Assessment of Older Adults Flashcards
(39 cards)
What special Nursing skills does the assessment of the older adult require?
Listen patiently, allow for pauses, ask special questions, observe minute details, recognize normal changes of later life that may be abnormal in younger adults.
What is the overall goal of the assessment of an older adult?
The assessment provides the nurse with the critical information needed to create a plan of care that will enhance personal health status, decrease potential or severity chronic illness, encourage self-efficacy and empowerment for self care.
What is involved in a health history for the older adult?
Profile and review of symptoms, medication history, and social history, report of functional abilities, and advance care planning.
What is involved in the social history of the older adult?
Current living status, economic resources, support systems, community resources available or used.
What factors influence the collection of a health history on the older adult?
Dexterity, language barriers and availability of an interpreter, cognitive functioning level, visual and auditory acuity.
What is a review of symptoms on the older adult and when is it performed?
A review of each body system and the problems the patient has with it. it is performed before the physical examination.
True or False, it may be difficult to complete a physical exam in one setting depending on the patients stamina.
True
What are two key physical assessment tools to assess the older adult?
FANCAPES, fulmer SPICES
Define FANCAPES.
F- Fluids A- Alteration N- Nutrition C - Communication A - Activity P - Pain E - Elimination S - Socialization and social skills
Define SPICES
S - Sleep disturbances P - Problems eating I - Incontinence C - Confusion E - Evidence of falls S - Skin Breakdown
As we age how do we respond to temperature change?
we are less tolerant of temperature change
How should the older adult be positioned?
Positioning should be adjusted to position of comfort and changes in position should be minimized.
Older adults have increased or decreased sensation to deep pain palpation?
Decreased
What does exercise do for us as we age?
Enhances health, decreases number of chronic illness, protective against depression, improves bone function.
What does the assessment of physical activity entail?
assessment of Function and mobility
What does the functional assessment entail?
Evaluates the ability to carry out basic tasks for self care and those important for independent living.
What are IADL’s
Tasks needed for independent living, cleaning the yard, shopping and money management
What do IADL’s require above ADL’s?
Higher level of cognitive and physical functioning
What is one of the biggest fears associated with aging?
Loosing Independence
What do functional assessment tools do?
Provide caregivers a common language and therefore have the potential to increase quality of care
What are some functional assessment tools?
Katz Index, Barthel Index, Lawton & Brodys IALD tool, Timed up and go test
What are the benefits of group exercise for the aging individual?
Social and emotional improved
Why are water based exercises particularly beneficial for the aging adult?
Low - risk with an aerobic benefit
What is function focused care?
Previously Restorative care, it is a comprehensive systems level approach that prioritizes the preservation and restoration of functional capacity.
