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Fundamentals Exam 2 > Older Adults/ Sensory Alterations > Flashcards

Older Adults/ Sensory Alterations Flashcards

1
Q

CNS

Normal Physiological Changes of Older Adults

A 
Slow CNS Response
decreased reflex response
difficulty with balance
diminished visual acuity (presbyopia)
diminished hearing acuity (presbycusis)
cerumen buildup
decreased taste and smell
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2
Q

Blood Vessels

Normal Physiologic Changes of Older Adults

A

More rigid, less elastic
peripheral pulses are not always palpable
decreased ciliary action

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3
Q

GI

Normal Physiological Changes in Older Adults

A

Decreased nutrient absorption
Decreased Peristalsis
Diminished Saliva

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4
Q

GU

Normal Physiologic Changes of Older Adults

A 
Decreased blood flow to the kidney
Nephrons decrease by 50%
Bladder Capacity decrease by 50%
Male- prostate enlargement
Female - atrophy of genitalia
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5
Q

Skin

Normal Physiologic Changes of Older Adults

A 
Wrinkles
Loss of skin elasticity
decrease pigmentation
easy bruising
Thickening of nails
thinning of hair
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6
Q

Bone/Muscle

Normal Physiological Changes of Older Adults

A 
Decreased muscle mass
Bone demineralization
Decrease Flexibility of joints
Slow mobility
decrease in height
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7
Q

Health of Older Adult

A

Falls are most common cause of unintentional injuries attributed to chronic illness and medications (polypharmacy)
Mortality rate from Alzheimer’s disease is twice higher among 85-yo compared to mid 60s

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8
Q

Dementia

A

Chronic and gradually progressive cognitive impairment
Alzheimer’s disease is most common form of dementia among older adults (second most common is vascular dementia related to HTN and stroke; frontotemporal disorders)
Risk factor for delirium (can have both at the same time)
Life review or reminiscence therapy for mild/moderate dementia; validation therapy for end stage dementia

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9
Q

Delirium

A

Temporary confusion state brought by an acute illness with specific underlying causes (medications, electrolyte imbalance, infection, untreated pain, psychosocial factors or sleep deprivation)
Can present as a symptom of a systemic infection - often first symptom for pneumonia or UTI
Sudden Onset
Focus on re-orientation and prevention measures
Medical emergency and life threatening - requires immediate intervention, resolves when underlying reason is identified and treated

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10
Q

Depression

A

Distinct change of behavior with extreme or prolonged sadness brought by life events/stressors
Psychotherapy or counseling and/or antidepressant medication is treatment

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11
Q

Role of Nurses in Promoting Health and Preventing Illness

A 
Assist older adults to function as independently as possible; support their strength and promote their return to health
Regular dental and physical check-up
Eat a healthy diet
Daily exercise
Consider supplements (e.g. Vitamin D)
Drink Alcohol in moderation
Don't smoke
Health-related screenings and immunizations
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12
Q

Factors affecting sensory-perception

A 
Developmental Considerations
Culture
Personality and Lifestyle
Stress and Illness
Medication
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13
Q

Presbyopia

A

Farsightedness caused by loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye, occurring typically in middle and old age

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14
Q

Cataract

A

Cloudiness of the lens, With advancing age, proteins int he lens clump together forming an opaque area causing glare and blurred vision

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15
Q

Detached Retina

A

Thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye pull away from its normal position. Presents as a curtain coming down across vision, sudden appearance of floaters

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16
Q

Diabetic/Hypertensive Retinopathy

A

Changes in the blood vessels of the retina, decrease in vision caused by hemorrhage and macular edema

17
Q

Glaucoma

A

A slow, progressive increase in intraocular pressure, can damage the optic nerve resulting in peripheral vision loss and decreased visual acuity. Older adults are at higher risk

18
Q

Temporal Arteritis

A

Autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the temporal artery, may cause blindness if blood supply to the optic nerve is affected

19
Q

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

A

Associated with aging, it is a condition in which the macula loses its ability to function efficiently. The macula is the specialized portion of the retina responsible for central vision. Signs include blurring of reading matter, loss of central vision and distortion of vertical lines

20
Q

Presbycusis

A

Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Decrease ability to hear high-pitched sounds i.e. chirping of a bird, ringing of a telephone. Loss of hair cells in the sensory receptors of the inner ear due to aging

21
Q

Tinnitus

A

Ringing in the ears, can be due to damage to the hair receptors of the cochlear nerve and age related changes in the organs. Tinnitus is one of the symptoms of Meniere’s disease. Other symptoms: Severe dizziness, fullness or congestion in the hear and hearing loss

22
Q

Burning Mouth Syndrome

A

dryness, scaling and itching of lips
Dryness and soreness of mouth
Feeling of thirst, numbness and tingling sensation on the tip of the tongue
Pain and bitter metallic taste
*Gustatory and olfactory changes include a decrease int he number of taste buds and sensory cells in the nasal lining. Reduced taste discrimination and sensitivity to odors are common

23
Q

Peripheral/Diabetic Neuropathy

A

overreaction/under-reaction to pain in the distal extremities related to nerve damage from circulatory problems (other s/s: numbness, tingling sensation, sensitivity to touch, vibration and pressure)
Patient with diabetes- there are changes in the microcirculation causing damage to peripheral nerves
*Older adults experience tactile changes including decrease pain reaction, two-point discrimination and vibration sense

24
Q

Phantom Limb Pain

A

The experience of chronic pain that can range from dull to ache to crushing pain where an amputated limb once was

25
Q

Decrease in Vision

Nursing Considerations

A

Use of Corrective lenses
Provide adequate lighting and clear pathways of clutter
provide reading materials in larger print
encourage visit to ophthalmologist annually

26
Q

Decrease in Hearing

Nursing Considerations

A

Use of hearing aids

Communicate in lower tone to speak

27
Q

Decrease in taste and smell

Nursing Considerations

A

Add flavor with herbs and spices; make food warmer/colder

28
Q

Decrease sense of touch

Nursing Considerations

A

Protect skin from temperature extremes
Assess extremities for breakdown
Ambulate with assistive devices

29
Q

Delirium Management

A

The confusion assessment method tool: helps determine whether a patient’s confusion is dementia or delirium
Encourage rest/sleep
Keep room quiet and calm
Make sure they are comfortable
Encourage them to get up and sit in a chair
Encourage them to work with a physical or occupational therapist
Help eat/drink

Fundamentals Exam 2 (9 decks)

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