GI System
Digestion begins here.
What is the mouth?
Responsible for maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.
What are the kidneys?
Due to medications, inadequate or irregular dietary intake, older adults with diabetes are at a increased risk.
What is hypoglycemia?
What is a fever?
Because of decreased kidney function, altered GI absorption, and decreased vascular flow in the liver older adults are susceptible to this.
What is toxicity?
A decrease in appetite may result in this.
What is malnutrition?
Decreases as much as 50% as a person ages.
What is renal blood flow?
Symptoms include fatigue, poor wound healing, blurred vision, and frequent infections.
What is hyperglycemia?
May be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi when their toxic products enter the bloodstream.
What is sepsis?
Includes aspirin, antacids, cough syrup, and decongestants.
What are over-the-counter (OTC)medications?
Slowing of the movement of food through the digestion tract may cause this.
What is constipation?
Can be caused by large sodium loads.
What is overhydration?
HHNS.
What is Hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome?
What is a urinary tract infection?
The use of multiple medications by one patient.
What is polypharmacy?
Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
What is hematemesis?
Can result in skin irritation, skin breakdown, and UTI's.
What is urinary incontinence?
Many older patients remain asymptomatic, and the disease is diagnosed with a routine blood test.
What are thyroid abnormalities?
May manifest differently in older adults.
What is an infection?
May contribute to the patients symptoms or problems.
What is medication noncompliance?
Improper handling or storing of food can cause food poisoning also known as.
What is Bacterial gastroenteritis?
Exacerbated by a decreased thirst mechanism in older people.
What is dehydration?
This can develop when the body cannot oxidize complex carbohydrates as a result of impaired pancreatic activity.
The leading cause of death from infection in Americans older than 65 years.
What is pneumonia?
Included with medication history you should also gather this information.
What are OTC medications and herbal supplements?