Gerontology Considerations Flashcards
Pulmonary
Gerontology considerations
Physical changes
Lungs become stiff
Respiratory muscle strength and endurance diminish
Chest wall becomes more rigid
Total lung capacity remains constant but viral capacity decreases
Increased anterior – posterior diameter
Hyper resonance to percussion
Alveolar surface area decrease up to 20%, which produces maximal oxygen uptake
Number of cilia diminish
Number of mucus producing cells increases
Decreased cough reflex
Decreased response to hypoxia and hypercapnia
Pulmonary
Gerontology considerations
Possible findings/results
Reduced pulmonary functional reserve Dyspnea on exertion Exercise intolerance Decreased chest/lung expansion Less effective exhalation Decreased mucous clearance Increased risk of atelectasis, infection, and bronchospasm
Pneumonia
Gerontology considerations
At least 50% of all cases are among adults over 65 years name age
Those living in long-term care facilities have a 30% risk of development over a period of two years
Most common pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae, gram-negative bacilli (Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis, klebsiella), And staff Areus
Pneumonia
Gerontology considerations
Clinical findings
Confusion or mental status changes Classic expected signs may be absent Weakness; decreased ADLs Anorexia/poor appetite Tachypnea ( Earliest sign) and or shortness of breath Fever with cough productive of sputum
Chest x-ray findings
Gerontology considerations
May have multiple presentations based on the offending pathogen
Bacterial pneumonia can present with either bronco pneumonia, low bar the Monia or other locations on the chest x-ray
Viral pneumonia may present as bilateral interstitial infiltrates
Aspiration pneumonia may be localized to the right middle lobe or show diffuse involvement
4 Causes of acute change in personality
Gerontology consideration
TIA
UTI
Drug
Pneumonia
