Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing Ch 15: Nursing Care of Older Adult Patients 2023

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aging - -universal and normal process that starts at conception and continues until death. -Homeostatis - -maintaining a constant balance -Key changes in the muscular system in older adults - --... decreased muscle mass -decreased muscle tone -slower muscle responses -decrease in elasticity of tendons and ligaments, restricting movements. -key changes in the skeletal system in older adults - --eroding cartilage -exaggerating bony prominence -joint stiffening and decreased flexibility -osteoporosis (thinning and softening of the bone) -shortening in height (caused by water loss in the intervertebral disks of the spinal column & flexion of the spine associated w/ the influence of gravity over time) -key changes in integumentary system - --increased dryness of the skin -increased pigmentation (liver/aging spots) -thinning of skin layers making skin fragile -decreased skin elasticity causing wrinkles -decreased subcutaneous fat layer -hardness and drynedd of nails -decrease in nail growth rate and strength -thinning of scalp hair, mainly men -increased growth and coarseness of nose, ear and facial hair -decrease in melanin -decreased sebaceous and sweat glands -pressure ulcer - -an open sore or lesion of the skin that develops because of prolonged pressure against an area [Show More]

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