Vet Nursing 1 Lecture Final - Geriatric & Neonate Nursing

Senior dog age

7 years

Geriatric dog age

9-11 years (size dependent)

Senior cat age

9 years

Geriatric cat age

13 years

Three main categories of aging changes

Behavioral, appearance, daily function

Cardiopulmonary changes in geriatric patients

⬇ cardiac output, ⬇ endurance, ⬇ lung capacity, exercise intolerance

Common geriatric cardia diseases

HCM, DCM, mitral valve disease, chronic valvular disease

Skin changes with aging

⬇ elasticity, less pliable, thin skin

Common skin tumors in geriatric animals

Lipomas, adenomas, MCT, cutaneous neoplasia

Hair and nail changes in geriatrics

Thinning hair, whitening, brittle nails, ⬇ grooming

Immune system change with aging

Decreased immune response

Common endocrine disorders in geriatrics

Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypoadrenocorticism, hyperadrenocorticism

Metabolic change in geriatrics

⬇ basal metabolic rate → obesity

GI changes in geriatric animals

⬇ motility, ⬇ appetite

Caloric needs in geriatric animals

20% decrease in calories required

Liver changes with age

⬇ liver size, ⬆ liver disease risk

Common oral issue in geriatrics

Periodontal disease

Dental change in geriatric cats

Increased dentin → yellowing teeth

Common renal disease in geriatric cats

Chronic renal failure (CRF)

Urinary issues in geriatrics

Incontinence, straining

sensory changes in geriatrics

Hearing loss, retinal degeneration, cataracts, hyposmia, anosmia

CHS diseases ween in geriatrics

Brain tumors (meningioma, lymphosarcoma), IVDD, degenerative myelopathy

Neurologic aging signs

⬇ reaction time, ⬇ motor skills, ⬇ proprioception

Musculoskeletal changes with aging

⬇ muscle mass, ⬇ mobility, frailty, cachexia

CDS stands for

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Signs of CDS

Disorientation, ⬇ interation, sleep-wake changes, house soiling, ⬇ activity

Behavioral changes may be caused by what?

Pain, illness, or cognitive decline

QOL management strategies for geriatrics

Reduce home challenges, continue play, limited walks

Recommended wellness exam frequency for geriatrics

Every 6-12 months (P/E + bloodwork)

BCS nd MCS importance

Guide dietary and management changes

Anesthesia consideration in geriatrics

Do NOT skip premeds

Why sedation helps geriatric patients

Reduces anxiety and catecholamine release

Hospice care focuses on

Comfort, QOL, symptom control

Palliative care includes

Pain management, supportive care

Common geriatric nursing interventions

Fluid therapy, feeding tubes, incontinence care, mobility assistance, euthanasia

Neonatal period

First 4 weeks of life

Most critical neonatal period

First 14 days

Weaning period

Weeks 4-8

Week 1 neonate development

Sleep 80%, nurse q2-4h, crawl, lift head, hypothermic

Week 2 neonate development

Better crawling, thermoregulation, eyes open 7-12 days, ears open 14-16 days

Week 3 neonate development

Can stand, improved coordination

Normal kitten weight gain

10-15 g/day

Normal puppy weight gain

5-10% body weight daily

How to collect urine in neonates

Stimulation or cystocentesis

Neonate venipuncture site

Jugular vein

Maximum blood volume draw (healthy neonate)

<10%

Maximum blood volume draw (ill neonate)

<5%

Neonatal hypothermia values

<94ºF at birth, <96ºF at 3 days, <99ºF at 1 week

Hypoglycemia values

<30 mg/dL canine, <50 mg/ddL feline

How to assess dehydration in neonates

Mucous membranes, urine output

Malnutrition assessment in neonates

Daily weight checks

Orphan neonate care priority

Find a surrogate mother or provide full supportive care