MSK changes in older adults
Height and Weight Bone substance (osteoporosis) Stability of
neuromuscular innervation Strength of grip/ contractile force
Muscle mass
postural hypotension
= orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing)
- 75% Due to medication - decreased baroreceptor sensitivity -
reduced thirst mechanism - so you don't have enough fluid,
hence lowered blood pressure
Causes of postural hypotension
Hypovolemia - caused by excessive use of diuretics or
vasodilators, dehydration, prolonged bed rest, anemias
-Addison's disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes and some
neurological disorders
Cardiac problems- electrical and mechanical
What can you do to mitigate postural hypotension?
DANGLE!
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
-A progressive disease affecting your lungs and the ability to
breath. Ongoing mucous producing cough - wheezing
Pathophysiology of COPD
,-Characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, lung
parenchyma (respiratory bronchioles and alveoli) and pulmonary
blood vessels
-Limited exhalation force- loss of elastic recoil and airflow
obstruction caused by mucus hypersecretion, mucosal edema
and bronchospasm
-Alveoli sacs are flattened causing impaired gas exchange
What causes COPD?
Cigarette smoking, occupational chemicals and dusts, infections,
heredity, and aging
How can you fix COPD?
Management:
- Continuous assessment and monitoring of control and severity
- Implementation of a goal planning written action plan
- Ensuring regular follow-up
Medications for COPD?
- bronchodilators
- corticosteroids
If you see someone in respiratory distress
-Sit them up
-Apply nasal prong O2 (2L)
hypertension (HTN)
, high blood pressure
What medications treat hypertension?
Antihypertensives - ACE inhibitors - BETA blockes - Calcium
Channel blockers
What causes Hypertension?
- Age - Diet - Obesity - Other chronic illnesses
How can you fix hypertension?
- Diet and Exercise - Freq. BP check a nd monitoring -
education - No cigs - no alcohol - stress management
Brochodilator
-dilates bronchial opens up airways to let medicine such as
nebulizer
Raises the heart rate, be careful that the correct dose is given
If you take too much your pulse will increase!
Ventolin (salbutamol)
Used to prevent and treat wheezing and SOB, caused by
breathing problems such as asthma or COPD
metabolic syndrome
A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease,
stroke, and diabetes.
Hypoglycemia symptoms
hunger, fatigue, weakness, sweating, headache, dizziness, low
bp, cold or clammy skin