Gerontologic nursing

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What is the age range for "elderly"

>65
How many older adults are in institutional settings?

5%
Which memory suffers the most change?

short term
Confusion can occur as a result of...

Lack of stimulation and/ or overload of change
What is the difference in s/s when it comes to older adults?

Classic s/s don't always present in diseeases
age range for frail elderly

>75
What is important about teaching and designing rehab programs?

that the program includes exercise and nutrition
Why do older adults have trouble sleeping?

They have shorter sleep cycles causing them to awaken with minimal stimuli
What are some age-related changes in the CV system?

Decreased HR, cardiac output, vessel elasticity and stroke vol. Increased BP, murmurs and dysrhythmias
What to teach...
- Avoid fatigue
- change positions slowly
- take apical and radial pulses
- avoid extreme heat and cold because of decreased periph sensations
- avoid sitting w/ feet in dependent position
Angina symptoms may be ____ or they may be ____ with GI symptoms

Absent; confused
Normal cardiac nursing assessment...

Diuresis after lying down, confusion & personality changes from O2 deficit
What is considered an emergency with an older adult that may not be to someone younger?

Resp infection &/ or Pneumonia
Hypoxia can manifest as...

confusion
vent assistive devices _____ _____ to older adults.

pose hazards
Normal GI assessment...
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased peristalsis
- Constipation
- Decreased Ca+ absorption
- Decreased drug metabolism
What are not normal aging processes?
- Tooth loss
- Pain
- Incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
First sign of loss of renal integrity in older adult?

Decreased urine output
Symptoms of DM in older adult?

fatigue, infection, and sensory changes caused by neuropathy
Why should caffeine and alcohol be avoided?

They promote diuresis
Which meds are important in regards to the kidneys and why?
- Penicillin
- Tetracycline
- Digoxin
Excreted mainly by kidneys so may be more potent if they cannot be excreted
What to know about male reproductive system...

Testicles shrink and digital exam should be done annually to monitor for prostate cancer
What are the main Neuro disorders?
- Alzheimer's
- CVA
- Parkinson
Neurologic loss...

is permanent because neurons do nor regenerate
TIAs are manifested by...
- Weakness
- Difficulty speaking
- Blackouts
When do clots tend to develop?

When pt is awake or just arising
Most common endocrine problems..

DM and thyroid dysfunction

Author

saturn1212

272467

Card Set

Gerontologic nursing

Description

Nursing for elderly pts

Updated

2014-04-30T06:22:40Z

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