...Concept Paper 1 Concept Paper Atypical Presentation of Illness in Older Adults 2 An atypical presentation of an illness in an older adult can appear as a subtle, nonspecific, or unusual manifestation that is outside the normal range of signs and symptoms for a specific illness. Nursing care of an older adult requires a through assessment of acute, chronic or complex illnesses. Illness in older adults is complicated by numerous medical problems and the physical changes of aging. Identification of an illness can be overlooked simply because symptoms might be reported vaguely. Multiple overlapping factors such as environmental, sociologic, physiologic and psychologic aspects need to be considered in the nursing assessment. It’s essential that nurses recognize atypical presentations of illness in older adults early to help improve patient care. Early detection can reduce the risk of missed diagnoses, death and/or prolonged hospitalization, and reduce rates of co-morbidity from treatable geriatric syndromes (GrayMiceli, 2007). Aging causes physiologic changes to the body. These normal age related changes could be similar to changes seen in the presence of pathological conditions. This causes a problem when normal changes mask early signs of an acute illness. Changes to the musculoskeletal system can affect a patient’s ability to function. Reduced bone mineral density leads to osteoporosis and an increased risk for fall-related fractures (Ebersole, Hess, Touhy,...
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...The Elder Project video is about seven diverse older adults that try to accomplish their daily activities while facing the physical and mental decline of aging. The elders have a desire to be independent and have control over their lives. The purpose of this post is to discuss what wellness within chronic illness means to me, the consequences of pain in the older adult, and age-related changes that affect psychological and cognitive functioning. Wellness within chronic illness means that you are able to do your daily activities to the best of your ability while suffering a chronic illness. When you are not able to your daily routines anymore because of an illness, you can become depressed. It is important for the elderly to do as much as they...
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...suicide occurs every 100 minutes. Suicide ranks as the eighth leading cause of death among those aged 65 and older (Noffsinger, Knoll). Firearms consist of the main method in which the elderly take their lives. The next two in line are overdosing and suffocation. White men over the age of 85 are at the greatest risk of all groups. In 1999, the suicide rate for these individuals was 59.6 per 100,000. 84% of all elderly suicides are men. The rate of suicide for women declines after age 60. Although older adults may attempt suicide less often, they have a higher completion rate. Contrary to popular belief, only about 2-4% of suicide victims were diagnosed with terminal illness at the time of their demise. 80% of all elderly victims of suicide have seen a primary care physician within six months of their suicide. Why is it that the suicide rates for older adults are much higher than every other age group? Depression is a key factor for the rates of suicide in the elderly. Depression is most commonly associated with the pain of loss. Suicide rates are definitely higher for those who are divorced or widowed. The suicide rates of older divorced male adults was 3.4 times more than for married men. As for widowed men, the rates are 2.6 times more. It is often the case that old adults who have committed suicide were stricken by at least one psychiatric illness. The most common...
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...STUDY GUIDE for C475 Care of Older Adult Objective Assessment Exam questions are taken from the Learning Objectives under the 9 Competencies: #1 Competency 742.1.1: Compassionate and Respectful Care of Older Adults The graduate integrates principles of compassion and respect for patients and their families into the planning and delivery of care to a diverse population of older adults and into advocacy for vulnerable older adults. This topic addresses the following learning objectives: * Recognize the impact of attitudes, values, and expectations about aging. * Describe how the RN’s personal beliefs and values may impact the care of older adults. * Articulate the concept of individualized care as the standard of practice with older adults, considering the right care, at the right time, in the right place and by the right provider of care. * Define Baby Boomers * What are the five racial groups listed in your text? * How would you perform discharge teaching to an Hispanic patient * Apply effective and respectful communication strategies in the care of older adults and their families. * List some of the changes of aging that could affect therapeutic communication * Note the ways to communicate or assist a patient with disabilities such as hearing deficits, vision impairments, or aphasia and dysarthria. Be familiar with the types of hearing devices. How should you address the older adult during therapeutic communication? ...
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...GUIDE for C475 Care of Older Adult Objective Assessment Exam questions are taken from the Learning Objectives under the 9 Competencies: #1 Competency 742.1.1: Compassionate and Respectful Care of Older Adults The graduate integrates principles of compassion and respect for patients and their families into the planning and delivery of care to a diverse population of older adults and into advocacy for vulnerable older adults. This topic addresses the following learning objectives: * Recognize the impact of attitudes, values, and expectations about aging. * Describe how the RN’s personal beliefs and values may impact the care of older adults. * Articulate the concept of individualized care as the standard of practice with older adults, considering the right care, at the right time, in the right place and by the right provider of care. * Define Baby Boomers (those born from 1946–1964) reach retirement age (as of 2011) A large group of people born between 1946 and 1964, in the time after the Second World War. * What are the five racial groups listed in your text? African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander/Asian, Hispanic, White * How would you perform discharge teaching to an Hispanic patient Teach the family as well because more than likely, pt is going home and family is his/her primary caregivers. * Apply effective and respectful communication strategies in the care of older adults and their families...
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...Mendez The Elderly as a Vulnerable Population Vulnerability is defined as susceptibility or increased risk for health problems (DeChesnay, 2008). A group of individuals are considered at higher risk for illness when their physical, emotional, psychological, or social health, is compromised (Aday, 2001). There are many leading causes for why a population is considered at higher risk; socioeconomic, age, gender, demographics, personal, and cultural backgrounds are some of the key factors (Aday, 2001; Sebation, 1996). Individuals can become vulnerable at any time because of change in life circumstances, placing them at higher risk. One group considered to be a vulnerable population is the elderly. In the article, “Patterns of Perceived Barriers to Medical Care in Older Adults: a Latent Class Analysis,” authors Joshua M. Thorpe, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Korey A. Kennelty, and Nancy Pandhi (2011), examine various levels concerning barriers to health care accessibility for the elderly population. The purpose of the study is to “…identify risk factors, potentially assisting healthcare organizations with targeting policies and interventions designed to improve access in the most vulnerable older adult populations” (Thorpe et al., 2011, p. 1). Categories of distinct classes of older adults were established in the article, placing Class one at the lowest level of risk for accessibility issues, and Class four with the most severe barriers to access. “Compared to those classified into the...
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...Journal Article Review #2 Felicia Sauls Jones Chamberlain College of Nursing NUR 305 Health Assessment Wendy Swope, Instructor Fall B 2010 Introduction ‘Sexuality and the Chronically Ill Older Adult’ is an article published in Sexuality and Disability, March, 2000 issue, written by Verna C. Pangman and Marilyn Seguire. In this article, the authors provide an awareness of how sexuality, as it relates with the chronically ill older adult, is not adequately addressed by the healthcare professional. This article promotes awareness, dispels myths and provides an overview of recommended approaches to addressing the sexual needs of this population. Summary of Article Sexuality, though described as one of the most natural and basic aspects of life that affects an individual’s identity as a human being (Pangan & Seguire,2007), has developed very devaluing reactions from society. Addressing sexuality for this population is often neglected. It is unfortunate because sexuality is a very natural instinct that doesn’t go away just because you grow old or develop a chronic illness. Sexuality and growing old have been coupled together in a myth that presents the perception that one cancels out the other and this is so far from the truth. This perception leads to the misconception of the importance of sexuality to the elderly while making it difficult for the elderly to hold onto the value of sexuality as a part of their normal lives. The article continues on to describe...
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...Topic: Increase the administration of influenza vaccination in the older adult population (age 65 and older). Audience: There are essentially two audiences for this project. First, I will be teaching and presenting to Mercy Home Care nurses on the importance of older adults, age 65 and older receiving the influenza vaccine. In addition, I will educate them on the importance of identifying if Mercy Home Care patients have received the vaccine, explaining the education they should be providing to patients who have not yet received the vaccine and vaccinating patients and their spouses who agree to receive the influenza vaccine in their home. The second audience is older adults in the community (age 65 and older). The educational material I provide to the Mercy Home Care Nurses will then need to be taught to this population in an effort to increase awareness of the need for vaccination and help this population understand the risks for and against vaccination. Providing this education will in turn help increase the administration of influenza vaccination to home care patients. Need to Learn the Topic: To increase the number of individuals, age 65 and older who receive the influenza vaccine each year. Short-term goals: 1. All clients who have not yet...
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...Wellness Intervention for Older Adults with Chronic Illness NAME INSTITUTION Chronic illness on elderly people has become rampant and of great concern. Medical intervention makes it possible for people to live longer and to survive more severe injury and pain. (Brown, 2003). Chronic illness can lead to isolation, depression, occupational deprivation among others effects. Occupational Therapists intend to know the evidence concerning nonpharmaceutical mind-body interventions that are more likely to increased participations. The objective of this study was to evaluate mind –body interventions for the elderly adult with chronic pain. I randomly sampled one hundred and twenty patients from different hospitals within Miami. The response gave instruction in mind and body relationship, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving, communication and behavioral treatment for insomnia, nutrition and exercise, meditation, hypnosis, yoga and guided imagery. A structured review evaluated pain reduction, feasibility, and safety. I used studies in Medline and PsycINFO to retrieve the data. 40 samples out of 120 include older adults with chronic illness aged between 60 to 75 years for one year follow up. I excluded samples of chronic nonmalignant pain. I selected twenty two and eighteen samples for men and women respectively. The outcome measures varied by the study, it took into consideration of depression scale, chronic pain acceptance questionnaire health, arthritis impact measurements, health-promoting...
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...in Harrigan & Lyons, 2015). The issue of depression in the older adult population is especially complex as causes and outcomes are inter-related and interactive; nurses must consider many variables when assessing and carrying out care for these individuals. Untreated depression can have significant consequences such as poor pain control, poor recovery from illness or surgery, cognitive deficits, increased risk for falls, impaired ability to carry out ADLs leading to a loss of independence, worsening physical health problems, substance use, social isolation, and suicide (Harrigan...
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...steroid?” this article deals with elderly adults and alcohol. I find this article interesting because of the high rate of alcohol related accident, illnesses, and cognitive decline in older adult. The stereotype surrounding elderly adult and how alcohol, and alcohol consumption is link to ageing. The exploration of this topic Unhealthy Living, Alcohol intake and Effect on Normative Aging will enable us understand better the effects of alcohol on health of older adult. This discourse will further, help us understand the myth, implication of drinking, and whether alcohol consumption causes ageing in older adults. Furthermore, the effects of alcohol in older adults as compares to younger adult will be investigated. Finding out how health impairment caused by alcohol can lead to anxiety, stress, and ultimately hospitalization will enable us look for ways to remedy elder adults from alcohol consumption. It is important to investigate, many other conflicting theories that claims, alcohol consumption impairs health, causes accident, and leads to Unhealthy Living, Alcohol intake and Effects on Norma-tic Aging. To begin with, the controversy surrounding alcohol and its link to ageing can be understood by defining health. In a nutshell, Health is the total lack of disease, complete mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being of an individual (Pender, 1996). The absence of these factors, that defines health can cause ageing in older adult. The way people answer this question, what...
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...Analyzing the Psychology of Aging Jason Russ Analyzing the Psychology of Aging Not only is the country’s population growing, it is aging as well. Older adults are the fastest growing population on the charts right now. There is no point and time when a person overnight just becomes “old.” Obviously everyone knows we simply just age; it comes with getting older. This thing called “aging” happens to everyone at a different rate. In this particular essay I will briefly be discussing five parts of psychology aging, and cognitive functioning in the elderly. Psychology of Aging, Theories of Aging, the Physical Dimension, the Cognitive Dimension, and the Social Dimension. The psychology of aging focuses on the behavioral changes which occur during the normal aging process. Age differences in learning, memory, perceptual and intellectual abilities will be investigated. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the neural correlates and cognitive consequences of disorders of aging such as Alzheimers disease(Belsky, J.1999). Aging introduces a number of psychological and physical changes in the human body and engaged researchers in this field of study. The growing population in industrialized countries has become a serious issue in the 21st century. Life expectancy has increased significantly over the 20th century. For example, in 1900 a baby born in an industrialized country would usually live to between 47 and 55, while a baby born in the 21st century would be expected to...
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...Discrimination against the Elderly American society has been described as maintaining a stereotypic and often negative perception of older adults. This negative and/or stereotypic perception of aging and aged individuals is apparent in such areas as language, media, and humor. For example, such commonly used phrases as over the hill and an old fart denote old age as a period of impotency and incompetence. The term used to describe this stereotypic and often negative bias against older adults is ageism. Ageism can be defined as "any attitude, action, or institutional structure, which subordinates a person or group because of age or any assignment of roles in society purely on the basis of age"(Webster 25). As an ism, ageism reflects a prejudice in society against older adults. The victims of bigotry and prejudice are generally referred to as minorities. This is not because they are necessarily fewer in number, but because they are deprived of the rights and privileges of the majority (the Aged 4). Ageism, however, is different from other isms (sexism, racism etc.), for primarily two reasons. First, age classification is not static. An individual's age classification changes as one progresses through life. Therefore, age classification is characterized by continual change, while the other classification systems traditionally used by society such as race and gender remain constant. From this we can conclude that denial of old age is a principal source of bigotry against those who...
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...Running head: OLDER ADULTS PATIENT EDUCATION ISSUES ESSAY AND Older Adults Patient Education Issues Essay and Interview Older Adults Patient Education Issues Essay and Interview As healthcare professional, caring for the older adult as a patient is an important and sensitive matter, which requires respect and tolerance because of the generational differences that usually exist between the health professional and the patient. In this 20th century the number and proportion of older persons living in the United States has increased dramatically (Falvo 2011 p.297) representing more than 26% of the United States population. These older adults, including baby boomers place tremendous demands on healthcare due to aging and pathological changes, but they also require lots of support from their professional caregivers and their own children. Studies have shown that the incidence of illness and associated disability increase with age and that over 80% of older adults suffer from multiple chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. In addition to these diseases the older adult is confronted to the normal physiological changes that occur with aging such as cognitive and sensory changes. The older adult who is challenged with visual or hearing problems but is sick will promptly require medical attention and treatment thus the involvement of a healthcare professional with the help of a third party such as a family...
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...Monoleucliosis Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is an acute, benign illness that is self-limiting. IM is caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegolovirus (CMV), commonly affecting both, children and adults. Other infectious agents can be caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, herpes virus, influenza A and B viruses, rubella virus, and hepatitis A virus. Typically, the presentation of this syndrome includes malaise, fever, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, and unusual lymphocytosis. The presenation can also present with symptomatic pulmonary involvement (Buttaro, Trybulski, Bailey, & Sandberg-Cook, 2011). EBV-IM is contracted through oropharyngeal secretions through kissing and sharing utensils. Transmission through bodily fluids, most commonly blood has also a mode of transmission. The virus infects the oral epithelial cells and then spreads to the B...
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