Week 11 - Age-Related Changes

Question 1

What are the age related changes to urine formation? (4)

Answer 1

1. Decreased number of neurons (up to 50%) and function of nephrons
2. Decreased flow of blood through the kidneys impacts ability to regulate fluid
3. Increased production of urine at night
4. Creatine clearance declines with age

Question 2

What does creatine clearance reflect?

Answer 2

• ability to metabolize medications

Question 3

What are ARC in the bladder and urinary tract? (4)

Answer 3

1. Loss of smooth muscle in the urethra
2. Relaxation of the pelvic floor diminishes the tone of the external sphincter
3. Decreased bladder capacity, leading to urinary frequency
4. Increased irritability, contractions during filling of the bladder and incompetent emptying

Question 4

How much does bladder capacity decrease?

Answer 4

from 300-500ml to 200-300 ml

Question 5

Which ARC can increase the risk for impaired elmination? (5)

Answer 5

1. Nocturia (Increased production of urine at night)
2. Less time between perception of desire to void and actual micturition
3. Urgency
4. Urinary frequency
5. Increased risk for UTI

Question 6

What are ARC to the bowel that affects nutrition? (2)

Answer 6

• changes in the small intestine involving the villa can impact absorption of nutrients
• Nutrients are absorbed more slowly and less amount

Question 7

What are the ARC to the bowel that affect absorption? (4)

Answer 7

Changes in:
- motility
- epithelial membranes
- vascular perfusion
- GI membrane transport
May affect absorption of lipids, amino acids, glucose, calcium and iron

Question 8

True or false: Peristalsis slows with aging

Answer 8

true

Question 9

What occurs to the smooth muscle of the colon?

Answer 9

atrophy

Question 10

What are 3 ARC to the bowel?

Answer 10

• reduced mucous secretions
• reduced sphincter tone
• reduced nerve impulses signaling the need for evacuation

Question 11

Why can myths about aging and incontinence increase the risk for impaired urinary and bowel elimination?

Answer 11

• leads to excess disability

Question 12

What are some factors related to increased risk for impaired urinary and bowel elimination? (5)

Answer 12

• Fluid intake + dietary factors
• Medication effects
• medical conditions
• Functional conditions (ie. sitting, pulling pants down)
• Environmental conditions