Nurses in most health care settings are increasingly encountering the geriatric patient. Hospitals are adding geriatric care floors. As the American population ages the ages of patients presenting themselves for care increases. Knowledge about the aging process and its effects is useful knowledge for the practicing nurse.
What You Will Learn
5.1 The Aging Process
5.1.1 Overview of Some Appearance and Functional Changes Believed to Be Associated with Aging
5.1.2 Theories of Aging
5.2 Medical and Related Terms
5.2.1 Medical Specializations
5.2.2 Medications / Therapeutic Actions of Drugs
5.2.3 Abbreviations
5.2.4 Prefixes
5.2.5 Suffixes
5.3 The Aging Process As It Relates to Diseases Common to the Nursing Home Population
5.3.1 Blood Circulation
5.3.2 Respiratory System
5.3.3 Nervous System
5.3.4 Digestive System
5.3.5 Nutrition
5.3.6 External and Internal Defense Mechanisms Decubitus Ulcers
5.3.7 Musculoskeletal System
5.3.8 Genitourinary (Renal) System
5.3.9 Reproductive System
5.3.10 Emotional and Mental Well-BeingPutting the System Together
6.1 Setting Policies for the Facility
6.1.1 Administration Policies
6.1.2 Personnel Policies
6.1.3 Dietary
6.1.4 Admissions Policies
6.1.5 Social Services Policies
6.1.6 Rehabilitation Policies
6.1.7 Resident Rights
6.1.8 Quality Assessment and Assurance
6.1.9 Dietary
6.1.10 Environmental Management
6.1.11 Infection Control
6.1.12 Physician Services
6.1.13 Dental Care
6.1.14 Nursing Requirements
6.1.15 Quality of Care Using the Resident Assessment Instrument
6.1.16 Pharmacy
6.1.17 Medical Records
6.1.18 Discharge Policies
6.2 Developing a Care Plan
6.3 The Survey
6.4 The Report Card
• That each person ages differently...hence has different needs to be met by the facility.
• That research on aging is a new and imprecise science.