Question

Describe the characteristics of the aging process. Explain how some of the characteristics may lead to elder abuse (memory issues, vulnerability, etc.). Discuss the types of consideration a nurse must be mindful of while performing a health assessment on a geriatric patient as compared to a middle-aged adult.

Answer 1

Aging is a biopsychological process of change that occurs in a person between birth and death.Some of the characteristics of aging process is:

Psychological concerns include threat to independent functioning and fear of becoming burden to loved ones

Depression

loss of balance

Loss of pigment in hair and skin

Wrinking of the skin

Decreased skn turgor,elasticity

Decreased prespiration

slowed reflxes

Short term memory loss

Decreased muscle mass and strength,mobility.ROM and flexibility

Diminshed energy and endurance

Dementia is common problem seen in elderly peiople.With dementia due to cognitive impairement and loss of capacity the elderly are at increase risk of abuse.Poor physical and mental health also adds the risk.Some elderly are abuse bcause of their increase dependance on their care givers due to poor physical health

While doing geriatric assessment evaluvate the patients physical and mental health cognition ,functional ability and socio environmental circumstances .When obtaining health history minimize distractions and speak clearly to get efficent information.Assess skin for pressure ulcers,look for musculoskeletal abnormalities such as loss of balance,gait disorders, transfer problems, tremors and involuntary movements.Also assess for ROM and fall risk