Death And Dying

Question 1

Integumentary system changes

Answer 1

Decrease skin turgor, subcu fat, connective tissue and collagen
Epidural cells become thinner
Decrease elastin
Decreased fxn of sebaceous glands and sweat glands

Question 2

Skin assessment findings

Answer 2

Skin less resilient
Dry
Thickening of fingernails and toenails

Question 3

Skin nursing considerations

Answer 3

Assess skin over clavicle
Assess for bruises or tears
Increased risk for pressure ulcers examine pressure points
Hydration/lotion 
Assess lesions

Question 4

HEENT system changes

Answer 4

Decreased: pupil size, response to light, ability to adjust to light/dark, color perception, depth perception, eye lubrication
Presbyopia (difficulty focusing)

Presbycusis
Inability to hear high pitched sounds

Decreased salvia production
Decreased in touch, smell, taste

Question 5

HEENT nursing considerations

Answer 5

Vision: increase amount of light, decrease glare, use adaptive devices like glasses, screen for glaucoma, cataracts, AMD

Hearing: lower the pitch of your voice, pronounce words clearly, hearing aid works correctly, reduce extraneous noise

Mouth: check denture fit, check guys and teeth condition

Question 6

Neurological system changes

Answer 6

Decreased: number of neurons, speed of motor responses, speed of cognitive fxn, reflex strength and speed, strength of sensory response
Slowed neurotransmission