All questions will come from reading (Goroll, Kennedy), Lessons and Presentations – you should have
received the PPTs
Week 1
Kennedy
• Know the physical and physiological changesin the elderly
*Appendix A pgs 643-65
...
All questions will come from reading (Goroll, Kennedy), Lessons and Presentations – you should have
received the PPTs
Week 1
Kennedy
• Know the physical and physiological changesin the elderly
*Appendix A pgs 643-650*
3 Primary Points 1. Reduced physiological reserve of most body systems, especially cardiac,
respiratory, and renal. 2. Reduced homeostatic mechanisms that fail to adjust regulatory systems
such as temperature control and fluid and electrolyte imbalances. 3. Impaired immunological
function: risk for infection is higher and autoimmune diseases are more prevalent.
Never be complacent and assume the issue is only age related (pg 2-3)
• How aging effects Lab valuesin elderly
**Appendix B pgs 651- 652**
Many factors influence lab results in the elderly, including physiologic changes with aging, the
prevalence of chronic disease, changes in nutritional and fluid intake, lifestyle and activities, and
medications being taken. Biochemical individuality is important in detecting asymptomatic
abnormalities in older adults. Significant homeostatic disturbances in the same individual may
be detected through serial lab tests, even though all individual test results may lie within normal
limits of the reference interval for the entire group. Lab work can be affected by inadequate
protein stores within the body, and the elderly loose these protein stores. The serum creatinine
levels may be WNL yet indicate renal impairment in pt’s with inadequate protein stores. The
calculation of the creatinine clearance, used to estimate renal function, is significant to the
provider.
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