Older Adult
What age is the older adult considered? young old? middle old? old old?
1) anyone older than 65. 2) up tp 74 3) 75-84 4) 85+
Is delirium preventable? treatable? Give an example of chronic confusion? acute confusion?
1) yes 2) yes 3) dementia 4) delirium
----- term memory may decline with age but ---- term memory is usually maintained.
short, long
When should you use a restraint? why?
1) it is a last resort and to protect persons from harming themselves or others and to treat medical symptoms.
When must resraints be discontiuned?
earliest time possible
What is an older adults sleep pattern like?
Nap often b/c not giving off energy (8hours of sleep is not needed)
Wha tis generativity?
reaching out to others in a way that guides and gives to the next generation.
What are some early signs of Alzheimers?
severe memory problems such as forgetting names, appointments, and travel routes to familiar places
Before applying a restraint what should be done?
You have tried and have written documentation that you've tried everything else.
What are some negative outcomes or restraints?
composed circulation, incontinence, mental status change, impaired skin and integrity, aspiration, death, fractures, contractures, strangulation or entrapment, impaired hydration and nutrition, pneumonia, muscle atrophy and reduced bone mass
What urinary problems are older adults more susceptible to? Why?
1)UTI's 2) incontience and briefs
What are some common chronic illnesses in the older adult?
osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, hearing and visual alterations, cognitive disfunctions
What are some severe changes in behavior and sudden loss of cognitive function usually a sign of?
physical/mental illness such as: alzheimers/depression
Why should you call family before using a restraint?
to see if they will sit with the patient
What are some causes/reasons for harmful behavior?
pain, low O2, occluded drains, infiltrated lines, electrolyte imbalances, alcohol or drug withdrawl, medication reactions or side effects.
What is delirium characterized by?
confusion, memory loss, disorientation, fatigue, disorganized thoughts, sleep disturbance, fearfulness, excessive energy, personality changes, and altered perception(delusions/hallucinations)
becoming self centered and narssacistic
What are some risk factors for depression?
diabetes, arthritis, hypertension DAH
Give an example of a physical restraint? chemical?
1) a mechanical or device (wrist/ankle restraints, jacket or vest, side rails) 2)meds.
What happens in a facility fails to comply with the guidelines for appropriate restraint use?
citations and fines
During moderate stage alzheimers what helps decrease chronic confusion?
establishing routine and speaking in short clear sentences.
What are some acute illnesses that are common in older adults?
pneumonia, fractures, trauma from falls
What is ego integrity? despair?
1) how they view themselves, view life as a wholeness, receive satisfaction from past accomplishments, accepts death as a completion of life. 2) regret, often believe they made poor choices in life, wish they could live life over again, loss of ability to live or function independently due to chronic illness.
What should your report and record about restraints?
the type of restraint applied, the body part or parts restrained, the reason for the application, safety measures taken, the time you applied the restraint, the time you removed the restrain, the release from device with periodic exercise and circulatory, neurovascular and skin assessment. The persons vital signs, the care given when the restrain was removed, skin color and condition, condition of the limbs, the pulse felt in the restrained part, changes in the person's behavior, complaints of a tight restrain; difficulty breathing; and pain, numbness, or tingling in the restrained part.
How often should you check the skin on a restraint? how often should you meet basic needs?
1) every 30 min 2) every two hours