Question | Answer |
Compare various assessment tools appropriate when assessing the elderly | Braden scale, SLUMS, KATZ, SPICES, Hendricks Fall Risk, MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment), VAMC (Mental status exam), |
What are important factors to think about when assessing your patient | Eye level, make sure they're aware of your presence, hearing aids and/or visual aids, speak slowly and clearly, speak in lower tones, don't cover mouth when talking, address by the name they wish to be called |
List at least 3 common characteristics when assessing elderly patients | Thin/discolored skin, decreased elasticity, decreased muscle tone, droopy breasts, cataracts, hearing/vision loss, hair loss/even distribution of hair, circulation |
Describe delirium | Acute state of confusion;pot. reversible; commonly caused as a result of: environmental factors:sensory deprivation/unfamiliar surroundings, or psychological factors such as emotional distress or pain, sleep deprivation could also cause delirium |
Describe dementia | Gradual progression; interferes with ADL, social, occupational; irreversible, cerebella disfunction; BIG SAFETY HAZARD |
Describe 5 indicators of malnutrition | Unplanned/unexpected weight loss, fatigue/lack of energy, frequent infection, delayed wound healing, poor concentration, difficulty keeping warm, depression |
List 6 indicators of pain in the cognitively impaired | facial expressions (frowning), verbalizations/vocalizations (moaning) , body movements (rigid, tense, fidgeting) change in interpersonal interactions (aggressive), changes in activity patterns (appetite/sleep), mental status change (crying, distress) |