3016: CHAPTER 28 OLDER ADULTS FINAL

CHAPTER 28 OLDER ADULTS *need to look at notebooklm

What is MOST important when assessing older adults?

Allow extra time + use clear, simple communication

Key precautions during assessment on a older adult?

• Reduce noise (hearing issues)

• Ensure good lighting

• Do NOT rush responses

What should you assess FIRST on a ELDERLY patient?

Functional ability (ADLs + independence)!!!

Skin changes with aging? (Normal Findings for Elderly)

• Thinner skin

• Wrinkles

• Slower healing

Cardiovascular changes? (Normal Findings for Elderly)

• Increased systolic BP

• Decreased cardiac output

Respiratory changes? (Normal Findings for Elderly)

• Decreased lung elasticity

• Shallower breathing

Neurological changes? (Normal Findings for Elderly)

• Slower reflexes

• Slower processing (NOT dementia)

Key health promotion goals for older adults?

• Fall prevention

• Nutrition

• Medication management

• Physical activity

Why are older adults at risk for malnutrition?

• Decreased appetite

• Dental problems

• Isolation

Fall prevention strategies?

• Remove clutter

• Use assistive devices

• Good lighting

• Non-slip surfaces

Most common cause of injury in elderly?

FALLS!!!

What are ADLs?

Basic self-care tasks (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting)

What are IADLs?

Independent living tasks (shopping, cooking, finances)

What are AADLs?

Advanced activities (social roles, hobbies, community)

What are signs of elder abuse?

• Bruises in different stages

• Poor hygiene

• Fearful behavior

What must nurses do if abuse is suspected?

MANDATORY REPORTING!!

Why are elderly at higher cancer risk?

Cumulative exposure + decreased immune function

Cognitive screening tools?

• MMSE

• Mini-Cog

Depression screening tool?

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

Fall risk tools?

• Morse Fall Scale

• Hendrich II

Skin breakdown tool?

Braden Scale

What is the SPICES tool?

• S = Sleep disorders

• P = Problems eating

• I = Incontinence

• C = Confusion

• E = Evidence of falls

• S = Skin breakdown

Insomnia?

Difficulty falling or staying asleep

Elder abuse?

Harm or neglect of an older adult