Labs
What is a normal platelet level
150,000-450,000
What leads to an increased risk of pressure ulcers in older adults
Thin skin and lack of subcutaneous fat over bony prominences
Decreased bladder capacity with aging leads to what
Urinary frequency and nocturia
What are the benefits of exercise in the older adult
Reduces risk of cardiac disease, diabetes, falls, depression and cognitive decline
What can lead to sleep disturbances in older adults
chronic pain and illness, depression, medication side effects
What is a normal sodium level
135-145
What skin change leads to pruritus in older adults? Give nursing interventions to improve
Reduced glandular secretions and loss of skin moisture.
Use mild soap with lukewarm water and rinse well then moisturize
Increased blood pressure with aging is a result of what
Loss of elasticity of blood vessels and arteriosclerosis(hardening and thickening of arterial walls)
What can falls lead to
What can lead to delirium in older adults
Infections esp UTI, medications, untreated or uncontrolled pain, dehydration, metabolic imbalances, environmental changes
What is a normal potassium level
3.52-5.3
Why do older adults need fewer calories than young adults?
Less active, and decreased metabolism
What is a common dysrhythmia in older adults that can lead to stroke
Atrial fibrillation
What is the age related vision change caused by loss of elasticity of the lens that decreases the ability to focus on near objects
Presbyopia
A progressive decline in memory, judgement, language, and problem solving abilities
Dementia
What is a normal WBC level
4,000-10,000
Poor oral care in adults can lead to what problems in the older adult
Infection, pain, halitosis, difficulty eating
Demineralization of the bone as we age leads to what which increases the risk of fractures and delayed healing
Osteoporosis
What is the age related hearing loss that affects the ability to distinguish speech, detect high-pitched sounds and perceive auditory cues
Presbycusis
Face client, speak slow and direct with lower pitched tone
How can we educate on med safety
Keep pills in original containers, never share meds, Finish medication course and do not save med for future use, request meds in non childproof containers, use medication reminders
What would you do for a client with a severe decrease in WBC
Place in protective isolation
What is the term for difficulty swallowing in older adults, what can it lead to and what are nursing interventions to prevent
Dysphagia. Increases risk of aspiration, malnutrition, and dehydration. Add thickeners, sit upright, tuck chin, small bites and sip, reduce distraction, speech pathology consult
Loss of muscle mass, joint stiffness, bone demineralization, and spinal curvatures alterations increases the risk of what in the older adult?
List some nursing interventions to improve
Falls
Exercise to maintain strength, improve flexibility and stability; proper nutrition; fall prevention strategies
What physiologic change results slower or longer reaction times affecting coordination and response to stimuli
Decrease in nerve impulse transmission
Refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a persons obligations or duties to an elder with life necessities
Neglect