Older Adult Assessment

Words: 564
Pages: 3
Open Document
There are many differences that I would implement when doing an examination on an older adult. The first one that comes to mind would be that I would definitely ensure that they are always properly gowned or that they always have a warm blanket by them. From my experience with the older clients during clinicals, I have noticed that they tend to get colder during my examinations and often need a warm blanket. Another alteration that I would consider when performing an examination on an older client would be limiting the number of movements that I would make them do. For some different assessments it entails the client to do many different positions for me to exam them. If I was examining an older client I would definitely try to work around …show more content…
I picked out this one because as the book describes these tools should “be assessed as factors that can significantly affect safety, functioning, and quality of life for older adults” (Miller 101). A main tool for determining the amount of function regarding activities of daily living would be to interview the client. First I would need to determine that the older client is able to think clearly and concisely. After determining this I then would be able to ask the client questions concerning their activities of daily living. In regards to the questions I would ask I would follow the books information by asking less open ended questions and more direct questions. An example of one of these questions that I thought was good from the book would be “Describe how you get your grocery shopping done,” rather than a question starting with “Do you have any difficulty with…?” (Miller 100). I also think that receiving information straight from the patient is the most vital way to do it because some family members could be tired of taking care of the parent and answer my questions saying that the client is worse off than she really is. This would be in hopes of receiving an opinion that a nursing home is needed. While this is most certainly not always that case, I think that it is safe to avoid asking other people about a patient whenever
Show More

Related Documents: Older Adult Assessment

Depression In Older Adults Essay

Think of an older adult in your personal life or professional (clinical) practice who is or has been depressed. What are (were) the risk factors in that person’s situation that might play (have played) a part in the depressions? WORTH 1 Point 2. Describe at least four cultural variations in the way depression might be expressed. WORTH 1 Point 3. What assessment observation would you make and what question would you ask to differentiate between dementia and depression in older adults? WORTH 1 Point…

Words 1402 - Pages 6

Essay about Macbeth: Goal and Priority Nursing Diagnosis

pox. You will provide basic demographic information as well as a health history for your client (either real or created). If you are utilizing actual patient information, remember that HIPAA laws should be followed. Assessment and diagnostic data should include normal assessments findings and diagnostics done for a client with that disease process. Case Study Name of Students in Group: Name of Body System and Developmental Age: Patient Presentation: Include historical information including…

Words 801 - Pages 4

Appropriate Pain Management

In order for Nurse practitioners to improve assessment and management of pain in older adults, an effective means of assessing, identifying, selecting appropriate pain medicine, dosing and evaluating pain in this vulnerable population is needed. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the appropriate management that exists for pain in the older population, regarding pharmacological and non-pharmacological technique depending on the type of pain experienced: nociceptive, neuropathic, the kind of…

Words 247 - Pages 1

Functional Assessment Essay

Functional Assessment The quality of life is determined by its activities. Aristotle Functional Screening is important because… • Chronological age is poor indicator of ability. • Hospitalized older adults are at high risk for loss of function skills. – Environmental constraints (IV’s, catheters, side rails) – Decreased expectations for performance (ageism) – New disabilities or illness • Loss of functional abilities is a major cause of institutionalization. What do you think? What would be…

Words 949 - Pages 4

Fall Prevention Case Study

Falls have been a special concern for society and older adult. Falls are caused injuries and death for persons of all age, but the risk of falls increases markedly with age. Older adults regardless of where they live, are the most vulnerable group for falls. The risk factors for falls are similar across settings, but inconsistency still exist among facilities due to the nature of population deficits and environmental conditions that differ between settings. The falls are associated with a number…

Words 515 - Pages 3

Gerontology and Older Adults Essay

Wk 1: Gerontological Nursing N410 Young-Shin Lee, PhD, RN School of Nursing San Diego State University 1 Learning Objectives     Examine the history of gerontological nursing. Discuss the nurse’s role in caring for older adults. Identify educational preparation and certification requirement for gerontological nurse generalist and specialist. Related course objectives: 1.1~1.4 2 **Gerontological Nursing  Gerontology: study of aging; a branch of science that deals with the aging population…

Words 8953 - Pages 36

nursing review Essay

Assessment: Pallor: unnatural paleness or absence of color on the skin. Assess for pallor in areas not exposed to the sun such as palm of hands. Note if the skin is unusually dark or pale. Color hue is most evident in palms, soles of feet, lips, tongue and nail beds. Best site to inspect for jaundice is patients scelera (eye) Skin Lesions: Abdominal assessment: inspect, auscultate for 5 mins, percussion if needed, than palpation. Older adults Respiratory assessment: Crackles: most…

Words 1134 - Pages 5

Major Depressive Disorder and Current Depression Age Essay

What is Depression? • Depression is a highly prevalent but under recognized and undertreated mental health problem in community- dwelling, medically ill, and institutionalized older adults • Depression is defined as a syndrome comprised of a constellation of affective, cognitive, and somatic or physiological manifestations. – Minor – Major • The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) currently lists specific criteria that are necessary for a diagnosis of a major depressive…

Words 498 - Pages 2

Elder Abuse Case Study

American's populace comprises of those 85 and up. 2 In 2010, there were 5.8 million individuals matured 85 or more seasoned. By 2050, it is anticipated that there will be 19 million individuals matured 85 or older (the older population in the united states: 2010 to 2050, 2010). For nursing assessment, according to American Medical Association (2007) has recommended that clinicians screen for elder mistreatment. The Medicare program requires that nursing facilities screen and monitor elders for signs…

Words 702 - Pages 3

Healthy People 2020: A Case Study

Healthy People 2020 Target Objectives Specific For Young Adults, Middle-Aged Adults And Older Adults The word adult, whether it refers to the young, middle-aged, or older individual, has one common characteristic: responsibilities. It is true that the younger stages of development have some showings and expressions of responsibility; however, it is during the adult life that an individual takes on and assumes the grown-up task of responsibility, with all its meanings and implications. Although…

Words 619 - Pages 3