126 midterm 1 Flashcards
Ages for ‘young-old’
65-74
Ages for ‘middle-old’
75-84
Ages for ‘old-old’
85+
C-Diff
HAI causing diarrhea from bacteria, life-threatening
HAI
Health associated infection, AKA nosocomial
Flu
Respiratory illness from virus, mild-severe
normal flora
microorganisms contributing to health
asepsis
keeping away disease
polypharmacy
the use of multiple medications
Physical Neurological changes in older adult
decreased: brain weight/volume, white matter, # of neurotransmitters. Ventricular system enlarges
Integumentary changes
- easier skin tears
- less moisture
- wrinkles, less collagen and elastic fibers
- decreased melanin
- poor temp regulation
MSKL changes
- decreased: bone mass, osteoblast activity
- osteoclast activity remains the same
- easier breaks, longer healing
respiratory changes
*increased stiffness of chest wall
* decreased muscle mass
* enlarged alveolar ducts
cardiovascular changes
- pacemaker tissue damage and decreased muscle
- weaker valves
GI changes
*decreased smell and taste
* shrinkage
* gum recession
GU changes
- shrinkage
- incontinence (NOT a normal part of aging, sign that something is wrong!)
Leading cause of death in older persons?
Cancer and heart disease
Systemic infection (define and describe s/s of infection)
Pathogen is distributed throughout the body
S/S: HR>90, RR>20, 36<temp>38, decreased LOC, changes in WBC count.
Risk factors: immunocompromised, >65yo, recent surgery</temp>
Local infection (define and describe s/s of infection)
An infection limited to a specific body part
S/S: heat, redness, swelling, pain, immobility
Atypical S/S of an older adult infection
delirium, falls, dehydration, decreased appetite, decreased function, incontinence, dizziness
Stages of infection (hint: not the same as chain of infection)
- Incubation: pathogen enters the body but no symptoms present
- Prodroma: Mild/non-specific symptoms, transmission may occur
- Illness: Specific S/S arise
- Convalescence: acute symptoms disappear, homeostasis returns
Chain of infection
- Infectious agent
- Reservoir
- Portal of exit
4.Mode of transmission - Portal of entry
- Host
Contact precautions
gown and gloves
droplet
surgical mask and eye protection