Question

SUBJECT: Gerontological Nursing

1. What are the common age-related changes of respiratory system in older adult?

2. In selected respiratory conditions: Give nursing management and medication

.a. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

b. Lung cancer

c. Pneumonia

3. What self-imposed and environmentally imposed risks to younger adults can contribute to the development of respiratory conditions in later life?

Answer 1

Answer 1:

◆ There are several age related changes in older adults of respiratory system...

1. To decrease the elasticity of the lungs due to increased age.

2. To decrease in the number of cilia and also diminished ciliary activity .

3. Less reflexes of airway muscles due to decreased elasticity.

4. Weakness of respiratory and airway muscles due to increased age.

5. Lungs vital capacity (VC) will be less or low.

6. Air sacs of the lungs also can lose their shape due to decreased elasticity.

7. Bronchial asthama also can be there due to decreased respiratory muscles elasticity and bronchospasm.

8. Shortness of breath can there due to decreased lungs capacity.

9. Lungs will be delay in recovery after any disease exposure due to weak immune system.

Answer 2-a:

◆ Nursing management of COPD:

1. First of all assess the needs and problems of the patient.

2. After assessment of the problem plan a care for the patient according to his/her needs.

3. Teach and encourage patient for the use of metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and nebulization.

4. A nurse also can evaluate the outcome of the care and teaching provided to the patient.

◆ Medication for COPD:

1. Bronchodilator: Albuterol, Levalbuterol, Ipratropium, Salmeterol, Formoterol etc.

2. Corticosteroid: Fluticasone, Bidesonide, Prednisolone etc.

Answer 2-b:

◆ Nursing management of lung cancer:

1. First of all carefully assess the patient needs and problems.

2. After careful assessment prepare a plan of care fir the patient to reduce his/her problems and to meet his/her needs.

3. A nurse also can auscultate lungs for air movement and abnormal breathing sounds.

4. A nurse also can maintain clear and comfortable airway by frequent positioning and suctioning.

◆ Medication for Lung cancer:

1. For non-small cell lung cancer: Afinitor, Alecensa, Ceritinib, Infugem etc.

2. For small cell lung cancer: Etoposide, Hycamtin, Nivolumab, Zepzelca etc.

3. Other drugs: Cisplatin (Platinol), Carboplatin, Docetaxel, Vinorelbine, Paclitaxel etc.

Answer 2-c:

◆ Nursing management of pneumonia:

1. First of all carefully assess the patient needs and problems.

2. After careful assessment prepare a plan of care for the patient problems and to fulfill his/her needs.

3. A nurse also can teach and educate to the patient for the better use of deep breathing exercise and also can reduce his/her anxiety by providing a psychological support to the patient by providing comfortable position.

4. A nurse also can reassess the patient for the rate, depth, chest movement and sounds of respiration.

5. A nurse also can educate and assist patient fir the use of spirometer and nebulization.

◆ Medication for pneumonia:

1. Non-steroid anti-inflamatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen etc.

2. Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Doxycycline, Clarithromycin etc.

Answer 3:

◆ There are several self-imposed risks to younger adults for the development of respiratory conditions in later life...

1. Smoking cigrate and drug addiction can be a self-imposed risk in later life for younger adults.

2. Less physical activity and exercise in younger age also can be a self-imposed risk for respiratory conditions in later life.

3. Any incomplete treatment of any respiratory condition in younger age also can be a self-imposed risk for respiratory conditions in later life with more complications.