NURS 2002 Midterm

Older adult lifespan considerations (expected vs unexpected)

-eye changes

-hearing changes

-mouth and gingiva and teeth

Eyes

Older adults Lifespan considerations: Changes in eye structure and vision

-eyes sit deeper in orbits; eyebrows thin

-conjunctiva thin, may yellow

-iris: irregular pigmentation

-decreased tear formation

-vision may decline

-smaller pupils-loss of accommodation; decreased night vision; decreased depth perception

-lens enlarges; transparency decreases

-occur slowly, often overlooked: age-related visual changes + consequences; presbyopia: normal aging

-Leading causes of blindness in the U.S.; cataracts: age-related macular degeneration

-central vision acuity loss

-diabetic retinopathy

-testing older adults with dementia: strategies

expected findings: Conjuctiva clear, eyes without drainage, EOMS intact, PERRLA, symmetrical corneal light reflex

Ears

Older adult lifespan considerations

-continual cartilage formation-increasing ear prominence with increasing age

-cerumen impaction- decreased hearing

-slowing of electrical responses in brain-increased reaction time needed.

-cultural considerations

Expected Findings: external ear intact without swelling or deformity, scant cerumen in auditory canal, tympanic membrane pearly gray

Mouth and Gingiva and teeth

Lifespan considerations for older adults

-edentulous: toothless

-Teeth: discoloration, teeth loosening

-Gums: Receding

-Tongue: Smooth, shiny appearance, fissures

-age related conditions: Gustatory rhinitis-runny nose from smelling/tasting food; decreased: olfactory sensory fibers; saliva production; number of taste buds

Lymphatic system (function)

1. Fluid balance-collects excess fluids

2. Immune response-transporting WBCs and filtering out harmful substances through lymph nodes

3. Absorption of fats: Assists in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system through lymphatic vessels called lacteals

specific assessments (what to perform to assess each)

Head: Skeletal structure; muscles; blood supply; nerve supply; salivary glands

Neck: trachea, Thyroid, parathyroid glands, Lymphatics

Subjective Data collection

-Personal history: Migraines, head/neck injury, LOC, neck swelling, neck pain

-Meds

-family history: migraines, cancers

Eyes-Subjective Data collection

-Assessment of risk factors; past medical hx: eye: conditions, surgery, health; allergies

-meds

urgent assessments (acute head injury, neck pain, lymphatics, hyperthyroidism)

Urgent and emergent assessments of the eye

urgent assessment of the ear