Gerontology and Geriatrics in Nursing Journal

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 1012 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1+

Page 1 of 3

Geriatric patients between the ages of 70 and 95 have very different needs from those of their younger counterparts. In part, these are due to differences that have clear physiological bases. These structural and physiological differences necessitate different assessment and interview techniques. It is necessary to ensure that one gets all the correct and up-to-date information about any patient, and in the cases of both children and geriatric adults, this can become problematic.

Cognitive deficits that may be related to dementia are one possible hurdle that must be overcome in the case of interviewing older patients. It is important to recall that not all dementia is Alzheimer's-related, and many cases are a natural result of the aging brain. (It is useful for the health care professional to recall that the original disease diagnosed by Dr. Alzheimer related to pre-senile dementia: in other words, a dementia occurring physiologically much earlier than one would expect. As a result, we may expect such naturally-occurring forms of senile, rather than pre-senile, dementia to become increasingly prevalent within the aging population.) In order to be certain that the patient can hear and understand everything you ask, it is necessary to make eye contact, speaking face-to-face at all times. You should pay careful attention to their reactions and make sure that they respond appropriately to questions and that they understand them. Because older patients are also more likely to have hearing- and vision-related problems, it can be helpful for them to read your lips and for you to check in on them and make sure they understand.

Stuck Writing Your "Gerontology and Geriatrics in Nursing" Journal?

View All Our Example Gerontology and Geriatrics in Nursing Journal

Have A Custom Example Essay Written



Cognitive deficits may also impair memory. For this reason, it can be useful to ask a patient to bring all of their pill bottles with them, or else to write a list. If you ask them to recount all of their medications on the spot, some may forget some, which would obviously be a problem. In fact, written lists are helpful in general, including with their health histories. If possible, ask them to bring in a written document that describes their health history and medication.

In addition to the different interview techniques, these physiological and anatomical variations are also important to look out for during an assessment. For example, elderly patients are more likely to have more brittle bones and fragile skin. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that one ought to look for in elderly patients. Fragile skin is more important than it sounds, because the skin is the first defensive layer of a person's body. Skin that bruises and cuts easily can lead to myriad infections and conditions. In addition, diabetes is more likely to occur in geriatric patients, which also has major effects on the immune system.

Eye-related diseases are very common in older patients. Glaucoma and cataracts are possible conditions that can lead to serious complications. More commonly, myopia and presbyopia are normal parts of growing older but ought to be recognized in a….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gerontology And Geriatrics In Nursing" (2016, March 14) Retrieved June 4, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gerontology-geriatrics-nursing-2159596

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gerontology And Geriatrics In Nursing" 14 March 2016. Web.4 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gerontology-geriatrics-nursing-2159596>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gerontology And Geriatrics In Nursing", 14 March 2016, Accessed.4 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gerontology-geriatrics-nursing-2159596
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example