Fundamentals adult &older adult exam 7

Throw rugs

can easily slip or cause tripping

Loose cords

secure or remove

Poor lighting

increase brightness, add nightlights

Low furniture

replace with chairs that have armrests and higher seats

Install________ in bathrooms and near the bed.

grab bars

Improve______ in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms.

lighting

when dizziness occurs:

Assess for orthostatic hypotension

affects appetite, digestion, and nutrient absorption.

Aging

due to arthritis or decreased ability to prepare meals

weight loss

Polypharmacy... can interfere with

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Calcium & Vitamin D deficiency

osteoporosis risk

Meal delivery services

for clients with arthritis or limited mobility

Adaptive utensils

for arthritis

Hostile caregiver behavior:

“The caregiver seems hostile... requires immediate follow‐up.”

Signs of Abuse

Client appears ashamed, anxious, withdrawn

Signs of Self‐Neglect

Poor hygiene, unsafe home environment, weight loss, cognitive decline, withdrawal or confusion

High‐Risk Clinical Findings

Shuffling gait, weak extremities, orthostatic hypotension, poor vision, cognitive impairment

Seborrheic keratosis

common benign growths

Pale, translucent skin

Decrease in pigment‐containing cells

Bruising

Increased fragility of blood vessels within the dermis

Dry, itchy skin

decreased sebaceous gland activity

Tough, leathery skin

Sun exposure

Decrease in subcutaneous fat and sweat gland activity:

Increased risk of hypothermia, hyperthermia, heat stroke.

Less subcutaneous fat affects

distribution of fat‐soluble drugs.

Mobility Concerns

Shuffling gait ,difficulty rising from low furniture, arthritis limiting hand function

Nutrition Strategies

Provide small, frequent meals & avoid leaving meals unattended.

Safety Strategies

Caregiver monitoring plan for daily activities & environmental modifications (lighting, grab bars)

Key home changes that reduce injury risk:

Grab bars in bathroom, nightlights in hallways, secured cords, removal of throw rugs, higher seating furniture

Oral Health

Poor oral hygiene affects nutrition.

Aspiration Risk:

Swallowing difficulties require immediate dietary modification

Priority Aspiration Intervention

Modify diet to include pureed foods and thickened liquids.

What do you avoid for aspiration risk?

Reclining during meals ,drinking quickly, deep inhalation before swallowing

Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive decline affects safety, nutrition, and independence.

Less subcutaneous fat affects:

distribution of fat‐soluble drugs.

Weight loss

due to arthritis or decreased ability to prepare meals.

What is priority Nursing Action for signs of self neglect?

Document the findings and contact social services

What can you substitute for salt?

Use herbs and spices

Avoid excessive salt because

increases hypertension risk.