Gerontologic Nursing HESI Study Guide

Gerontologic Nursing HESI Study Guide • Healthy aging is now an achievable goal for many. • Aging and disease are separate entities. • Aging is an individual process that affects each person differently. • The chronologic age of 65 is the standard in the United States for being considered an older adult (elderly). • By 2050, one in five Americans will be over the age of 65. • The concept of aging is further defined as young-old (65 to 74), middle-old (75 to 84), old-old (over 85), elite-old (over 90), centenarian (over 100), and super-centenarian (110 and over). • Eighty percent of people over the age of 70 have at least one chronic condition, and 50% have multiple health problems. Theories of Aging 1. Psychosocial Theories: a. Disengagement Theory: Progressive social disengagement occurs naturally with aging and is accepted by the older adult. Variation in disengagement across older populations is related to cultural style and behaviors in different geographic regions. b. Activity Theory: Successful again requires a high level of activity and involvement to maintain life satisfaction and positive self – esteem. 2. Biologic Theories: a. Pacemaker Theory: A programmed decline or cessation of many concepts occurs in the nervous and endocrine systems. b. Immunity Theory: A programmed accumulation of damage and decline of the immune systems’ function (immunosenescence) takes place due to oxidative stress. c. Wear-and-Tear Theory: After repeated use, damaged cells in the body structures wear out from the harmful effects of internal and external stressors, now known as free radicals. 3. Developmental Theories: a. Erik Erikson’s Theory: Theory identifies 8 stages of developmental tasks throughout the life span; 8th stage is integrity versus despair b. Maslow’s Theory: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs ranks an individual’s needs from the most basic to the most complex. Maslow uses the terms physiologic, safety and security, belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization needs to describe the process that generally motivates individuals to move through life. Physiologic Changes • Aging effects every cell in every organ of the body, but not at the same rate • Three physiologic changes are clinically significant in making older adults vulnerable to injury & disease: ◦ Loss in compensatory reserve (making up for a loss in physiological compensation; vital signs) ◦ Progressive loss in efficiency of the body to repair damaged tissue ◦ Decreased functioning of the immune system processes • Diseases in older adults do not always present with classic signs and symptoms • Physiologic changes increase more rapidly with increasing age • Aging changes are influenced by genetic makeup & environment Integumentary System: Skin, hair, and nail changes occur with aging and can cause problems concerning discomfort and self-esteem. • Thin Skin provides a less effective barrier to trauma due to a loss of subcutaneous tissue. • Increased risk for dehydration due to decline in lean mass & loss of body water • Decreased ability of the skin to detect and regulate temperature • Dry skin resulting from a decrease in endocrine secretion • Loss of elastin & increased vascular fragility • Keratinocytes become smaller and regeneration slows; wound healing is slower. • Hair loss occurs; women have increased facial hair • Vascular hyperplasia causes more varicosities (brown or blue discolorations) • Increased appearance of “age spots” and/or “liver spots” and raised lesions (seborrheic keratosis) • Nails becomes brittle & thick. Nursing Assessment 1. Skin dryness & tears 2. Nails for changes in shape, color, and brittleness 3. Lesions to differentiate normal from abnormal; 4. Bony prominences for signs of pressure ulcers Nursing Plans & Interventions A. Encourage the use of oils or lubricants on the skin at least twice a day. B. Discourage the use of powder, which can be drying. C. Teach to avoid overexposure to sunlight. D. Encourage balanced nutrition and increased fluid intake. E. Teach to maintain adequate humidity in the environment. F. Teach to avoid temperature extremes. G. Teach good foot care. H. Observe bony prominences for signs of pressure. I. Teach that poor peripheral circulation may slow the healing of foot and hand lesions.