What are the factors that you might need to consider when assessing the problems of an older person?

Key messages

Assessment should explore the medical, physiological, social and psychological function of the older person.
Asking the older person, direct observation and consideration of the person’s environment are all sources of information about an older person’s health.

What are the areas of special concerns in dealing with elderly?

10 common elderly health issues

Chronic health conditions.
Cognitive health.
Mental health.
Physical injury.
HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Malnutrition.
Sensory impairments.

What additional factors must you consider when caring for a geriatric patient?

In addition to disease-specific, evidence-based guidelines, clinicians should consider many factors, including: the interaction between treatments or interventions, the feasibility and complexity of the intervention, patients’ preferences and goals for medical treatment and quality of life, their estimated prognosis.

What are functional assessment tools in assessing an older person?

To describe the type of screening used in evaluating frail and cognitively impaired older adults, including the function and use of the following screening instruments: Katz ADL Scale Lawton-Brody IADL Scale Get Up and Go Test and Timed Get Up and Go Test Clock Drawing Test Mini-Mental Exam Geriatric Depression Scale.

What is the purpose of a geriatric assessment?

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is used in geriatric medicine to capture relevant information about the health status and function of an older person. It facilitates accurate diagnosis, holistic management, and effective communication and care planning within a multi-disciplinary team.

What are some common considerations regarding abdominal pain in geriatric patients?

Bowel obstruction is an important and common cause of abdominal pain in the geriatric population. Older patients are at risk for both small and large bowel obstructions, with small bowel obstruction being the more common condition.

What are the nursing roles and responsibilities in geriatric care?

When working with their patients, a geriatric nurse will: Assess the patient’s mental status and cognitive (thinking) skills. Understand patient’s acute and chronic health issues. Discuss common health concerns, such as falls, incontinence, changing sleep patterns and sexual issues.