Rad tech & Patient Care Module 3

Chapters

At what age is considered “geriatric” and what are these people eligible for?

• 65 and older

• eligible for Medicare benefits, social security benefits, retirement

80% of deaths for people over 65 are caused by ____ ____, _______, and _____.

heart disease, cancer, strokes

Define polypharmacy

multiple medication consumption to treat one single condition

What nonspecific symptoms may older adults have?

1. dizziness

2. falls for no reason

3. infections without fevers

4. urinary incontinence (lose control of bladder)

Describe normal changes for older adults within the integumentary system. (skin)

1. skin wrinkles, become lax (less firm), loses turgor (elasticity)

2. vascularity decreases (decreased blood flow to skin)

3. paler & opaque skin

4. brown macules (lentigines) appear on back of hands, forearms, face

5. Seborrheic keratoses & Actinic keratoses develop

6. nails lose luster, yellow, and thicken

Define

1. Seborrheic keratoses

2. Actinic keratoses

1. Seborrheic: benign skin tumor that may be pigmented

2. Actinic: sandpaper feel, rough, scaly skin caused by excess of UV light (sun exposure)

What should you do regarding skin to ensure patient care on the geriatric?

1. ensure skin is not damaged during exam

2. place full table pad for comfort over table

1. Define dyspnea

2. What should you do for patient with these chronic pulmonary diseases?

1. dyspnea: difficulty breathing

2. only allow them to lie flat for brief moments of time as it increases dyspnea

What breathing instructions should you give the geriatric patients during a chest exam?

1. tell them to hold their breath on second full inhalation to ensure full lung expansion

1. Define aspiration

2. How should you position patients during UGI (GI tract series) exams for patients?

1. going down wrong pipe

2. position patient in upright position to prevent aspiration

   1. more time to swallow

What are some cardiovascular changes (structural changes in the heart) in the geriatric?

1. coronary arteries calcify & loose elasticity

2. blood flow declines; causes coldness easily

What should the RT do to assist the elderly regarding cardiovascular chnages?

1. be quick; they may become fatigued easily

2. provide blankets; they may become cold

What are normal signs of aging regarding the GI system?

1. gastric secretion, absorption, motility decreases

2. abdominal muscles weaken

3. lose teeth (edentulous)

4. esophageal motility decreases (swallowing problems)

What should you provide for patients that mya have urinary incontinence?

1. bed pan and urinal

   1. may have to urinate more frequently

Regarding musculoskeletal system, what are some changes with geriatric patients?

1. reduced bone mass

2. decreased muscle mass

3. intervertebral discs shrink

4. posture & gait (walking) changes

As an RT, what should you do to patient during exam regarding the musculoskeletal system?

1. be quick; increased patient discomfort when laying on hard table

2. be gentle & assist patient when moving; decreased range of motion 

3. assist patient to avoid from falling

   1. red slippers

1. Arthroplasty is indicated for patients for what reasons? 

2. What hospital procedure can you do for this?

1. severe degenerative joint disease

2. trauma

3. joint deformities

2. total joint replacement

What are 5 types of abuse?

1. physical

2. sexual

3. emotional/psychological

4. neglect

5. financial

To avoid abuse for the elderly, what should you do during exams?

1. avoid pinching when moving patient

2. utilize immobilization standards by institution

3. assist patient when they ask for help