Nursing Care of Older Adults: Janet Duffey, RN, MS, APRN, BC
Nursing Care of Older Adults: Janet Duffey, RN, MS, APRN, BC
Nursing Care of Older Adults: Janet Duffey, RN, MS, APRN, BC
Adults
Demographics
Distinguishing characteristics
Aging & Ageism
Youth culture
Stereotypes of elderly
Minimization of
functionality
Focus of some theories on
aging
Verbal statements
Non-verbal
Why do we age? Biological
theories on aging
Cross linking
Free radicals
Neuroendocrine
Autoimmune
reactions
Psychosocial Theories
Disengagement
Activity
Continuity
Age stratification
Implications of Aging Theories
Physical traits
Functional
Symbolic
Numeric age
Status
Role of aged individuals
Meaning of aging
Expectations of aging
experience
Aging
Personal philosophy
Societal view
Caregiving systems
Impact of ageism, on
clients, individuals &
nursing
Factors influencing health and
aging: Positive or Negative
Culture
Ethnicity
Stress management -
resiliency
Coping abilities
Contributors to Health
Alterations
Excessive stress
Underlying disease(s)
Nutritional deficits
"... A multidimensional
pattern of self-initiated
actions and
perceptions that serve
to maintain or enhance
the level of wellness."
Pender
Health Promotion Activities
Health assessment
Support esteem in appearance
Physical activity
Retirement (pro and con)
Part-time employment or volunteer
Social activity
Social support
Support sexuality
Nursing in Geriatric Settings
Accommodation
Narrowed visual field
decreased at periphery
Opacity of lens
Steropsis
Altered color perception
Light sensitivity
Macular degeneration
Assessing Vision
History
Near focus
Distance vision
Peripheral testing
General assessment of function / ADLs and
IADLs
Cataracts
Interim lenses
Anticipate post-op course
Intraocular-lens implants
Precautions
Avoidance of increased intraoccular
pressure
Antibiotic / anti-inflammatory eye drops
Alteration in Hearing
Onset
Watch test
Speech discrimination: fair,
sun, skies, shout, fun, sun
Conversational responses
Secondary complaints:
tinnitus, pain, conversational
difficulties
Interventions for Hearing
Impairment
Determine presence of hearing difficulty
Encourage acceptance and USE of hearing
devices
Analog aids
Digital programmed aids
Radio / television devices
Telephones
Maintenance
Hearing Aid Batteries
Verbal Communication
Increased need
Assessment by functional
measures
Protective measures
Emotional responses
Alteration in Taste & Smell
Atrophy of papillae
Preference of high
sugar & salty foods
Cost
Ability to chew food
Poor oral hygiene
Medications
Altered Olfactory Function
Smell impacted by
lifestyle
Sinus infections
Related to head injury,
CVA, tumors
Affects ability to enjoy
food, environment
Monitoring function
essential for safety