteries lose elasticity
Calcium and fat deposits accumulate in arterial walls
Pacemaker cells decrease in number
Cardiovascular Assessment
Many not have regular chest pain, may have dyspnea, neurological symptoms, vague symptoms such as nausea and syncope
Orthostatic hypotension
Postprandial hypotension (encourage 5-6 small meals a day)
Changes in the Respiratory System
Diminished respiratory efficiency
Respiratory muscles weaken
Loss of elastic recoil
Cartilage and skeletal changes restrict chest expansion
Lung mass decreases
Respiratory Assessment
More subtle signs (headache, weakness, anorexia, dehydration, mental status changes)
Encourage cessation of smoking, regular exercise, immunizations, TCDB
Changes in the Integumentary System
Epidermis and dermis thin
Collagen stiffens
Elastic fibers reduce in number
Subcutaneous fat is lost
Decreased capillaries in the skin
Decreased hair pigmentation
Decreased sebaceous and sweat gland activity
Integumentary Assessment
Assess changes in the skin
Encourage to avoid smoking, decrease sun exposure, maintain nutrition and hydration
Changes in the Reproductive System
Estrogen and progesterone production from ovaries declines
Thinning vaginal walls, narrowing, loss of elasticity
Decrease in vaginal secretions
Testes less firm but can produce sperm until 90 years of age
Erectile dysfunction usually the result of disease or medication
Changes in the Genitourinary System
Loss of nephrons
Decreased filtration rate
Decreased blood flow through the kidneys
Urinary incontinence
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Changes in the Gastrointestinal System
Diminished sense of smell
Dentition is important
Gastric motility slows
Diminished production of gastric acid and pepsin
Faulty absorption of B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D
Constipation
Caused by:
Lack of dietary fiber, excessive dietary fat
Ignoring the urge to defecate
Prolonged laxative use
Inactivity
Insufficient fluid intake
Changes in Musculoskeletal System
Decreased bone density
Loss of muscle mass
Deterioration of muscle fiber and cell membranes
Degeneration in function and efficiency of joints
Changes in the Nervous System
Progressive loss of nerve cells
Slower conduction of nerve impulses
Autonomic nervous system less efficient
