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Test 7 Fundementals
Gerontology
Question | Answer |
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The problems associated with chronic laxative use include: | Dehydration,Electrolyte imbalances,Digestion Disturbances, and Vitamin Depletion. |
Dehydration | Diarrhea can occur and deplete the fluids rapidly. |
Electrolyte Imbalance | The high amounts of sodium and other Substances in laxative preparations can alter blood levels of electrolytes. |
Digestion Disturbances | Magnesium-based preparations can reduce the already lowered amounts of gastric acids. |
Vitamin Depletion | Fat-soluble vitamins A,D,K and E can dissolve in oil-based laxatives and be excreted. |
To maintain a healthy state | the body must rid itself of waste material,and that eliminated materials must be properly disposed. |
Age-Related changes in the urinary tract: | May cause various elimination problems |
One of the greatest annoyances in urinary frequency is: | Hypertrophy of the bladder which decreases bladder ability to expand and reduces storage capacity. |
UTI Can Cause | Confusion |
Everything slows down | Kidneys,heart,Lungs |
Skin gets? | Paper thin |
Often kidney function improves when a | a recumbent position(laying down) is assumed,and voiding may be required a few hours after the individual lies down and at other times during the night.(they have to go to the bathroom more). |
Night lights should be used to: | Improve visibility during trips to the bathroom, and any clutter or environmental hazards that could cause a fall should be removed. |
Aging and Risks to Normal Excretion of Wastes.(Causes or Contributing Factors) | Loss of Nephrons (functional Unit of the kidney)-Decreased resorption of glucose,Weaker bladder muscles,Decreased colonic peristalsis,Weaker Respriratory Muscles. |
Loss of Nephrons (functional unit of the kidney) | Approximately 50% decrease in glomerular filtration rate |
Decreased resorption of glucose from filtrate | less concentration of urine. |
Weaker bladder muscles | decreased bladder capacity:slower micturation reflex;prostate enlargement. |
Decreased colonic peristalsis | duller neural impulses for signal to defecate. |
Weaker respiratory Muscles | Inefficient cough response |
In women the most common cause of urinary retention is | a fecal impaction.(s/s oozing like diarreah) |
Primary cause of urinary retention in men- | prostatic hypertrophy |
Symptoms of urinary retention | urinary frequency,straining,dribbling,palpate bladder,feeling that the bladder has not been emptied. |
Good fluid intake and efforts to enhance voiding should be emphasized,including: | voiding in upright position,massaging bladder area,rocking back and forth,running water,soaking hands in warm water |
The filtration efficiency of the kidneys decreases with age | which is an important factor in the elimination of drugs. |
The nurse should observe the patient for signs of adverse drug reactions resulting from | Accumulation of toxic levels of medications. |
Higher BUN(blood urea nitrogen levels | May occur due to reduced renal function,causing lethargy,confusion,headache,drowsiness, and other symptoms. |
Decreased tubular function may cause problems in | the concentration of urine |
Digoxin-.5-20,Antidote digafab,digavine, | S/S-Halo,yellow green purple.Pulse high or low. |
Bowel function is often a major concern of the elderly | ,many of whom were raised with the belief that anything other than a single daily bowel movement is abnormal.. |
Slower peristalsis inactivity,reduced food and fluid intake,drugs and the ingestion of less bulk food | are responsible for the high incident of constipation in the elderly. |
There also is a tendency toward incomplete | emptying of the bowel in one bowel movement,30-45 minutes after the initial BM the remainder of the BM may need to occur,and if not needed will probably develope. |
Laxative abuse | Is a concern among elderly |
The problems associated with chronic laxative use include: | Dehydration-diarrhea can occur and deplete fluids rapidly. |
Prevention of constipation aids in avoiding: | Fecal Impaction |
Indication of Fecal Impaction Include: | Distended rectum,abdominal and rectal discomfort,oozing of fecal material around the impaction often mistaken for diarrhea,palpable,hard fecal mass,fever. |
Fecal impaction should be corrected promptly and carefully. | Sometimes an oil retention enema will soften the impaction and facilitate its passage. |
Reduced hydration and vascularity,of the dermis make the skin. | Less elastic and more delicate. |
Dryness,itching,and breakage of the skin | Can result from to much bathing. |
Unless some problem warrants a different pattern: | Bathing is not required more than every third or fourth day. |
Daily partial sponge baths to the face,axillae,and perineum: | Should be sufficient to prevent odor and irritation. |
To prevent burns,the temperature of the bath water should: | Range from 100-105F |
An Example of a cleansing diet that could be used for one to several days is as follows: | Key concept-Properly done,fasting can eliminate toxins and energize the body. |
Morning | Non-caffeinated herbal tea without sweetener.fresh fruit. |
Mid-morning | At least one full glass of water of non-caffeinated herbal tea. |
Lunch | Steamed vegetables or cooked in clear broth,grain product,1 glass water or non-caffeinated herbal tea. |
Mid-Afternoon | Unsweetened fruit or veggie juice,1 full glass of water,or non-caffeinated herbal tea. |
Supper | Clear broth vegetable soup or salad,1 full glass of water or non-caffeinated herbal tea. |
Evening | Fresh fruit,1 full glass of water or non-caffeinated herbal tea. |
Constipation | A condition in which there is an infrequent passage of dry,hard stool. |
Nursing Goal | pt. establishes a reg. pattern bowel elimination and passes a stool of normal consistency. s straining or feeling discomfort. |