Physiology Flashcards
If a pt is “normal,” when are physiological effects noticed?
when some stressor disturbs their homeostasis
If a pt is diseased, compromised function is noticed in the ____ state.
resting
Skin
what changes are normal in aging?
thin skin + skin tears
sagging and wrinkles (laxity)
uneven pigment
itchy, dry, cracking
Skin
less fat, blood vessels, blood flow to skin, lean muscle mass, and nerve cells all contribute to what change?
decreased temperature regulation
increased risk for hypothermia, burns, etc.
Skin
Although skin issues are common, what should you always consider in the elderly?
a deeper problem
*watch and wait is not a good tactic*
Skin
What is the MC derm complaint in elderly?
pruritis
Skin
what underlying disease can make people itchy?
renal disease
Skin
How should you treat skin tears in the elderly?
a) let it heal by itself
b) steri-strips
c) suture
d) bandage
steri-strips
Skin
which type of skin cancer is most common in elderly?
basal cell carcinoma
Skin
How should you care for the elderly’s nails?
keep them trimmed but use extreme caution, esp in DM
CV
what are the 3 risk factors for elderly heart disease?
sedentary lifestyle
hyperlipidemia
smoking
CV
what is the leading killer of men and women in US?
coronary heart disease
CV
is coronary artery disease a natural process of aging?
NO!!!
40% of people over 90y didn’t have it on autopsy
CV
What is a red flag of CAD (or other heart dz too probably)
new and progressive symptoms
CV
which valve is most commonly affected in the elderly?
a) aortic
b) pulmonary
c) mitral
d) tricuspid
aortic (e.g. sclerosis, stenosis, or regurg/insufficiency)
CV
what 2 things put you on high alert that the elderly pt will report to you?
change in activity level
new s/s
Pulm
what disease is among the top 10 causes of death?
pneumonia
Pulm
what rare way can pneumonia present?
with delerium and nothing else!
+/- abd symptoms, falls, health decline
Pulm
should you admit an elderly pt who has pneumonia?
ADMIT CAUTIOUSLY.
Admissions lead to some degree of loss of function
Pulm
what vital sign contributes to delerium?
low O2
Pulm
how does lung cancer present?
in its late stages
could be local, intrathoracic, extrathoracic, paraneoplastic
Pulm
local sx of lung cancer
cough
CP or weight on chest
dyspnea or can’t get full breath
hemoptysis
Pulm
intrathoracic sx of lung cancer
chest wall pain
dysphagia
hoarseness
Pulm
extrathoracic spread of lung cancer
abdominal pain
bone pain
jaundice
LAD
neuro sx
