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.

5. 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

8. 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

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

12. Osteoporosis

13. 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

16. 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

18. 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

20. Alzheimer’s Dementia

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

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

23. 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

26. 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