Geriatrics

Question 1

Aging of body systems

Answer 1

• Cardiovascular
• Respiratory
• Neurological
• Gastrointestinal
• Endocrine
• Musculoskeletal
• Renal
• Integumentary

Question 2

Cardiovascular System

Answer 2

• Hypertension (Common)
• Valves stiffen and narrow (Stenosis)
• Cardiac Hypertrophy (Enlarged heart)
• Heart rate and rhythm change
• Coronary artery disease (Common)
  
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Arteriosclerosis

Question 3

Respiratory System

Answer 3

• Cough reflex and power is diminished
  
  • Leads to more infections (pneumonia)
• Less elasticity and recoil of the thorax
• Decrease in smooth muscle fibers of smaller airways

Question 4

Neurologic System

Answer 4

• Decrease in size and mass of the brain
• Depression (Common)
• Senses diminish:
  
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration
  • Retinal detachment

Question 5

Cataracts

Answer 5

Clouding of the lens of eyes

Question 6

Glaucoma

Answer 6

Increased pressure in eye damages optic nerve

Question 7

Macular Degeneration

Answer 7

Affects ability to see objects in center of visual field

Question 8

Neuropathy System

Answer 8

• Abnormal functions or nerve tracts

SXSX:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling

Question 9

Gastrointestinal System

Answer 9

• Malnutrition as a result of deterioration of small intestine
• Constipation (Common)
• Deterioration of mouth structures

Question 10

Endocrine System

Answer 10

• Changes can lead to increased risk of health problems
  
  • Diabetes
  • Fluid imbalances
  • Hypertension

Question 11

Musculoskeletal System

Answer 11

• Osteoporosis (Common)
• Kyphosis- curvature of the spine
  - Must pad voids when putting in spine motion restriction, including padding under head
• Joints lose flexibility
• Prone to falls due to:
  
  • general weakness
  • worsening balance
  • Loss of joint mobility

Question 12

Renal System

Answer 12

• Kidneys become smaller in size and weight
• Drug toxicity common
  
  • From a decrease in kidney function and decrease in GI system absorption

Question 13

Integumentary System

Answer 13

• Skin becomes thin
• Wounds heal slowly
• Less perspiration
• Thermoregulation changes , hypothermia and hyperthermia common

Question 14

Ageism

Answer 14

• Occurs when a person discriminates against people who are old
• Always treat the elderly with the utmost respect and ask for their names. Do no use terms such as dear, honey, etc

Question 15

Social Factors

Answer 15

• Many on a fixed income
• Patient may not want to be transported for a fear that they will lose their independence and not come home