OA: Nursing Process Flashcards
Each person ages..
at a different rate and adapts to the aging process individually
Knowledge of the aging process enables the nurse to…
accurately differentiate between normal and abnormal findings in assessing the OA
Who are the older adults?
Heterogeneous population with varying needs
Young-old
65-75
Middle-old
75-84
Old-old
85-99
Elite-old
100+
aging in place
in home as long as possible
FL has the highest percentage of…
ppl 65 and older
Normal aging
changes that occur in all older people
When assessing an older adult, what considerations should you remember?
- allow adequate time for patient to answer questions and report information
- bright, glare-free lighting
- warm room
- clarify answers or restate if you dont understand
- list of meds
- review typical day
Avoid prolonged…
exposure
Assist with…
position changes
Palpate and percuss gently to avoid…
trauma to frail skin
Do not move joints beyond point of pain to…
avoid injury
Patient may demonstrate rapid fluctuations in..
condition due to changes in older adult
Holistic/Comprehensive Assessment
essential to understanding the health needs of the older adult
Holistic/Comprehensive Assessment should be done…
- yearly assessment
- after any abrupt change
- when hospitalized for acute illness or injury
- nursing home placement or change in living status
- when 2nd opinion is wanted
Fulmer Spices Assessment Tool
conditions that warrant further assessment for fall risk
S: sleep disorders P: problems with eating and feeding I: incontinence C: confusion E: evidence of falls S: skin breakdown
When is Fulmer Spices used?
on admission to prompt fall risk precautions if needed
MDS
minimum data set
-periodic, multidisciplinary assessment
What does MDS validate for?
need for care and justifies reimbursement
Patience is..
a virtue when obtaining a hx from an older adult
Thought and verbal processes are…
slower than those of younger clients
Allow adequate…
time to answer questions and report information
When an OA client comes in for assessment with a large bag full of multiple medications, what nursing dx is apparent?
At risk for ADR related to polypharmacy
Neurological changes in the OA:
-Changes from decreased velocity of…
nerve impulse conduction and decreased sensory perception
Responses to stimuli…
take longer
Slowing of the ANS may contribute to…
orthostatic hypotension
orthostatic hypotension
aka postural hypotenstion
-stand up—> drop in BP (>15mmHg in sys)
Functional implications of Neurological changes in the OA
- slowed speed of cognitive processing
- increased risk of sleep disorders, neurological dz, and delirium
- increased risk of sensory overload or deprivation