Describe the healing process of a grade 3 decubitus ulcer. Discuss how aging may affect the process of healing. Decubitus ulcers are also known as pressure sores or bedsores, and can be difficult to define. The most accurate definition of a decubitus ulcer is the “breakdown of skin, usually over a bony prominence, due to compromised blood flow caused by pressure” (National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 1989). Decubitus ulcers are a common condition affecting the elderly as aging, the process of getting old, causes the skin to change dramatically (Landi et al, 2007).
The decline of falls in the third quarter of 2009 in which the goal was reached with 0 falls; however, the other three quarters the goal was not met because there was 5.97 to 9.19 reported falls. The percentage of patients who were at risk and on fall prevention protocols ranged from 80 to 100. Nursing Plan The elderly
Hospitalisation is often the cause of deconditioning, particularly due to the focus on bed rest in order to recover from illness, or the limited mobility resulting from surgery. As some degree of functional decline is inevitable in ageing (Killewich 2006) older people hospitalised in an acute setting are at greater risk of the problems caused by inactivity. This is due to the changes in body composition and function, including sarcopenia, demineralisation, loss of aerobic capacity, loss of vasomotor stability and changes in respiratory function which occur as individuals age (Killewich, 2006). Functional decline of older patients is the leading complication in hospitalisation of the elderly, as the decreased activity associated with bed rest can lead to accelerated bone loss, dehydration, malnutrition, delirium, sensory deprivation, skin breakdown and incontinence (Kleinpell, Fletcher & Jennings 2008). Deconditioning during hospitalisation occurs rapidly in older people, with functional decline from baseline apparent by day two (Kleinpell, Fletcher & Jennings 2008).
Vulnerable Population Paper As defined by cambridge advanced learner's dictionary (2002), vulnerability is the ability to be easily physically, emotionally, or mentally hurt, influenced or attacked. The elderly in America are considered to be a vulnerable population in regards to health, wellness and provision of healthcare. While this consideration may sometimes be based on assumptions related to age and wellness, there are increased risk factors that do place majority of this population at a higher risk for illness and injury. Most of the risk factors that come along with age can affect one’s health are decreased mobility, increased incidence of chronic disease, possible social isolation, financial decline related to voluntary or involuntary retirement, nutritional needs, and a host of age related changes and illnesses that affect this group. They may have significant emotional losses, such as that of a spouse or home or other drastic changes that affect and change their previous lives and views of self.
Those over the age of 65 years old and with compromised immune systems are considered prime candidates for influenza. Poor health caused by an inadequate diet, medication or living arrangements is just one of the risk factors that exist with the elderly population and the threat of influenza. Seniors with heart disease, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, lung disease or other chronic ailments are weakened by the existing chronic disease and become more vulnerable to dangerous conditions such as pneumonia and influenza. Influenza primarily occurs in the colder months and may mirror many of the same symptoms as the common cold. Influenza most often comes from three viruses: type A, B, and C, (Upshur, 1999).
This role would include noting our observations and consulting with the nursing department as well as physicians regarding these issues. Elderly patients can be at increased risk from medicines for several reasons, including taking multiple medications and the fact that the aging body can be more susceptible
Conclusion Acupuncture analgesia has an important role in the management of pain in an osteopathic setting in the short-term. Keywords Chronic low back pain; acupuncture; osteopathy; physiology, NPRS Introduction & Overview Low back pain (LBP) is a major health problem among western industrialized countries, and a major cause of medical expenses, absenteeism and even disability (van Tulder 1995). LBP is a frequent reason for sufferers seeking complementary therapies, including acupuncture (Leibing et al. 2002). Here, a 45-year-old man presented to an osteopath with a 7-year history of central LBP following a fracture to L2 vertebra.
Sudden illness may include: Cardiac arrest – more common in elderly clients. Difficulty with breathing could be caused by an
Patients with this type of stroke often suffer from depression. A stroke in the right hemisphere would exhibit left hemiplegia, memory deficits, dysphagia, impaired balance, and anosognosia (Collins, 2007). One would often have difficulties with
Elderly people with psychosis related to dementia (for example, an inability to perform daily activities as a result of increased memory loss), treated with antipsychotic medicines including ABILIFY, are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. ABILIFY is not approved for the treatment of people with dementia-related psychosis (see Boxed WARNING). Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, teenagers, and young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are themselves associated with an increase in the risk of suicide. Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual