Topic 5 DQ1, and Topic 5 DQ2
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Topic 5DQ1
Describe the characteristics of the aging process. Explain how some of the characteristics may lead to elder abuse (memory issues, vulnerability, etc.). Discuss the types of consideration a nurse must be mindful of while performing a health assessment on a geriatric patient as compared to a middle-aged adult
Answer 1
Aging is irreversible and continuous, where there is a decline in physical and mental capacities over time. Biological changes occur when there is deterioration in the body's ability to regenerate cells. Apoptosis (cell death) makes the elderly, vulnerable to diseases, and they have low immunity. With aging, there is neuronal loss, a decrease in brain volume, a decrease in white matter, as a result of death or cell atrophy. Physical changes occur in the body, which affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, musculoskeletal system, teeth and genitourinary system, digestive system. There may also be changes in the sensory organs causing decreased visual acuity and hearing loss, and decreased psychomotor capacity. There are mental and psychological changes and a decline in intellectual capacity such as the lack of spontaneity in thought processes, amnesia, alterations in memory and impaired language skills.
Answer 2
The biological, physical and mental changes can pose a risk to the health of the individual, and the ability of the elderly to live independently. At the cognitive level, there is risk of delayed thoughts or slow thinking and cognitive impairment, which in turn affect daily functioning (Kobayashi et al., 2015). This is worse when there is a memory loss and the carers take advantage of the elderly. Molecular alterations include changes such as blood glucose levels means that there needs to be close monitoring, and these changes make the elderly vulnerable.
Answer 3
Undertaking a comprehensive health assessment of the geriatric patients requires considering their health history including surgery, allergies and previous diagnoses including comorbidities, medications, mental health status, and the place of spirituality in health care, substance abuse, psychosocial disorders, living situation and social support. Prevention of falls and accidents is important for the geriatric patient as the risk of falls and accidents increases with age, due to mobility problems, the loss of sensory organs and muscle strength and reflexes and at times the effect of some medications and conditions (Matsuda et al., 2015). Changes in the car...