Upload
asher-craig
View
220
Download
5
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Clinical Rotations Geriatrics
Geriatrics deals with healthcare of the elderly or aging
• Gerontology is the study of the aging process
Gerontology involves:
• The pathology that develops with age• Psychological changes• Physical and physiological aging changes• Aging is NOT an illness so don’t treat the
elderly as if they had a disease• They are treated by MDs, RNs, LVNs, CNAs,
PAs CRNPs, etc.
Sometimes interacting with geriatric pts. alone is the best medicine
• Isolation, loneliness and feeling useless are often hallmarks of those aging
• US population aging rapidly due to:• Baby boomers making up 1/3 of population
and now hitting senior citizen yrs.• Loss of independence may lead to depression• Can’t drive anymore or even dress themselves• Loss of memory contributes to depression
Decubiti (pressure ulcers/bed sores)
• Dry, thinning skin occur with aging• Bruise easily• Continued pressure in skin losing its
circulation can cause skin breaking down• Skin must be kept clean, moist and residents
must be turned regularly, varies with each pt.• Prevention is the key
Incontinence
• Nocturia vs. enuresis• Incontinence is the inability to retain
water/feces• Increases with age; it all Depends
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
• Affects females 2:1 over males• Lack of exercise• Lack of calcium• Lack of Vitamin D• Lack of sunshine• Lack of female hormones/post menopausal
and not on HRT• Brittle, thin, porotic bones
Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis/degenerative arthritis of aging• Enlarged, stiff, painful joints with cartilage
erosion and bone spurring• Treatment; exercise for increased ROM• Anti-inflammatories like ASA, Celebrex, Advil
(Ibuprofen), cortisone shots and pills• All however can upset and cause ulcerations
to aging GI systems
Arteriosclerosis/athersclerosis
• Aging arteries, especially coronary arteries• Reduced circulation to limbs and heart• Angina• Risk of MI and CVA• Blood thinners• BP pills to control hypertension• Cholesterol lowering meds like Zocor, Crestor,
Lipitor
Alzheimer’s Dementia
• Retrograde amnesia• Disorientation• Very docile, not aggressive• Terminal• Aricept meds
Emphysema/COPD
• Loss of lung function• Supplemental O2, green cannister• O2 tent, explosive warnings• Dyspnea• IPPB
Cataracts/Glaucoma
• Cataract is clouding of the lens• Glaucoma is increased pressure inside the
eye’s vitreous humor• Glaucoma causes tunnel vision/loss of
peripheral vision and inability to drive at night• Glaucoma has no symptoms but can lead to
slow blindness
Personal hygiene in geriatric care
• Very important since they are not always mindful of personal appearance and odors
• May forget to take meds• Forget to bathe and change clothes and clean
room• MEALS ARE THE SOCIAL AND PERSONAL
HIGHLIGHT OF THEIR DAY• Sometimes, meals are the only reason they
leave their rooms