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NRS 434 Topic 5 Dq 1
Describe the elements of a comprehensive health assessment of a geriatric patient. What special considerations should the nurse keep in mind while performing this assessment?
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Re:Topic 5 DQ 1
To guarantee best health outcomes for older adults, nurses in all settings should be familiar with geriatric health problems and demonstrate proficiency in providing care. Assessing the health needs of elderly patients can reduce their hospitalization rate and enhance their quality of life and independence. Information you obtain from an accurate assessment serves as the foundation for age-appropriate nursing care.
To become proficient in geriatric assessment, you need to understand the physiologic changes unique to this population, as well as the differences between normal aging-related changes and alterations caused by illnesses.
Sources of support and family support are crucial because it can tell the healthcare worker if patient has adequate help if needed. Particular attention needs to be placed to the patient’s eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth are centered and symmetrical. Asymmetrical features suggest a stroke. Look for appropriateness of affect and behavior.
Vision and hearing can deteriorate with age. Older adults should have 20/40 vision or better. Hearing loss is common in older adults and usually affects both ears.
Investigate for abnormalities suggested by the health history data, such as loss of balance, gait disorders, postural abnormalities, or inability to transfer from a chair to a standing position. Conditions such as osteoporosis can increase an older adult’s risk of falling. Falls may lead to injuries with devastating effects, including decreased function, fractures, and sometimes even death. When assessing the patient’s fall risk, use a valid and reliable tool, such as the Morse Fall Scale or Gait and Balance Assessment
Ability to perform functional tasks and need for assistance. Often times elderly patients live alone and their health can deteriorate if they are not able to perform functional tasks like feeding themselves or toileting. Which assessing urinary/fecal incontinence is important in this age group.
Geriatric assessment: Essential skills for nurses. (2017, April 07). Retrieved from https://www.americannursetoday.com/geriatric-assessment-essential-skills-for-nurses/
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.uptodate.com/contents/comprehensive-geriatric-assessment
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