Safety First
This is the leading cause of injury among older adults
Falls
Older adults often take many medications is called
polypharmacy
This disease is the most common cause of dementia
Alzheimer's disease
Older adults are at increased risk for this due to their decreased thirst sensation
dehydration
The first symptom is usually altered mental status
UTI
Family members ask why the patient's breathing pattern alternates between deep breaths and periods of apnea. What is this breathing?
Cheyne-Stokes
A nurse should assess these 4 things after a patient fall
Pain, injury, LOC, vital signs
This medication class can increase fall risk due to sedation
benzodiazepines
Unlike dementia, this condition develops suddenly and is often reversible
what is delirium?
This nutrient, along with calcium, helps maintain bone health
What is vitamin D
Cardiovascular condition that increases the risk of stroke
afib
A patient's wishes about CPR, intubation, and life-sustaining treatments are commonly documented in this order
DNR
These two interventions help reduce fall risk
Keep bed low, call bell in reach
digoxin toxicity may cause this visual symptom
what are yellow-green halos around lights
Repeating information, using calendars, and maintaining routines helps patient with this disorder?
dementia
Dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, and concentrated urine suggest
dehydration
Joint pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility are common of this disorder
osteoarthritis
This symptoms is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by dying patients
Pain
This commonly causes dizziness and increased risk for falls in older adults when changing position
Orthostatic hypotension
Nurses should monitor this lab when giving warfarin
INR
The nurse should first assess for this when an elderly patient develops sudden confusion
UTI or infection
A BMI below normal and unintentional weight loss may indicate this nutritional problem
malnutrition or failure to thrive
Prolonged immobility in older adults can lead to this condition
deconditioning
Mottling of the hands and feet in a dying patient indicates what
decreased circulation
A patient who becomes acutely confused at night may be experiencing what condition
delirium or sundowning
The Beers Critieria identifies medications that may be unsafe for this population
Who are older adults/geriatric patients
This memory is effected in dementia/alzheimers
short term memory
difficulty swallowing is known as
dysphagia
this document allows a patient to communicate healthcare wishes if they becomes unable to make decisions
advance directive
This type of care focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curing the disease
Palliative care