Management of the Older Adult Patient Flashcards
1
Q
Cardiovascular Changes in the older adult
A
- Heart disease of the leading cause of death
- Myocardial hypertrophy
- Increased fibrosis
- Calcium and fat deposits
- Slower heart recovery rate
- Orthostatic hypotension
2
Q
Respiratory Changes in the older adult
A
- Diminished respiratory efficiency
- Reduced maximal inspiratory and expiratory force
- Airways & tissues become less elastic & more rigid with age
- Lung mass decreases and residual volume increases
3
Q
Integumentary System Changes in the older adult
A
- Epidural proliferation decreases, dermis becomes thinner
- Elastic fibers are reduced and collagen becomes stiffer
- Subcutaneous fat diminishes: less likely to conserve body heat
- Loss of resiliency with wrinkling and sagging of the skin
- Hair pigmentation may change, and balding may occur
4
Q
Genitourinary System Changes in the older adult
A
- Decreased filtration rate
- Diminished tubular function with less efficiency in reabsorbing and concentrating the urine
- Slower restoration of acid–base balance in response to stress
- Male: benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Female: relaxed perineal muscles, detrusor instability
(urge incontinence), urethral dysfunction (stress urinary incontinence
5
Q
Gastrointestinal System Changes in the older adult
A
- Decreased sense of thirst, smell, taste
- Decreased salivation
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing food
- Delayed esophageal, gastric emptying
- Diminished secretion of gastric acid and pepsin
- Reduced gastrointestinal motility
6
Q
Musculoskeletal System Changes in the older adult
A
- Loss of bone density
- Loss of muscle strength, size
- Deterioration of muscle fibers and cell membranes
- Degenerated joint cartilage
7
Q
Nervous System Changes in the older adult
A
- Visual acuity, depth perception, and the ability to accommodate to light
- Hearing: changes in inner ear
- Reduced speed in nerve conduction
- Decrease in the number of taste buds
