Physical Development and Aging

Question 1

Changes to the epidermis?

5 points

Answer 1

1. Longer to replace cells
2. Decreased melanocytes=pigment
3. Decrease langerhan cells=immune
4. Flattened rete ridges=blood flow
5. Disarray of keratinocyte nuclei=supple

Question 2

Changes to the dermis?

3 points

Answer 2

1. Decreased elasticity
2. Collagen less organized
3. Decreased cellular components=decreased immune function

Question 3

Changes in subcutaneous tissue?

Answer 3

• Reabsorption of body fat and increased adipocytes

- Redistribution of body fat from extremities to abdomen

Question 4

Changes in appendages?

Answer 4

Messier’s corpuscles decrease=light touch

Pacinian corpuscles decrease=vibration and pressure

Question 5

Implications of all these changes?

Answer 5

1. easily torn and blistered skin
2. slow wound healing and closure
3. decreased thermoregulation
4. decreased absorption of topical agents
5. decreased sense of pressure/touch-leads to injury

Question 6

Implications for nursing practice?

Answer 6

1. Skin care
2. Safety considerations-floor free of debris
3. Proper positioning and supportive devices

Question 7

Changes to bone?

Answer 7

• Decrease in production of outside and inside bone
• No longer bone remodelling
• Loss of bone density= strength
• Loss of bone mass= lighter bones

Question 8

Physical changes?

Answer 8

Posture

Dorsal Kyphosis

Question 9

What happens to cartilage?

Answer 9

• Non articular cartilage continues to grow=nose and ears
• General crystal formation and calcification
• Deterioration of joint cartilage

Question 10

What happens to muscle?

Answer 10

• Decreased muscle fibers
• Atrophied tissue replaced by fibrous tissue-not good
• Takes longer for muscles to contract and relax

Question 11

Define osteoporosis

Answer 11

-A condition in which there is a significant decrease in total bone mass

Question 12

Define osteoarthritis

Answer 12

• Slow, progressive often asymmetrical disorder of the mobile joints
• Example=knees
• Characterized by joint stiffness, loss of motion

Question 13

Define rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 13

• An autoimmune disorder, recurrent inflammation in smaller joints i.e fingers and toes
• VERY painful-difficult to function at normal level

Question 14

3 common fractures in older adults?

Answer 14

1. Vertebral compression
2. Pelvis
3. Hip

Question 15

When you think endocrine you think…?

Answer 15

Communication

Question 16

Changes to endocrine system?

Answer 16

• Most glands atrophy and decrease their secretions

- No uniform direction of change

Question 17

Changes to thyroid gland?

Answer 17

Loss of mass
Becomes fibrotic with colloid nodules
Doesn’t produce hormones as it should

Question 18

Hypothyroid?

Answer 18

Deficient production of t3 and t4

Signs and symptoms are non-specific ad hard to diagnose

Question 19

Structural changes to renal system?

Answer 19

Thickening of glomerulus
Decreased surface area of glomerulus
Less nephrons
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance

Question 20

Structural changes to urinary system?

Answer 20

Decreased bladder capacity and atrophy

Involuntary bladder contractions

Question 21

Functional changes of renal system?

Answer 21

Decreased GFR
Decreased ability to concentrate urine
Nocturia
Increased frequency

Question 22

What are the 4 types of incontinence?

Answer 22

Stress, urge, overflow, functional

Question 23

Define stress incontinence

Answer 23

Stress on the actual bladder system

• something pushing down
• laugh, cough etc.

Question 24

Define urge incontinence

Answer 24

Have to go right now-bladder muscles are overactive

Question 25

Define overflow incontinence

Answer 25

Involuntary loss of urine associated with over distention of the bladder

Question 26

Define functional incontinence

Answer 26

Caused by a disease state | -can't get to bathroom because of wheel chair, cognitive impairment etc.

Question 27

Interventions for incontinence?

Answer 27

``` Pelvic exercises Bladder training and scheduled toileting Internal and external devices Environmental modification Surgery-bladder sling ```

Question 28

Aging gastrointestinal system?

Answer 28

- Loss of taste buds-decreased smell - Dilation of esophagus - Slowed gastric motility and absorption of nutrients - Liver and pancreas remain functional - Vitamin b12, D, folate, iron and calcium

Question 29

Techniques to increase intake when poor appetite?

Answer 29

1. Adding nonfat dry milk powder 2. Variety of in-between meal nourishments 3. Encourage favorite foods 4. Nutritional supplements/shakes

Question 30

Define diverticular disease

Answer 30

an out pouching or herniation of the diverticulum through the colonic mucosa -pieces of poop breaks off and get stuck in divets