NURS 306: Week 3 - What Happens to Our Bodies as we Grow Older? Part 2

What is included in the musculoskeletal system?

- Bones

- Muscles

- Joints

- Cartilage

- Ligaments

- Tendons

1 multiple choice option

What are the main functions of the musculoskeletal system?

- Mobility

- Structural support and posture

- Protection of vital organs

- Mineral storage

What causes age-related musculoskeletal changes?

- Cellular senescence

- Hormonal shifts

- Chronic inflammation

- Cumulative mechanical stress

What is cellular senescence?

The irreversible loss of the ability of cells to divide.

What are some normal physiological changes in the musculoskeletal system as we grow older?

- Progressive decline in muscle mass and strength

- Reduced muscle power, especially lower limbs

- Loss of type II muscle fibers

- Reduced neuromuscular activation

- Decreased bone mineral density

- Reduced tendon elasticity and ligament strength

- Degeneration of articular cartilage

- Reduced joint flexibility

How does menopause affect the musculoskeletal system in women?

Triggers the loss of minerals in bone tissue.

How does the gradual decline in sex hormones affect the musculoskeletal system in men?

Leads to the development of osteoporosis.

What are some common musculoskeletal conditions in older adults?

- Osteoarthritis

- Osteomalacia

- Osteoporosis

- Rheumatoid arthritis

- Muscle weakness and pain

What happens in osteoarthritis?

The cartilage within the joint breaks down, causing pain and stiffness.

What happens in osteomalacia?

The bones become soft due to problems with the metabolism of vitamin D.

What happens in osteoporosis?

The bones lose mass and become brittle, increasing the risk for fractures.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Inflammation of the joints.

What are some nursing considerations for musculoskeletal changes in older adults?

- Assess and monitor mobility status

- Promote mobility and strength

- Prevent injury

- Support bone and muscle health

- Provide psychosocial support

What is included in the integumentary system?

- Skin

- Hair

- Nails

- Sweat glands

- Sebaceous glands

What are the main functions of the integumentary system?

- Protection from injury and infection

- Thermoregulation

- Sensory perception

What causes age-related integumentary changes?

- Cellular senescence

- Hormonal decline

- Decreased vascular and immune function

- Cumulative environmental exposure

What are some normal changes in the skin as we grow older?

- Dry skin (xerosis)

-Impaired thermoregulation

- Delayed wound healing

- Delayed pain and pressure detection

- Wrinkling

- Easy bruising

What are some normal changes in the hair as we grow older?

- Graying

- Thinning and hair loss

- Slower growth rate

What are some normal changes in the nails as we grow older?

- Slower growth rate

- Thickening and brittling

- Increased ridging and discolouration

What are some normal changes in the skin glands as we grow older?

- Decreased function

- Reduced sebaceous gland secretion

What are some pathological changes in the integumentary system?

- Pressure injuries

- Chronic or non-healing wounds

- Skin infections

- Inflammatory dermatoses

What are some common integumentary conditions in older adults?

- Impaired wound healing r/t diabetes

- Peripheral vascular disease

- Malnutrition and dehydration

- Immobility and frailty syndromes

What are some psychological impacts of integumentary changes in older adults?

- Altered body image

- Anxiety

- Chronic discomfort

- Low mood

- Reduced sense of control

What are some social impacts of integumentary changes in older adults?

- Social withdrawal

- Avoidance of activities

- Impaired intimacy and comfort with touch

- Cultural concerns

What are some nursing considerations for integumentary changes in older adults?

- Assess skin

- Protect skin

- Provide comfort and symptom management

- Prevent wounds and injuries

- Care with dignity

- Health promotion teaching

What are the major components of the GI system?

- Oral cavity

- Esophagus

- Stomach

- Small intestine

- Large intestine

- Accessory organs

What are the accessory organs of the GI system?

- Liver

- Gall bladder

- Pancreas

What are the primary functions of the GI system?

- Ingestion

- Digestion

- Nutrient absorption

- Elimination of waste

What are some normal physiological changes in the stomach as we grow older?

- Decreased gastric acid secretion

- Delayed gastric emptying

- Thinning of gastric mucosa

What are some functional implications with age-related changes in the stomach?

- Early satiety

- Reduced absorption of vitamin B12, iron, and calcium

- Increased risk of medication-related GI irritation

What are some normal physiological changes in the small intestine as we grow older?

- Mild decrease in absorptive efficiency

- Structural integrity msotly preserved

What are some functional implications with age-related changes in the small intestine?

- Nutrient absorption remains adequate

- Chronic illness, medications, or malnutrition can magnify effects

What are some normal physiological changes in the large intestine as we grow older?

- Decreased colonic motility

- Decreased rectal sensation

- Increased water reabsorption

What are some functional implications with age-related changes in the large intestine?

- Constipation

- Fecal impaction

- Reduced awareness of need to defecate

What are some normal physiological changes in the accessory organs as we grow older?

- Decreased liver size and blood flow

- Decreased drug metabolism efficiency

- Slight decrease in pancreatic enzyme secretion

What are some functional implications with age-related changes in the accessory organs?

- Increased sensitivity to medications

- Higher risk of adverse drug effects

- Altered glucose regulation

What are some common GI conditions in older adults?

- Chronic constipation

- GERD

- Dysphagia

- Diverticular disease

- Gallstone disease

- Malnutrition

- Micronutrient deficiencies

- Medication-related GI disorders

- Frailty associated GI dysfunction

What are some psychological impacts of GI changes in older adults?

- Anxiety

- Reduced enjoyment of food

- Low mood

- Reduced sense of control

What are some social impacts of GI changes in older adults?

- Avoidance of shared meals

- Social withdrawal

- Difficulty participating with food traditions

- Changes in social roles

What are some nursing considerations for GI changes in older adults?

- Assessing and monitoring GI function

- Adressing nutrition and hydration

- Promoting bowel function

- Prevention of aspiration

- Medication management

- Providing person-centered care

What is included in the GU system?

- Kidneys

- Ureters

- Bladder

- Urethra

- Reproductive organs

What are the main functions of the GUsystem?

- Fluid and electrolyte balance

- Waste elimination

- Hormonal regulation

- Sexual and reproductive function

What causes age-related genitourinary changes?

- Reduced renal blood flow and nephron loss

- Cellular senescence

- Hormonal changes

- Decreased neuromuscular control of the bladder

What are some normal renal changes as we grow older?

- Decreased GFR

- Reduced renal concentration

- Slower drug clearance

- Mild increase in nocturia

What are some normal lower urinary tract changes as we grow older?

- Reduced bladder capacity and elasticity

- Increased post-void residual volume

- Weakened pelvic floor and urethral sphincter tone

What are some pathological changes in the GU system?

- CKD

- Recurrent UTIs

- Significant urinary retention

- Severe or sudden-onset incontinence

- Obstruction

- Electrolyte imbalances

- Hematuria

- Dysuria

- Acute changes in urinary output

What are some common GU conditions in older adults?

- Urinary incontinence

- Overactive bladder

- BPH

- Recurrent UTIs

- Nocturia

- CKD

- Fluid and electrolyte imbalances

- GU syndrome of menopause

- Urinary retention

What are some psychological impacts of GU changes in older adults?

- Anxiety

- Reduced help-seeking

- Altered self-image

- Impaired sexual well-being

- Depression

What are some social impacts of GU changes in older adults?

- Increased urgency and frequency

- Social withdrawal

- Reduced independence with ADLs

- Emotional distress, embarrassment, and reduced quality of life

What are some nursing considerations when for GU changes in older adults?

- Asses and monitor urinary status

- Encourage adequate hydration

- Promote regular voiding

- Infection prevention

- Provide gender-specific care