Describe the characteristics of the aging process. Explain how some of the characteristics may lead to elder abuse (memory issues, vulnerability, etc.). Discuss the types of consideration a nurse must be mindful of while performing a health assessment on a geriatric patient as compared to a middle-aged adult.
Answer preview
A geriatric patient refers to a sick person who is above 60 years old. When performing a health assessment on the aged, nurses must apply the following special consideration. First, a geriatric patient can have more than one illness. Unlike middle-aged people, a geriatric patient may suffer from multiple sicknesses because their body is not strong to fight diseases. Therefore, the nurse should perform more health assessments on elderly people to identify all acute and chronic illnesses. Secondly, emotional and social factors may affect the geriatric patient’s response to diseases. Unlike middle-aged people, elders may experience neglect in society.
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