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Clinical Rotations Geriatrics

Clinical Rotations Geriatrics. Geriatrics deals with healthcare of the elderly or aging. Gerontology is the study of the aging process. Gerontology involves:. The pathology that develops with age Psychological changes Physical and physiological aging changes

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Clinical Rotations Geriatrics

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  1. Clinical Rotations Geriatrics

  2. Geriatrics deals with healthcare of the elderly or aging • Gerontology is the study of the aging process

  3. Gerontology involves: • The pathology that develops with age • Psychological changes • Physical and physiological aging changes • Aging is NOT an illness so don’t treat the elderly as if they had a disease • They are treated by MDs, RNs, LVNs, CNAs, PAs CRNPs, etc.

  4. Sometimes interacting with geriatric pts. alone is the best medicine • Isolation, loneliness and feeling useless are often hallmarks of those aging • US population aging rapidly due to: • Baby boomers making up 1/3 of population and now hitting senior citizen yrs. • Loss of independence may lead to depression • Can’t drive anymore or even dress themselves • Loss of memory contributes to depression

  5. Decubiti (pressure ulcers/bed sores) • Dry, thinning skin occur with aging • Bruise easily • Continued pressure in skin losing its circulation can cause skin breaking down • Skin must be kept clean, moist and residents must be turned regularly, varies with each pt. • Prevention is the key

  6. Incontinence • Nocturia vs. enuresis • Incontinence is the inability to retain water/feces • Increases with age; it all Depends

  7. Osteoporosis

  8. Osteoporosis • Affects females 2:1 over males • Lack of exercise • Lack of calcium • Lack of Vitamin D • Lack of sunshine • Lack of female hormones/post menopausal and not on HRT • Brittle, thin, porotic bones

  9. Arthritis • Osteoarthritis/degenerative arthritis of aging • Enlarged, stiff, painful joints with cartilage erosion and bone spurring • Treatment; exercise for increased ROM • Anti-inflammatories like ASA, Celebrex, Advil (Ibuprofen), cortisone shots and pills • All however can upset and cause ulcerations to aging GI systems

  10. Arteriosclerosis/athersclerosis • Aging arteries, especially coronary arteries • Reduced circulation to limbs and heart • Angina • Risk of MI and CVA • Blood thinners • BP pills to control hypertension • Cholesterol lowering meds like Zocor, Crestor, Lipitor

  11. Alzheimer’s Dementia

  12. Retrograde amnesia • Disorientation • Very docile, not aggressive • Terminal • Aricept meds

  13. Emphysema/COPD • Loss of lung function • Supplemental O2, green cannister • O2 tent, explosive warnings • Dyspnea • IPPB

  14. Cataracts/Glaucoma • Cataract is clouding of the lens • Glaucoma is increased pressure inside the eye’s vitreous humor • Glaucoma causes tunnel vision/loss of peripheral vision and inability to drive at night • Glaucoma has no symptoms but can lead to slow blindness

  15. Personal hygiene in geriatric care • Very important since they are not always mindful of personal appearance and odors • May forget to take meds • Forget to bathe and change clothes and clean room • MEALS ARE THE SOCIAL AND PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF THEIR DAY • Sometimes, meals are the only reason they leave their rooms

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