Exam 2 - Chapter 19 Flashcards
(41 cards)
what happens to the plantar fat pad in old age?
shrinks and degenerates
what happens to the skin on the feet of older adults?
- drier
- less elastic
- cooler
- thinner
what are the are-related changes expected in toenails of older adults?
- more brittle
- less resistant to fungal infection
- thicker
subcutaneous tissue on dorsum and sides of foot becomes thinner in old age
true
what is a possible reason for an older adult to have decreased ROM?
degenerative joint disease
what are common foot problems among older adults?
- calluses
- bunions
- hammer toe
- onchomycosis
what are calluses?
thick compacted skin formed from prolonged pressure
what are bunions?
bony deformities that form on the great toe from chronic squeezing
define hammer toe
permanently flexed toe
what is onchomycosis?
a condition of the nails that makes it thick, yellow, brown, brittle, and opaque
fungal infection
how are calluses treated?
- padding in footwear
- OTC callus remover (avoid sharp tools)
- daily lubrication of feet
- use well-fitted shoes
how are bunions treated?
- surgery
- steroid injections
- anti-inflammatory pain medications
- custom-made shoes that provide forefront space
how are hammer toes treated?
- surgery
- well-fitted shoes
- professional orthotics
how is onchymycosis treated?
- oral medications
- photodynamic therapy
- keep toes clean, dry, and regularly exposed to sun and air
why is onchymycosis hard to treat?
- limited circulation to toenails
- oral medications have limited effectiveness & may be highly toxic to heart and liver
what are the factors that increase fall risk?
- unsteady gait
- cognitive impairment
- reduced vision and hearing
- medications
- chronic illness
- orthostatic hypotension
what are things to include in educating about proper foot care?
- annual foot examination
- care of toenails
- diabetic foot care
- proper footwear
- orthotic shoes
what is indicated in an annual foot examination?
- identify risk factors for ulcers and amputations
- assess for loss of protective sensation and pedal pulses
what is best practice for cutting nails?
- best time to cut after bath
- soak for 20-30 minutes
- clip straight across
- filing to make straight edge
which group people should not have pedicures in commercial establishments?
- diabetics
- those with PVD
what is a leading consequence of falls?
hip fractures
what is a consequence of having fallophobia?
restricts an individual’s perception of their own function
which leads to increased fall risk
how does fallophobia affect an older patient’s life?
- decreases mobility, safety and function
- increases fall risk
how do nurses contribute to enabling fallophobia?
- telling patients not to get up by themselves
- using restrictive devices (promotes dependence)