Body System Changes
What happens to skin turgor in older adults?
It decreases due to loss of elasticity and subcutaneous fat.
Is slowed reaction time in an older adult normal or abnormal?
Normal.
What does the SPICES tool screen for?
Common geriatric syndromes (Sleep, Problems with eating, Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, Skin breakdown).
What syndrome refers to a state of increased vulnerability due to age-related decline in multiple systems?
Frailty.
What is one effective communication strategy for hearing-impaired older adults?
Speak clearly and slowly, face the patient, reduce background noise.
What’s the most important home safety modification to reduce fall risk in older adults? (while in their home)
Removing loose rugs and improving lighting.
What age-related change occurs in the respiratory system that reduces vital capacity?
Decreased lung elasticity.
Is confusion a normal sign of aging?
Abnormal—it may indicate delirium, dementia, or depression
What does the Mini-Cog test include?
3-word recall and a clock drawing test.
What is a common risk of polypharmacy in older adults?
Adverse drug reactions and increased fall risk.
Which condition is characterized by acute onset and fluctuating consciousness?
Delirium.
During assessment, you notice bruising in various healing stages. (pt not a bleeding risk). What should you consider?
Possible elder abuse—requires further investigation.
Why are older adults more prone to orthostatic hypotension?
Decreased baroreceptor sensitivity in the cardiovascular system.
Baroreceptors constantly monitor how much blood you have in your blood vessels and what the pressure is inside them.
An 80-year-old reports occasional constipation. Is this expected?
Normal—due to slower GI motility.
What assessment tool evaluates functional independence with basic daily tasks like bathing and dressing?
Katz Index of ADLs.
What is the most common cause of injury-related death in older adults?
Falls.
What is a major cognitive red flag in a 70-year-old during assessment?
Inability to recall familiar names or navigate known places. or inability to recall familiar information or inability to draw familiar items
A 78-year-old reports taking 10 medications daily. What’s your priority nursing action?
Conduct a medication reconciliation and assess for polypharmacy risks.
Consider reviewing Beers Criteria
Which musculoskeletal changes contribute to an increased fall risk?
Decreased bone density, muscle mass, and joint flexibility.
Is urinary incontinence a normal part of aging?
No, it's common but not considered normal and should be assessed.
Which tool evaluates more complex daily tasks like managing money and medications?
Lawton IADL Scale.
A patient becomes acutely confused and agitated after surgery. What syndrome might this be?
Delirium.
How can you modify your assessment technique for an older adult with mild dementia?
Break instructions into simple steps, use visual aids, provide extra time.
What vital sign change in an older adult suggests dehydration or blood loss when standing?
A drop in blood pressure—orthostatic hypotension.
Name two sensory changes that affect communication with older adults.
Hearing loss (especially high-frequency sounds) and decreased vision (e.g., presbyopia).
Is it normal for an older adult to lose the ability to recall long-term memories?
No—long-term memory is generally preserved in normal aging.
What does the “Timed Up and Go” (TUG) test assess?
Gait and balance/mobility—identifies fall risk.
What geriatric syndrome is linked to prolonged immobility and poor nutrition, increasing risk of skin breakdown?
Pressure injury/ulcer formation.
What are the three D's of cognitive changes in older adults?
Delirium, Dementia, and Depression.
A patient with mild dementia begins wandering at night. What intervention can enhance safety?
Install door alarms or use a bed alarm to alert caregivers.