lect 4: ch 20 Flashcards
types of vulnerabilities for older adults
1) thermoregulation
2) physical
3) criminal
4) transportation
5) driving
6) fire
what is the purpose of home safety evaluation?
reduction of fall risk
what factors affect thermoregulation?
- neurosensory changes
- physiological changes
- medications
- alcohol
what factors put older patient at risk for decreased thermoregulation?
1) inability to respond to changes in temperature
2) inability to afford proper heating or air conditioning
3) concerns for safety that prompts older adults to lock themselves in the house
how does alcohol affect thermoregulation?
affects vasomotor responses to changes in temp
how do drugs affect thermoregulation?
1) inhibit neuromuscular activity
2) suppress metabolic heat production
3) dull sensation and awareness (tranquilizers)
how is neuromuscular activity related to thermoregulation?
it is a significant source of kinetic heat production
older adults are more vulnerable to temperature extremes because of
1) inability to sweat and shiver
2) cannot control blood supply to skin
3) inadequate hydration
4) immobility
5) inability to adjust temperatures
what is considered a high temperature in older adults?
38.3 Celsius or more
100.9 Farenheit or more
a difference of 1 degree in temperature is significant
true
what do high body temperatures indicate?
infections (bacterial, viral; sepsis)
ambient temperature at 90 degrees Farenheit puts older adults at higher risk for hyperthermia
true
what precipitates onset of hyperthermia?
excessive diuretics
low intake of fluids
how to prevent hyperthermia
1) 2-3 L of cool fluids daily
2) minimize exertion
3) use air-conditioning or fans
4) wear hats and cotton fabrics
5) apply cold and wet compresses
6) immerse hands and feet in cool water
7) evaluate their use of diuretics, pain medications, and tranquilizers
heat syndromes
1) heat exhaustion
2) heat fatigue
3) heat stroke
manifestations of heat fatigue
elevated HR
manifestations of heat exhaustion
- tachycardia
- nausea
- cramping
- thirstiness
- altered mental status (AMS)
manifestations of heat stroke
flushing
hot and dry (not sweating)
quick temp elevation 104 Farenheit or greater
hypotension, hyperventilation
tachycardia
which conditions put the older patient at higher risk for hyperthermia?
CV disease
diabetes
peripheral vascular disease
define hypothermia
exposure to cold environmental temperatures
core temperature of less than 95 degrees Farenheit
what are the first signs of hypothermia?
confusion and disorientation
risk factors for hypothermia
- impaired circulation
- diabetes
- adrenal or thyroid dysfunction
- malnutrition
- excessive alcohol use
- inadequate housing or supervision
- use of sedatives, anxiolytics, antidepressants
what is correctly conducted rewarming?
starting from the core then work to the peripheries
risk factors for crimes against older adults
- living alone
- memory & sensory impairments
- loneliness
why is available transportation important to the older adult?
allows them to remain independent and functional
limited access to safe transportation leads to
- social withdrawal
- poor nutrition
- depressive symptoms
- health decline
dementia can lead to abdication of driving privileges
true
driving evaluations should be conducted every 6 mos. as dementia progresses
true
SAFE DRIVE
Safety record
Attention skills
Family report
Ethanol use
Drugs
Reaction time
Intellectual impairment
Vision and visuospatial function
Executive functions
types of assistive technology for older adults
GPS
Telehealth
Smart homes
MedAlert bracelets
when do older adults lose their driving privileges?
- physical limitations
- dementia
preventing fires and burns
Box 20.4
- keep fire extinguisher in the kitchen
- use several electrical outlets
- wear tight-fitting clothing
