Physiologic Changes
Name 2 common physiologic changes in an older adult's skin.
Decreased elasticity
Pigment changes
Thinning hair
Slower nail growth
Decreased oil and sweat production
Give one example of subjective data and one example of objective data.
Subjective - verbal information
Objective - VS, lab results
What is the definition of polypharmacy?
Use of multiple medications to treat a single issue
What is the recommended diet for an immobilized patient with poor skin integrity?
High protein, high calorie.
Decreased ability to taste and smell is an abnormal finding in older adults? T/F
False - diminished senses are a normal finding in older adults.
Touch is considered a form of communication? T/F
True
Describe Cheyne-Stokes breathing.
Altered breathing pattern with periods of apnea, labored and irregular breathing.
Describe one way a nurse can reduce the risk of adverse medication affects.
Review all medications at every visit.
Review the list for potential interactions.
Passive range of motion should be applied until the patient complains of pain with the full stretch? T/F
False - each movement is moved just to the point of resistance.
Diminished range of peripheral vision and changes in depth perception are common in older adults. T/F
True
Name 2 barriers to communication with an older adult.
Sensory deficit (hearing, vision)
Pain
Disease process
Culture
Standardized tool used for assessing skin of an immobilized patient?
Braden Scale
Nursing intervention for older adult suffering from constipation due to pain medication.
Laxative.
An elderly patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated. What is the priority nursing intervention prior to ambulating and why?
Dangle the patient at the bedside to eliminate the effects of orthostatic hypotension.
What is the primary focus of fall prevention?
Improving patients balance.
Is shouting a good way to communicate with someone who is hard of hearing? Why or why not?
No - it can be seen as an expression of anger or displeasure.
Common assessment finding in an older adult with a urinary tract infection.
Tool that list's medications that should be avoided by older adults.
Beer's Criteria
Name 2 general preventative measures that a nurse should recommend to an older adult.
Keep regular dental appointments
Eat a low fat, well-balanced diet
Exercise regularly
Maintain immunizations
Brittle, hard toenails can be a result of __________?
Decreased lower extremity circulation.
You walk into a patient's room and she is crying. What is the best therapeutic response?
a. What is wrong with you?
b. Are you ok?
C. You seem upset. Tell me what is going on.
D. Say nothing, just leave and let her cry.
C. You seem upset. Tell me what is going on.
Name to proper patient positioning for alignment assessment of a patient in the sitting position? An immobilized patient?
Sitting - both feet flat on the floor with ankles flexed
Immobilized - laying in lateral position
How often should the following immunizations be given to the older adult?
Pneumonia
Influenza
Tetanus
Pneumonia - every 10 years
Influenza - every year
Tetanus - every 10 years or at time of injury
Name 3 immobility devices that can be used to minimize skin irritation.
Hand rolls
Foot Cradle
Trapeze bar
Trochanter roll