NCLEX-PN
● Developmental Milestones : Erikson's generativity versus stagnation stage; "sandwich generation" responsibilities. ● Health Screenings : Eye exams, osteoporosis screenings. ● Stressors : Aging-related changes, parenting, and caregiving for both children and aging parents. Providing Care for the Elderly: Ages 65 and Over Physiological Changes ● Sensory and Neurological Changes : Decreased vision, hearing, smell, touch, reaction times, and night vision. ● Cardiovascular Changes : Decreased cardiac output, stroke volume, venous return, and cardiac output. ● Musculoskeletal Changes : Decreased muscular tone, strength, joint health, bone density, and intervertebral disc spaces. ● Renal Changes : Decreased renal size, blood supply, creatinine clearance, glomerular and tubular functioning. ● Hepatic Function Changes : Decreased hepatic blood flow and metabolism, leading to altered drug processing. ● Integumentary Changes : Loss of skin turgor, elasticity, thinning, dryness, wrinkles, age spots, faded hair, thicker ear/nasal hair, thicker nails. ● Respiratory Changes : Decreased lung expansion, air exchange, mucous membrane dryness, cough reflex, and immune system efficiency. ● Fluid and Electrolyte Changes : Imbalances due to altered hormone function, impaired thirst, diluted urine, changes in total body water and intracellular fluids. Theories of Aging ● Programmed Theories : Genetic changes, hormonal shifts, immune system decline. ● Damage and Error Theories : Wear and Tear, Rate of Living, Cross-Linking, Free Radicals, Somatic DNA Damage. Safety Concerns for the Elderly : Falls and accidental poisonings As the aging process progresses, the elderly experience various physical changes across multiple systems. These changes include sensory decline, alterations in cardiovascular function, musculoskeletal weakening, renal and hepatic changes, and more. Erikson's ego integrity versus despair stage reflects the psychological journey of reflection and acceptance. Theories of aging include programmed and
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