week 8 older adult differences HEENT

Question 1

head changes

Answer 1

degenerative changes may lead to dec. cervical range of motion

Question 2

neck changes

Answer 2

cartilage of the trachea may calcify

Question 3

thyroid changes

Answer 3

dec. production of T4

thyroid becomes more fibrotic

Question 4

lymphatic system changes

Answer 4

dec. number and size of lymph nodes
nodes become fibrotic
-> dec. ability to fight infection.

Question 5

eyes

Answer 5

progressive weakening of accommodation (focusing)
- presbyopia
by 45: lens more rigid, ciliary muscle weaker
- lens continues to form fibers
–> old fibers compress centrally, forming denser central region -> loss of clarity and contribute to cataracts.
excess tearing
nocturnal eye pain
difficulty with depth perception

Question 6

macular degeneration patho

Answer 6

part of the retina deteriorates

• Dry (atrophic): gradual breakdown of cells in the macula that results in gradual blurring in central vision
• Wet (exudative or neovascular): new abnml blood vessels grow under the center of the retina. Vessels leak and scar the retina. Vision loss rapid

Question 7

macular degeneration subjective

Answer 7

blurred or dec. central vision
blind spots or scotomas
straight lines looking irregular or bent
objects appearing a different color or shape in each eye
objects appearing smaller in one eye (micropsia)

Question 8

macular degeneration objective

Answer 8

dry from:
- drusen: multiple spots in macular region
- thinning and loss of the retina and the choroid
wet form:
- exudates, blood, scarring, and new blood vessel membranes below the retina.