RAD-128 CH.8 Geriatric Imaging

• 65 yrs and up
• they recieve and are eligible for medicare benefits and SS benefits and it is the retirement age

heart disease stroke and cancer

polypharmacia (use of multiple medications) heart disease hypertension diabetes arthritis pulmonary disease visual and hearing impairment

fear vs depression dementia vs depression

• dementia(is the loss of mental functions such as thinking, memory, and reasoning that is severe enough to interfere with a person's daily functioning.)
• confusion and memory deficits

• geriatric being a burden to the family
• fear of losing good health
• giving up independent lfestyle
• chronic illnesses

alzheimers

• dizzines
• falling for no reason
• infections without fevers
• urinary incontinence

• integumentary
• head and neck
• pulmonary
• GI tract
• hepatic
• genitourinary
• musculoskeletal
• neurological

• –The skin wrinkles, becomes lax, and loses turgor
• –The vascularity of the dermis decreases, and the skin of white people begins to look paler and more opaque
• –Brown macules called “lentigines” appear on the back of the hands, on the forearms, and face
• –Seborrheic keratoses and actinic keratoses may develop
• –Nails lose their luster and may yellow and thicken

full bed table pad

• mild loss of vision acuity = presbyopia
• tear production increases or decreases
• sensory neural and conductive changes occur in the ear
• hearing loss is common
• there is loss of muscle mass in neck
• kyphosis

• lung capacity diminishes
• cough reflex become less effective
• normal respiratory defense mechanism lose effectiveness

chronic pulmonary disease

• upright position to prevent aspiration
• hold breath on second inspiration

• coronary arteries calcify lose elesticity
• arota branches dilate and elongate
• heart valves thicken
• decline in coronary blood flow
• baroreceptors become less sensitive

• patient tires easily, allow rest intervals
• hypothermia due to decreeased circulation ; avoid chilling
• Avoid rapid position changes, especially lying to sitting to standing to avoid postural hypotension; allow patient to adjust to new position before walking

• Gastric secretion, absorption and motility decreases
• The abdominal muscles weaken
• Many patients are edentulous (without teeth), have dentures or partial plates
• Esophageal motility declines

• instruct patient to drink contrast slowly so they dont choke
• position patient in an up right position
• schedule the examso the patient can have breakfast close to usual time

• Liver size decreases
• Enzyme activity and synthesis of cholesterol decrease
• Bile storage is reduced

increased potential for drug toxicity and RT should be alert for adverse drug reactions

• Muscle tone and bladder capacity decrease
• Pubic hair becomes sparse
• Vaginal atrophy occurs
• Involuntary bladder contractions increase

• Prostate gland enlarges
• Tone of bladder neck increases
• Urinary bladder capacity decreases
• Size of penis and testes decreases

• Loss of muscle tone may make patient more susceptible to urinary incontinence
• Limited bladder capacity
• May need to urinate more frequently
• Have bedpan and/or urinal available

• Bone mass is reduced; bones become weaker
• Muscle mass decreases;replaced by fibrous connective tissue
• Muscle strength decreases
• Intervertebral discs shrink, vertebrae collapse
• Articular cartilage erodes

• –Normal lordotic curve of lower back flattens–Flexion and extension of lower back diminished
• Placement of neck and shaft of femur changes
• Posture and gait change
• Men: gait narrows and becomes wider based
• Women: legs bow and gait is somewhat waddling

• Increased muscular weakness increases patient’s discomfort
• Decreased tolerance for movement also increases discomfort
• Use positioning sponges to facilitate maintaining necessary positioning for various studies
• Increased risk of falling; assist patient to prevent falls

total joint replacement

• Severe degenerative joint disease
• Joint deformities
• Trauma

hip and knees

disolocation of the prosthesis

• Understand and adhere to weight bearing and mobility limits of restricted joint
• Transport patients by gurney
• Use pillow or block to prevent adduction of hip arthroplastic joint
• Avoid positioning patient with weight on surgical incision site
• Do not hyperflex affected joints
• Shield patient as per department protocols

• Brain weight changes; reduced size of neurons–Possible short-term memory loss
• Sensorimotor function decreases–Decreased reaction time
• Need more time to perform activities
• Decreased postural stability
• Decreased proprioception; spatial relation problems
• Loss of sensitivity to deep pain

• Patient may not be aware of painful stimuli until injury has occurred
• Possible visual problems in dimly lit room
• Be certain patient understands directions
• Allow patient more time to execute moves

cultutal and aging

Some elderly patients are accepting of whatever treatment is offered, whereas others require a detailed explanation from the family members.

one out oevery 20 seniors

Elder abuse is the neglect, mistreatment or exploitation of anyone age 65 or older (or any disabled dependent adult).

• Domestic elder abuse
• Institutional elder abuse
• Self-neglect or Self-abuse

it is radiographer’s ethical and legal responsibility to report to appropriate person

Need to be aware of local and state laws concerning reporting suspected elder abuse, penalties for not reporting abuse

Follow the policies and procedure for the institution where the radiographer is employed

pinching the skin