WEEK 3 N3A EGD Flashcards
The older adult may also experience difficulty with balance, coordination, fine movements, and spatial (space) orientation, resulting in an increased risk for falls.
Sleep at night typically shortens, and the older adult may awaken more easily. Cat-naps become common.
Short term memory diminished without changes in long term memory.
NEUROLOGIC
Decreases in subcutaneous tissue and weight commonly are found in the old-age.
Muscle mass and strength decrease
Bone demineralization occurs, and bones become porous and brittle. Fracture is more common, joints tend to stiffen and lose flexibility, and range of motion may decrease
Overall mobility commonly slows, and posture tends to stoop.
Height decreases slightly
Joints develop degenerative changes.
MUSCULOSKELETAL
Respiratory rate may increase, accompanied by diminished depth.
Effectiveness of the cough mechanism lessens increasing risk of lung infection
RESPIRATORY
Eating habits may change, particularly if the older adult lacks teeth or has ill-fitting dentures.
DENTITION TOOTH DECAY AND LOSS CONTINUE FOR MOST ADULT
Diminished hearing acuity (presbycusis) occurs, particularly diminished pitch discrimination in the presence of environmental noises. As a result of hearing problems, the older adult may withdraw from social events.
The senses of taste and smell are decreased.
Sensitivity to odors might be reduced. Problems with nutrition may result.
SPECIAL SENSES
Pulmonary elasticity and ciliary action decrease, so that clearing of the lungs becomes less efficient.
RESPIRATORY
An important example of negative feedback is the control of blood sugar.
DIABETES MELLITUS
Blood flow to the kidneys decreases with diminished cardiac output
The number of functioning nephron units decreased by 50%; waste products may be filtered and excreted more slowly.
GENITOURINARY
Wrinkling and sagging of skin occur with decreased skin elasticity; dryness and scaling are common
INTEGUMENTARY
As a result of this changes, older people are more prone to disturbed sleep patterns, have reduced metabolic rate, lose bone density, accumulated body fat, and show increases in blood glucose.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
When a serious mental impairment occurs, the effect on the patient and family can be devastating, refers to various organic disorders that progressively affect cognitive functioning.
DEMENTIA, DEPRESSION
Acid secretion diminished, delaying digestion
Decreased intrinsic factor, increasing susceptibility to pernicious anemia and malnutrition
GASTROINTESTINAL
Fluids and electrolytes remain within normal ranges, but the balance is fragile
Bladder capacity decreases by 50%. Voiding becomes more frequent, 2-3 times a night is usual. A decrease in bladder and sphincter muscle control may result in stress continence or incomplete bladder urinary retention occurs.
GENITOURINARY
Arteries lose elasticity with age making heart have to pump harder to circulate blood, this mainly due to:
Thickening and stiffening in the media of large arteries is thought to be caused by collagen cross-linking
Smaller arteries may thicken/stiffen minimally; their ability to dilate and constrict diminishes significantly
BLOOD VESSELS
Most older adults gradually modify their lifestyle to accommodate for declining strength and health.
They rest most frequently, although continued activity and exercise are important for maintaining all physiologic functions.
PHYSICAL STRENGTH AND HEALTH
An older adult is at high risk for accidents and falls and may need to curtail driving or use a cane or other aid to remain mobile.
Diet modifications and prescribed medications may be necessary, and because of chronic illness, an older adult may need to adjust to living with some pain.
PHYSICAL STRENGTH AND HEALTH
The CNS responds more slowly to multiple stimuli. Hence, the cognitive and behavioral response of the older adult may be delayed.
Rate of reflex response decreases.
Temperature regulation and pain/pressure perception becomes less efficient.
NEUROLOGIC
Deposits of the “aging pigment”, lipofuscin accumulate.
The valves of the heart thicken and become stiffer.
CARDIOVASCULAR
Balding becomes common in men, women experience thinning of hair; hair loses pigmentation
Skin pigmentation and moles are common, although the skin may become pale because of loss of melanocytes. Melanin production decreases
Nails typically thicken, becoming brittle and yellowed.
INTEGUMENTARY
Salivary gland production decreased resulting in alkaline saliva and shrinkage of bony structure of mouth
Peristalsis slowed resulting in delayed stomach emptying and feeling of fullness
GASTROINTESTINAL
Slight increase in the size of the heart, especially the left ventricle is common. The heart wall thickens, so the amount of blood that the chamber can hold may actually decreased
Age changes make the heart less able to pump efficiently. Less blood pumped results in lowered blood oxygen levels.
CARDIOVASCULAR
Diminished visual acuity occurs, with increased sensitivity to glare, decreased ability to adjust to darkness, decreased accommodation, decreased depth perception, and decreased color discrimination.
SPECIAL SENSES
The term cognition indicates cerebral functioning, including the ability to perceive and understand one’s world.
Cognition does not change appreciably with aging. In fact, intelligence increases into the 60’s, and learning continues through life.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
