X Gerentology Project - Physiological Effects of Aging

Question 1

Integumentary System (skin, hair, nails)

Answer 1

Intrinsic Aging (caused by internal factors)
____________________
-Diminished synthesis of collagen and elastin chronological aging)
-skin becomes thinner and more easily damaged.
-decreased ability of skin to heal itself
-decreased volume of elasticity and increased skin folds/wrinkles. Skin is receiving less blood flow nad lower glandular activity.
-Cortisol (hydrocortisone) a steroid hormone (stimulated by adrenal cortex in response to stress) causes degradation of collagen, accelerating skin aging. Cortisol regulates carbohydrates and maintains BP

Extrinsic Aging (external factors) (aka Photoaging)
________________________
-UV Rays, radiation, photo damage, smoking, air pollution etc. The sun’s UV rays more damaging.
-cutaneous damage cause by chronic exposeru to solar radioation associated with emergence of neoplastic (cancer) lesions
-in younger skin, sun damage heals faster as epidermis has a faster turnover rate, while elder thinner skin has a lower cell repair rate. Skin damages easier and stays damaged.

Grading Scale categorizes clinical findins of skin aging as

• laxity (sagging)
• rhytids (wrinkles, break down in collagen) PIC
• erythema/telangiectasia (redness)
• dyspigmentation (brown discolor, sun spots)
• solar elastosis (yellowing)
• keratoses (growth of keratin on the skin or on mucous membranes.) (abnormal growths, skin tags, moles)
• poor texture

Aging seems to primarily involve the dermis as opposed to the epidermis.

Question 2

PICS

Answer 2

https://www.onlinedermclinic.com/dz_images/s/e/seborrhoeic-keratoses_2900405014eef9112c08a1.jpg

Question 3

Footnotes: References

Answer 3

https://www.boundless.com/physiology/textbooks/boundless-anatomy-and-physiology-textbook/the-integumentary-system-5/integumentary-system-development-68/the-effect-of-aging-on-the-integumentary-system-410-513/

Foundations of Nursing, 6th Edition, Christensen & Kockrow

Memmlers, Anatomy

https://www.atrainceu.com/course-module/2438910-141_elders-and-their-care-module-03

Question 4

https://www.atrainceu.com/course-module/2438910-141_elders-and-their-care-module-03

Answer 4

Integumentary - skin, hair, nails

The skin, largest organ, acts as a waterproofing shield, insulating the body from extreme temps. It regulates temperature as well as protect and cushion inner body tissue. The skin is also sensory as it detects pain, pressure, sensation and temperature. It also makes possible the synthesis of Vitamin D.

The skin has 3 layers, epidermis (waterproof, outermost layer), Dermis, just below epidermis (containing cennective tissue, nerve endings, hair follicles, sweat glands, lynphatic and blood vessels. Hypodermis????

CROSS SECTION PIC

as we age, our skin loses elasticity and turgor and begins to atrophy. As the skin changes, it affects the nerve endings leading to decreased sensation. In addition, pigment producing melanocytes decrease, causing hair to lose color and turn gray and protecting the skin less from sun damage.

As the epidermis gets thinner, it’s function as a protective, insulating structure suffers as well. Chemicals and pathogens have more access to the body with a weakened protective system. Reduced collagen allows the skin to tear more easily.

Immobile elders must be turned and cleansed very gently and regularly.

Hair/Nails
As the melanocytes decrease, the hair color fades and hair strands become smaller which results in thinning and baldness. Nails will grow slower and become yellow in color and more brittle.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness in all age groups. As elders have thinner skin with less adipose for insulation, they are more susceptible. Signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke are

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweating
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Heavy sweating
• Pale skin
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

NOTE: Encourage elders to drink cool, non alhcholic drinks. monitor fluid intake. cool sponge bath is helpful as well. AC, ligth weight clothing.