INTENSIVE PHASE
HANDOUTS
GERIATRIC NURSING
GERIA HANDOUT ● Proposes that the irreversible aging of
proteins such as collagen is responsible
for the ultimate failure of tissues and
Biological Theories of Aging organs.
1. Immunologic ● Proposes that the immune system
becomes less effective with age,
2. Wear-and-tear resulting in reduced resistance to
3. Free radical infectious disease and viruses.
4. Endocrine
5. Cross-linking Psychosocial Theories of Aging
6. Genetic 1. Activity theory
2. Continuity Theory
3. Ego integrity vs despair
● Proposes that humans, like automobiles, 4. Disengagement theor
have vital parts that run down with
time, leading to aging and death.
● Proposes that events occurring in the ● Aging results in decreased interaction in
hypothalamus and pituitary are the social systems.
responsible for changes in hormone ● Older adults contemplate about
production and response that result in accomplishments in life.
the organism’s decline. ● Successful adjustment to old age
● These radicals cause biochemical requires continuing life patterns across a
changes in the cells, and the cells lifetime.
cannot regenerate themselves. ● Life satisfaction in normal aging requires
● Proposes that the organism is maintaining social interactions.
genetically programmed for a
predetermined number of cell divisions,
after which the cells/organism dies.
Elasticity Cardiac muscles- Cardiac output - ●
Heart valves becomes thick & stiff ● Fatigue
● Poor response to stress ● Shortness of breath
● Energy & endurance Alveoli
Fat & Calcium in the Arteries-Constriction- ● Gas exchange
● circulation ● Diffusing capacity
● HPN ● Oxygen
● Risk for vascular disorders Integumentary:
Venous valves weaken 1.Epidermis
● Blood return Keratinocytes- Thinning of skin easy bruising
● Pooling of blood Melanocytes - skin and hair pigmentation
Respiratory:
● Lung compliance 2. Dermis
● Residual volume
● Vital capacity
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Collagen & Elastin- loss of elasticity Reproductive System:
wrinkling 1. Uterus and Ovaries
Capillaries- blood supply- pallor 2. Vagina
Hair follicles hair loss 3. Perineum muscle
4. Penis and testes
Sweat gland- perspiration & dryness 5. Sexual desire
Sebaceous gland dryness GIT:
3. Subcutaneous BMR
Cushion easy bruising Need for Calories
Temperature regulation ● Appetite
● Body weight
Integumentary: Delayed Gastric Emptying
● Seborrheic Dermatitis (Scaling) ● Heart burn
● Keratosis (overgrowth) ● Indigestion
● Slowed nail growth Thickening of nail Mouth
● Solar lentigo/Liver spots/Lentigo senilis
● Difficulty swallowing
Parietal Cell
● Iron
● B12
Gastrointestinal Motility
● Constipation
Kidney size & function
● GFR
● Concentration of urine
● Excretion of medication
Bladder Capacity and emptying
● Residual urine
● Risk UTI
Bone Mass
❖ Posture and stature changes
Deterioration of Cartilage
❖ Risk of degenerative joint disease
Bone Density
❖ Weak bones
Muscle size & strength
● Mobility
● ROM
● Coordination
● Stability
Neurological:
Cerebral blood flow
Nervous system changes
Loss of nerve cells & decreased
neurotransmitters
Slow conduction of nerve impulse
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● Slow reaction time 1. Depression
● Slight tremors 2. Isolation
● Difficulty with fine motor 3. Grief
● Loss of balance 4. Suicide
Abuse of Older Adults
● Abrasions, bruises, or lacerations
● Torn or stained underclothing
● Puncture wounds
● Disheveled appearance
● Discomfort or bleeding in the genital
area
● Sprains, dislocations, or fractures
● Inability to pay bills and fearful when
discussing finances
● Difficulty in walking or sitting
● Fearful and agitated
● Unexplained genital infections or disease
Hematologic and Immunologic: ● Withdrawn and loss of interest in self
● Lymphocytes Hgb and Hct and social activities
● Immunoglobulins Clotting ● Lacking physical needs, such as glasses,
● Risk for infection hearing aids, and dentures
Factors:
Special Senses: 1. Individual’s dependence
2. Caregiver stress
1. Vision 3. History of family violence
● Visual acuity Categories:
● Accommodation
● Tolerance to glare 1. Domestic
● Adjustment to light intensity 2. Institutional
● Ability to distinguish colors 3. Self neglect
2. Hearing
● Ability to hear High frequency sounds
● Cerumen Nursing Responsibilities:
3. Taste & Smell 1. Assess
2. Treat
● Ability to taste & smell
3. Safety
4. Sensory Deprivation 4. Report
5. Pain 5. Document
Mental Health Concerns:
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