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Questions and Answers
How does aging affect the elasticity of arteries?
What structural change occurs in renal blood vessels as a person ages?
What is a consequence of the thickening and stiffening of the aorta with age?
What happens to kidney size by age 90?
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What is the typical change in Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) by age 75?
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In what way do the kidneys' functions change as individuals grow older?
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What happens to renal blood flow from the age of 40 to the age of 80?
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Which structural change in the bladder is associated with aging?
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Which urinary system structure is responsible for connecting the kidneys to the bladder?
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How does bladder capacity change as one ages?
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What is a common finding related to baroreceptors in the elderly?
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What primary role do the kidneys serve in the body?
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What leads to a rise in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in seniors?
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Which statement accurately describes age-related changes in veins?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the glomeruli in older adults?
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What occurs in the warning period relating to urination as a person ages?
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What physiological change occurs to the skin's epidermis as one ages?
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How does aging affect the dermis of the skin?
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What change occurs to hair as people age?
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What cardiac change is commonly observed in older adults?
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What effect does aging have on the heart's pumping ability?
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What consequence does aging have on nails and toes?
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What common health problem is NOT typically associated with aging?
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Which of the following is a nursing management strategy for aging skin?
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Study Notes
Integumentary System
- Composed of skin, hair, nails, exocrine glands, and sensory nerves
- Skin is the largest and heaviest organ in the body
- Subcutaneous tissue is also known as the fat layer
- The number of epidermal cells decreases by 10% per decade, leading to slower cell division and reduced repair capabilities
- Epidermal cells become thinner, resulting in visible skin thinning
- Changes in the epidermis allow more fluid to escape the skin
- Changes in the dermis cause the skin to wrinkle and sag due to thinning
- Collagen production decreases, leading to reduced elasticity
- Decreased function of sebaceous and sweat glands contributes to dry skin
- Fat cells shrink, enhancing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging
- Toes and nails become thicker, harder, and more difficult to cut
- Toenails and fingernails grow more slowly and may develop a yellowish hue
- Hairline may recede or male pattern baldness may emerge
- Decreased hair growth in areas like the ears, nostrils, and eyebrows
- Loss of body hair and thinning of existing strands occur
Cardiovascular System (Heart & Blood Vessels)
- Deposits of "aging pigment" lipofuscin accumulate, causing age spots
- Heart valves thicken and stiffen
- The number of pacemaker cells decreases while fatty and fibrous tissues increase around the SA (sinoatrial) node, potentially leading to a slower heart rate
- A slight increase in heart size, particularly in the left ventricle, is common
- The heart wall thickens, potentially reducing the chamber’s blood capacity
- Age-related changes make the heart less efficient at pumping blood
- Reduced blood flow results in lowered blood oxygen levels
- The heart's ability to exert itself decreases with age
- Medications are processed and eliminated differently in older adults compared to younger adults
- Arteries lose elasticity with age, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively
- The ability of smaller arteries to dilate and constrict significantly decreases
- Age-related changes in veins are minimal and don't impair normal functioning
- The aorta thickens, stiffens, and becomes less flexible, leading to higher blood pressure and left ventricle hypertrophy
- Increased large artery stiffness causes a decrease in DBP (diastolic blood pressure), accompanied by a continuous rise in SBP (systolic blood pressure). Untreated high SBP accelerates large artery stiffness, creating a vicious cycle
- Baroreceptors, which help stabilize blood pressure during movement and activity, become less sensitive with aging, potentially contributing to orthostatic hypotension
Urinary System
- Acts as the body's filtration system, removing toxins and wastes through urine
- Major organs include the kidneys (blood-filtering organs), ureters (ducts connecting kidneys to the bladder), bladder (stores urine), and urethra (tube allowing urine to exit)
- Functions of the kidney include filtering blood, regulating blood pressure, producing hormones, and maintaining electrolyte balance
- Renal blood vessels become smaller and thicker, reducing renal blood flow.
- Decreased renal blood flow occurs with age, from about 600ml/min at age 40 to about 300ml/min at age 80
- Kidney size decreases by 20-30% by age 90, primarily in the cortex where glomeruli are located
- The number of glomeruli decreases by 30-40% by age 80
- The GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) typically begins declining around age 40. By age 75, the GFR may be about 50% less than a young adult, but current research suggests this isn't true for all elders.
- GFR measures the rate of blood filtered in the kidneys.
- Muscular ureters, urethra, and bladder lose tone and elasticity, causing the bladder to potentially retain urine
- Bladder capacity declines from about 500-600mL to approximately 250ml, reducing urine storage capacity
- The warning period between the urge to urinate and actual urination shortens or disappears with age
Nursing Management for Integumentary System
- Avoid solar exposure
- Dress appropriately for the temperature
- Maintain a safe indoor temperature
- Avoid excessive use of soap
- Apply cream to lubricate the skin
Nursing Management for Cardiovascular System
- Monitor blood pressure regularly
- Encourage a healthy diet, low in saturated fats and cholesterol
- Promote regular exercise
- Help patients manage stress
- Educate on the importance of quitting smoking
- Administer medications as prescribed
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of heart problems
Nursing Management for Urinary System
- Encourage adequate fluid intake
- Assist with toileting needs, ensuring proper hygiene
- Educate about urinary incontinence and management strategies
- Monitor urine output and color
- Promote bladder training exercises
- Administer medications as prescribed for urinary tract infections or other conditions
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Description
Explore the complexities of the integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, and glands. This quiz covers the features of skin aging, changes in cellular structure, and the physiological effects on skin, hair, and nails over time. Test your knowledge on how these components contribute to overall skin health and appearance.
