What eye changes occur as a part of the normal aging process?
Increased Dryness and irritation (eye drops), increased light refractions (avoid glare/shiny hospital floors), decreased accommodation, presbyopia (reading glasses at 40 have to put arm out to read), and decreased color discrimination (blue green violet s
What ear changes occur as part of the normal aging process?
Sensorineural hearing loss, increased cerumen (q-tips conductive hearing loss from impaction), sensorineural presbycusis= high pitched noises hard to hear, decreased speech discrimination (decrease bckgrd noise, face patients, speak slowly, and avoid high
What taste and smell changes are part of the normal aging process?
Decreased or altered taste (at risk for food poisoning, watch for excessive salt and seasoning), and decreased sense of smell (at risk bc unable to smell smoke or gas leak in home).
What heart changes occur as part of the normal aging process?
Decreased response to stressors and decreased CO, HR (at rest and with exercise- takes a second for it to elevate), increased systolic pressure (140/160 expected), and increased systolic murmurs.
Is nystagmus a normal eye change during older age?
Nystagmus is rapid eye movements and it is abnormal
What lung changes occur as part of the normal aging process?
Increased residual volume ( A BARREL CHEST-AP DIAMETER- IS COMMON), increased chance of infection (symptoms may be atypical-lethargy, anorexia, confusion, poor functional ability), and decreased ability to respond to increased O2 demands.
What GI changes occur as part of normal aging?
Decreased dental protection, decreased vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, and vitamin D absorption, decreased protein digestion, decreased gastric emptying, decreased hydrochloric acid production, DECREASED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE (DIABETES MORE COMMON), INCREASED
What renal changes occur as a part of normal aging?
Decreased blood filtration, possible decrease in GFR (may effect drugs), DECREASED BLADDER CAPACITY (INCONTINENCE IS NOT A PART OF NORMAL AGING), INCREASED RESIDUAL URINE.
WHAT SHOULD YOU INSTRUCT SOMEONE TO DO FOR INCONTINENCE?
KEGEL EXERCISES TO HELP INCONTINENCE (NO DIAPERS, PADS, OR BEDSIDE COMMODE).
What neurologic changes occur as part of normal aging?
Loss of neurons (confusion is not part of normal aging), DECREASED MOTOR READINESS FINE MOTOR COORDINATION AND BALANCE (RISK OF FALLS), DECREASE IN SHORT TERM MEMORY AND SPEED OF INFO PROCESSING (SPEAK SLOWLY), IMPAIRED TEMPERATURE REGULATION (MORE PRONE
What skin changes occur as part of normal aging?
THINNING/DRYING/FRAGILITY OF EPIDERMIS (PREVENTION OF TRAUMA, AKA XEROSIS, TX NO MORE THAN 2 BATHS PER WEEK, CHECK HYDRATION, FURROWED TONGUE).
What type of skin spots are normal with aging? Which are not?
Skin tags/brown spots=normal, leukoplasia (white spots)= abnormal
What musculoskeletal changes occur as a part of normal aging?
Increased incidence of fractures, OSTEOARTHRITIS AND OSTEOPOROSIS (wt bearing), and decreased lean muscle mass.
What are normal changes in dark skinned patients as they age?
Blue line on gums, blue/purple spots on body, gray palms, yellow sclera (check soft palate for jaundice), hyperpigmentation of knees/ knuckles/ elbows, to check for inflammation feel for warmth.
What is psoriasis?
SCALY PLAQUES, AGGRAVATED BY STRESS, FAMILIAL, SUNLIGHT MAKES BETTER, DRY WELL TO AVOID MOLD GROWTH, AND TO DEBRIDE PLAQUE=INCREASE SWIMMING.
What medication can be taken for psoriasis?
Methotrexate
What is dysarthria?
Difficulty articulating words
What are telltale clues of dysphagia?
Difficulty articulating words, facial weakness, coughing and choking during or after meals, and decreased gag reflex.
What are the proper feeding techniques for someone with dysphagia?
Quiet environment, have suction available, position in upright angle, place food on side unaffected by paralysis or weakness, small bites, allow time to eat, remove straws, examine mouth after each swallow, , leave patient in upright position or on R side
What is a level I dysphagia diet?
Thick liquids- can be blended or pureed but not solid, lumpy, or grainy (Ex: applesauce, creamed soups, and thickened juices).
What is a level II dysphagia diet?
Soft foods and thick liquids- can be gelatinous or sticky but not crumbly (Ex: pancakes soaked in syrup, custards, puddings, yogurt, mashed potatoes, nectars, and meatloaf).
What is a level III dysphagia diet?
Semisolid foods, thick liquids, and carbonated beverages.
What is a level IV dysphagia diet?
Solid foods and thick liquids
What is a level V dysphagia diet?
All regular foods and beverages
How do you know treatments for dysphagia are working?
Lungs are clear bc they haven't aspirated anything!
What are the 5 A's of Alzheimer's diagnosis?
Amnesia (memory loss), Anomia (inability to remember names of things), Apraxia (misuse of objects bc of failure to identify correctly), AgNOsia (inability to recognize familiar objects/ tastes/sounds- DOESN'T NO PPL & OBJECTS), and aphasia (inability to e
What are 10 tips for a good night's sleep?
Unwind early, develop a sleep ritual, keep regular hours, create a restful environment, sleep on a comfortable supportive mattress, exercise regularly, cut back on stimulants, don't smoke, and reduce alcohol intake (no wine before bed!!).
What is a good way to keep a confused patient calm?
DISTRACTION (also to change unwanted behavior), Pictures to help find things, AND AVOID CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES.
What might a person in the end stage of Alzheimer's disease do?
Return to fetal position.
What are great forms of distraction for a confused patient?
MUSIC-mellow (unlike noisy TV, it seems to calm anxiety and trigger pleasant sensations), games, repetitive hand actions, reminiscence, and stuffed animals.