Promoting wellness in physical functions: cardiovascular and respiratory

aging & cardiopulmonary overview

reduced physiologic reserve, slower compensation, increased vulnerability

cardiovascular changes

reduce cardiac output, increase vascular stiffness, decrease HR response

functional consequences

orthostatic hypertension, reduced endurance, delayed recovery

atypical MI (heart attack loss of blood flow)

fatigue, confusion, dyspnea, minimal chest pain, jaw pain radiating down to left arm

cardiac risk factors

HTN, smoking, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle (emotional stress)

cardiac nursing interventions

monitor BP, encourage activity, prevent falls, review meds

respiratory changes

decrease elasticity (decrease in depth), increase AP diameter, decrease cough reflex to help with this you can change position and offer more water, they are at risk of dehydration

respiratory consequences

decrease gas exchange, increase infection risk, decrease oxygenation,

how to know their o2 levels are low early on

change in mentation, confusion, aggitation

upper respiratory infection (nose and mouth runny nose and eyes)

common cold, flu, sinusitis

lower respiratory infection (increase in mucus production)

bronchitis, chest infection, pneumonia

pneumonia

crackles (air going in to collapsed aveoli), weak cough, dysphagia risk

atypical infection signs

confusion, fatigue, appetite loss, functional decline

obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

airway is blocked or collapses pausing breathing (apnea) for 10s or more, can lead to loud snoring, breathing pauses, lower oxygen levels, poor quality sleep. coexsist w/ HTN and cardio cascular disease, high chance of having this is obese

dyspnea assessment

best method is asking them directly, what kind, when occurs, what makes it better or worse, lung sounds

respiratory risk factors

smoking, pollution, occupational exposure

respiratory interventions

incentive spirometry (10x an hour hold breath for 5s), positioning, hydration, mobility

clinical judgement

rocognize subtle changes, prioritize safety, prevent decline