T1: Acute Care CH 33 Flashcards
Acute Care and the older adult population have ___ rates of hospitalization and __ length of stay.
higher
longer
Age-related changes increase the risk of __, __, and __.
injuries, infections, and complications
Older adults have __ care needs while hospitalized
unique
Older adults are the significant consumers of __ __ services.
outpatient hospital
Older adults have __ functional status and __ infections.
Decreased
Nosocomial
Iatrogenic complications include:
delirium, falls, pressure ulcers, dehydration, incontinence, constipation, and loss of function
Relating to illness caused by medical examination or treatment
Iatrogenic
Nursing Interventions to Minimize Risk and Promote Optimal Function:
- Assessment to identify problems and risks
- Early discharge planning
- Encouragement of independence
- Monitoring of medications
- Prevention of complications
- Environmental safety precautions
- Education
More adults of advanced age are undergoing ___ procedures
surgical
Independent functional status and quality of life (QOL) can be ___
improved
___ changes alter normal surgical procedures in the population
Age-related
Older adults have a smaller margin of __ __.
physiologic reserve
Older adults have less of an ability to adapt to __ changes
physiologic
Age changes can cause greater risk of ___
complications
Promote proactive strengthening of __
capacities
What type of consideration? (preoperative or operative/postoperative)
- Sensitivity to fears of older adults
- Understanding of how surgical procedures have advanced
- Reassurance and support
- Patient education regarding what to expect before, during, and after the procedure
- Review of medications
- Preoperative screening completed
Preoperative considerations
What type of consideration? (preoperative or operative/postoperative)
- Use of anesthetics in older adults
- Prolonged surgery discouraged
- Careful positioning
- Close monitoring of body temperature
- Infection control measures
Operative and postoperative care considerations
What type of consideration? (preoperative or operative/postoperative)
- Close observation and monitoring of vital signs
- Evaluation of the potential for shock and hemorrhage including blood loss
- Assessment for hypoxia, urinary output, fluid and electrolyte balance, and infection
- Strict documentation of intake and output
- Relief of pain is essential
Operative and postoperative care considerations
Older adult have an increased risk for __ and __ including blood loss.
shock and hemorrhage
What type of consideration? (preoperative or operative/postoperative)
- Attention to nutritional status
- Maintaining regular bowel and bladder elimination
- Keeping joints mobile
- Interventions to promote mobilization and prevent postoperative complications
Operative/postoperative
Emergency care is often because of age-related changes that lower resistance and increase the risk of __ and __.
injury and illness
There could be an atypical presentation of disease that complicates __.
ex; they are confused due to a UTI, but they’re not burning or having dysuria.
diagnosis
Older adults are more difficult to treat and ___
stabilize
Older adults have a greater risk of __ and __
complications
death
Goals guiding nursing action:
2
- Always stay on the side of safety
- Obtain necessary diagnostic tests
Leading causes of infection-related deaths:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
- Bacterial Pneumonia
Early and __ discharge planning is essential
competent
Goals: prevent ___, reduce risk for ___, and minimize __
complications
re-hospitalization
stress
Discharge plans must address family and caregiving ___
needs
