Muscle Anatomy and Functions Quiz

6.00 Understand effects of the aging process as it relates to the nurse aide role

• Understanding how aging affects cognitive, psychological, and physical functioning is crucial for nurse aides.

6.01C Understand cognitive, psychological, and physical changes due to aging

• Aging brings about cognitive, psychological, and physical changes that impact the nurse aide's role.

Body System Disorders Due to Aging

• Various body systems experience changes due to aging.
• These changes impact the structure and function of organs and systems, requiring adaptations by nurse aides.

Musculoskeletal System- Overview

• The musculoskeletal system comprises muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments.
• It provides structure, movement, and protects the body's shape.
• Over 600 muscles made up of elastic tissue connect to bones via tendons.

Muscles Types

• Skeletal muscles (voluntary muscles) control body movements through contraction and relaxation.
• Voluntary muscles work together for coordinated movement.
• Smooth muscles (involuntary muscles) form internal organ walls like the stomach and bladder, and blood vessels.
• Cardiac muscles, found only in the heart, contract and relax autonomously.

Muscle- Function

• Muscles move the skeleton through tendons.
• Muscles generate heat through metabolic processes.
• Shivering is a rapid muscle contraction to produce heat.

Skeletal Bones- Structure

• The human skeleton consists of 206 bones.
• Bone outer layer is hard and rigid, covered with periosteum containing blood vessels.
• Inside, bone marrow is soft, and spongy.
• Bones connect to other bones with ligaments and muscles by tendons

Skeleton (Bones) Function

• The skeleton forms a framework for the body.
• The skeleton protects vital organs.
• Bones store calcium and produce blood cells.

Joints-Structure

• Joints are where bones meet and are composed of connective tissues like cartilage.
• Cartilage cushions joints, preventing friction.
• Synovial membranes line joints secreting synovial fluid.

Types of Joints-Function

• Pivot joints allow for rotation (e.g., head).
• Hinge joints enable movement in one direction (e.g., elbows and knees).
• Ball-and-socket joints facilitate movement in all directions (e.g., hips and shoulders).

Musculoskeletal System- Normal Findings

• Normal musculoskeletal function includes performing daily movements without pain.

Musculoskeletal System-Changes Due to Aging

• Muscles weaken and lose tone.
• Bones lose density and become brittle.
• Slower muscle-nerve interactions decrease range of motion and flexibility.
• Height decreases slightly.

Musculoskeletal System-Variation of Normal

• Frequent falls, difficulty holding or lifting objects, decreased muscle strength, generalized weakness, and slowed movement may indicate deviation from normal findings.

Common Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System

• Various skeletal conditions can affect the body's structure and support.

Arthritis

• Inflammation of joints causing stiffness, pain, and decreased mobility.
• Osteoarthritis affects elderly frequently due to aging or joint injury, mainly in weight bearing joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of any age starting in smaller joints progressing to larger ones gradually.

Arthritis- Nurse Aide Role

• Encourage resident to stay active.
• Follow care plans, offering assistance with assistive devices.

Osteoporosis

• Loss of bone density making bones porous and brittle.
• Caused by calcium deficiency in diet, lack of regular exercise, and reduced female hormones.
• Signs of osteoporosis include low back pain and stooped posture.

Osteoporosis- Nurse Aide Role

• Prevent progression of the condition by following care plan.
• Encouraging walking and simple exercises as directed.

Fracture

• A broken bone, potentially caused by accident, and osteoporosis.
• Types include closed (no skin break) and open (skin break).

Fracture-Treatment Goal

• To reset broken bone fragments and facilitate bone healing.
• Immobilization via casts and braces to promote structural support and mending.

Fracture- Nurse Aide Role

• Crucial to prevent falling, which exacerbates fracture.
• Monitor circulation by checking the affected limb (warmth, color, pulses).
• Report any sign of swelling, pain, infection or unusual discharge.

Hip Fracture

• A break in the hip bone.
• Osteoporosis, arthritis put residents at risk after fall or minimal movements.
• Care often necessitates surgical repair.

Hip Fracture- Nurse Aide Role

• Compliance to care plan and appropriate precautions to prevent falls are critical.
• Nurse aides need to avoid exercises and movements in conflict with care instructions.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

• Replacing the knee with a prosthesis for reduced pain and improved mobility.
• The aim is to minimize blood clots by proper positioning and support devices.

Nurse Aide Role- TKR

• Aiding with mobility according to the care plan and encouraging fluid intake while closely monitoring for infections.

Amputation

• The surgical removal of a body part like an arm, leg, or hand.
• Possible causation includes accidents or diseases.
• Phantom pain might be experienced in the missing body parts region.

Amputation- Nurse Aide Role

• Aiding with daily activities, providing support for phantom pain without arguing, assisting with position changes and range of motion exercises, and following up with the prosthetic care plan.

Contracture and Muscle Atrophy

• Contracture develops when the muscle or tendon are shortened, frozen, and becomes inflexible.
• Muscle atrophy happens when muscles gradually wastes away, shrinks and weakens due to reduced use.
• Range of motion exercises and supportive devices prevent these problems.

Nervous System

• Controling all body functions, including heartbeat, respiratory functions, interpret external information.

The Neuron (Nerve Cell)

• Nerve cells and insulated protective fibers facilitate rapid conduction of nerve impulses.

The Brain

• The brain is one of the largest organs in the body which weigh approximately three pounds.

Brain- The Cerebrum

• The largest section of the brain responsible for thought and intelligence, divides into the right and left hemispheres. The right side hemisphere controls movements and function of left side; the left side hemisphere controls movements and function of the right side.

Brain-The Cerebellum

• The cerebellum controls balance and fine motor control, the coordination of voluntary muscles.

Brain Stem

• The brainstem is the regulatory center responsible for controlling heart rate, breathing, swallowing, and reflexes.

Spinal Cord

• A pathway between the brain and the body for sending and receiving messages.

Sensory Organs

• Skin, tongue, nose, eyes, and ears receive external stimuli and relay signals to the brain.

Nervous System- Normal

• The normal nervous system is alert, shows clear short-term/long-term memory, sensory functions are intact, has proper coordination of body and limbs, and reflexes are present.

Nervous System- Changes due to Aging

• Hearing loss, reduced appetite, decreased tear production, vision problems (including difficulty seeing blue and green colors), and changes in pupil response to light.
• Changes in memory (short term memory most likely), reduced nerve/brain cells result in slowed reaction/reflex time, jerky movements, or tremors, and reduced sensitivity to pain.

Nervous System- Variations in Normal

• Changes in gait (walking).
• Complaints of losing feeling or inability to move one side of the body (paralysis).
• Seizures and /or confusion.
• Changes in speech, vision, or hearing.
• Complaints of numbness, dizziness, and nausea.

Common Disorders of the Nervous System

• Some conditions impacting brain and spinal function include strokes, which can vary in severity.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)- Stroke

• A stroke can range from mild to severe, resulting from brain region and size of blockage.
• Common symptoms include numbness, confusion, trouble seeing or walking, severe headache.

After Stroke- Resident May Experience

• Depending on the affected side hemiplegia (complete paralysis) or hemiparesis (weakness) may occur..
• Emotional lability (inappropriate expressions of emotions), Loss of sensations (including pain or temperature), loss of bowel/bladder control are also possible.
• Cognitive impairment (judgement, memory loss), difficulties with swallowing occur to affected residents.

Stroke- Nurse Aide Role

• Care provided needs to be adjusted accordingly depending on the level of severity.
• Provide a nurturing and supportive environment to the resident, focusing on strengthening the weak sides of the body.
• Careful observation and reporting of changes in skin conditions, and communication.

Parkinson's Disease

• A degenerative brain disorder leading to uncontrollable tremors or shaking, stiffness of muscles, shuffling gait, bent posture, mask-like expression and gradual changes including memory loss and dementia.

Parkinson's Disease- Nurse Aide Role

• The need for a supportive and safe environment is important to prevent falls and injuries while assisting residents with daily activities, encouraging self-care and demonstrating patience with communication.

Head and Spinal Cord Injuries

• Causes include diving, sports, car accidents or war.
• Injuries can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to paralysis or death.
• Spinal cord injuries affect bodily functions based on the level of injury affecting those functions

Head and Spinal Cord Injuries- Nurse Aide Role

• Provide emotional support, realizing that anger and frustration can result from impairment.
• Encourage self-care and participation in daily activities.
• Maintain close monitor of bodily functions and report any changes to the nurse.

Hearing Impairment

• Hearing impairment can be present from birth or occur later in life, leading to gradual hearing loss.
• Nurse Aide should be observant of any cues indicating difficult hearing such as one ear favoring over the other, and reluctance to attend events necessitating clear communication.

Hearing Impairment- Nurse Aide Role

• Report unusual behaviors to the nurse; approach resident from the front; speak clearly without shouting

Visual Impairment

• A form of impairment that cannot be corrected to a normal level.

Visual Impairment- Nurse Aide Role

• Provide clear directions, maintaining care plan and avoiding environmental changes that might confuse residents without sight, being patient and empathetic.

Cardiovascular System

• This system includes the circulatory system in the body; the heart’s function is to pump blood throughout the body

Cardiovascular System-Changes Due to Aging

• Heart muscles become less efficient.
• Blood pumping strength decreases.
• Arteries become narrow and less elastic.
• Blood pressure tends to increase.

Abnormal Findings of the Cardiovascular System

• Potential signs/symptoms of cardiovascular issues include shortness of breath, change in pulse rate and rhythm, loss of the ability to perform daily activities, chest pain, or bradycardia (slow pulse).
• Tachycardia(fast pulse) , irregular rhythm, swelling on hands and feet, pale or bluish lips, hands or feet, weakness, tiredness, weight gain are other possible signs.

Hypertension- High Blood Pressure

• Major cause is atherosclerosis or "hardening" of arteries due to fatty plaque buildup.
• Common symptoms include headaches, blurry vision, and dizziness.

Orthostatic Hypotension

• Abnormal low blood pressure that occurs when a resident stands up suddenly.
• Symptoms may include weakness, dizziness, fainting, and blurred vision.

Orthostatic Hypotension- Prevention

• Following the care plan and instructions from the nurse; assisting with gradual transition from lying to sitting to standing.
• Monitoring for symptoms like dizziness, or visual disturbances; encouraging fluids and assistive devices for proper repositioning.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

• A condition narrowing blood vessels of coronary arteries leading to reduced blood supply, oxygen to the heart.
• Plaque buildup over time leads to heart attacks potentially as a result.

Angina Pectoris (Angina)

• Severe chest pain and pressure radiating from the chest to the left arm, jaw, caused by reduced oxygen supply to the heart.
• Exercise, stress, excitement, or digestion can trigger angina.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)- Heart Attack

• Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious condition caused by a blockage in blood flow to the heart.
• Reduced oxygen and nutrients cause tissue death—symptoms may include chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath

Peripheral Vascular Disease

• A condition affecting the legs, feet, arms, or hands with decreased blood supply (poor circulation).
• Signs may include pale blue nail beds, swelling in hands and feet, ulcers on legs and feet, and pain while walking.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

• Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently throughout the body.
• Symptoms include shortness of breath, edema in the legs/ankles/feet, or increased urination at night. Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, or rapid heartbeats are also possible.

Nurse Aide's Role- Congestive Heart Failure

• Assistance to the bathroom.
• Responding to call signals promptly.
• Ensuring adequate rest periods .
• Monitoring fluid intake, providing elastic stockings, and keeping bed elevated to facilitate better circulation; carefully assess and document weight.

Edema

• Fluid buildup in body tissues causing swelling.
• Edema may result from fluid intake outweighing the output in the body.
• Edema is related to conditions such as heart or kidney disease.

Nurse Aide Role- Edema

• Obtaining accurate weights, restricting fluids as prescribed, measuring and recording intake and output (I&O).
• Ensuring adequate rest, and positioning to prevent swelling.

Cardiovascular System- Nurse Aide Role

• Following the care plan involving monitoring vital signs and reporting abnormal readings promptly.
• Assisting residents in special diet to manage any conditions, like low fat and low sodium.
• Providing rest periods, ensuring patient comfort, and preventing tiredness, monitoring for possible infections.

Respiratory System

• The body's system responsible for inhaling oxygen, and exhaling carbon dioxide, which is crucial for survival.

Respiratory System- Structure and Function

• Structures like the lungs, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and diaphragm are used during the breathing process.
• The process of breathing, including inspiration (inhaling oxygen) and expiration (exhaling carbon dioxide) are critical.

Respiratory System- Structure

• The rib cage, diaphragm, trachea and bronchi are the key structures enabling breathing.

Upper Respiratory Tract

• The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, mouth, sinuses, pharynx (throat), and larynx.

Lower Respiratory Tract

• The lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Respiratory System- Changes Due to Aging

• Lung tissue gradually loses elasticity and becomes less elastic.
• Respiratory muscles weaken making breathing difficult during exertion.
• Oxygen levels potentially reduce affecting breathing quality

Abnormal Findings of the Respiratory System

• Possible abnormal findings in relation to respiration include breathing challenges, nasal congestion or discharge, coughing or wheezing, noisy breathing, gasping or too fast respiration, slow or fast breathing, hypoventilation, hyperventilation and chest pain.

Common Disorders of the Respiratory System

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is among the common respiratory disorders that groups other conditions, including bronchitis, and emphysema; COPD is generally an incurable condition.

Chronic Bronchitis

• A chronic inflammation of the bronchi due to irritants.
• It is caused by an infection and prolonged irritants in the air.
• Common symptoms include excessive mucus production and wheezing among other issues.

Emphysema

• Emphysema is a chronic lung disease, usually resulting from chronic bronchitis or smoking, that is also incurable.
• It generally impacts respiratory function, leading to shortness of breath, persistent coughs, and rapid heartbeats.

COPD Signs and Symptoms

• Common signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include wheezing, chronic coughs, shortness of breath, and pale or bluish-purple skin during exertion.
• Other possible symptoms include confusion, weakness, difficulty finishing meals, feeling anxious, and experiencing persistent fear.

COPD

• Chronic lung disease and residents may feel out of control and fear suffocation.

COPD- Nurse Aide Role

• Assisting residents and being supportive with proper positions and oxygen use while encouraging exercise and breathing techniques are crucial.

COPD Resident: Report to the Nurse

• Report signs of colds, respiratory changes, and mental state shifts; any weight fluctuations, and increasing dependencies on residents' family and/or staff.

Pneumonia

• Lung inflammation caused by viral or bacterial infections, or fungal infections.
• Residents with underlying conditions such as COPD may be at increased risk.
• Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, greenish or yellow mucus, chest pain, and a rapid pulse

Asthma

• A chronic episodic disorder impacted by irritants, allergens, infections, and cold weather triggering inflammation in air passages.
• Symptoms of shortness of breath, and coughing and wheezing are common.

Upper Respiratory Infection (Cold)

• A viral infection of the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and throat, leading potentially to a secondary bacterial infection.
• Common symptoms include nasal discharge, sneezing, soreness in the throat, fever, and tiredness.

Respiratory System Nurse Aide Role

• Provide rest periods, encourage exercise with appropriate rest periods.
• Assist with deep breathing exercises.
• Limit exposure to irritants, such as smoke or air pollution in the affected areas.
• Proper positionings maximizes respiratory function by avoiding obstruction of air passage ways.

Human Reproductive System

• The reproductive system comprises organs and structures responsible for sexual reproduction.

Reproductive System-Normal Findings

• Absence of bleeding apart from menstruation and vaginal/penile discharge.
• Absence of pain/itching
• Absence of enlarged prostate gland.

Reproductive System-Changes Due to Aging

• Reproductive organs might reduce significantly in size and function with age.
• Prostates may become enlarged, breasts might sag, and there might be a loss of hair in perineal area.

Reproductive System- Variation of Normal

• Abnormal bleeding (other than menstruation).
• Pain or itching.
• Vaginal or penile discharge

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum) may drop down (prolapse) impacting posture.
• Potential symptoms include incontinence, and conditions ranging from mild to severe based on the prolapse severity.

Nurse Aide Role- Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Providing perineal care is essential; observing and reporting unusual findings to the nurse involved in care are also critical.

Endocrine System

• The endocrine system is a network of glands responsible for secreting chemicals (hormones) that regulate various bodily functions.

Endocrine System- Structure and Function

• The structural components are glands (pineal, hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, and adrenal glands, etc.).
• The system functions by regulating homeostasis, guiding growth, development, regulating glucose and calcium, reproduction, and regulating metabolism among other critical duties.

Endocrine System- Changes Due to Aging

• The levels of hormones may decrease in the body with age and cause reduced function and insulin production decreases, impacting the body’s ability to deal with stressors; the onset is often accompanied by blurred vision.

Endocrine System- Variation of Normal

• Various abnormalities may affect normal body functioning in the endocrine system; symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, weakness, hunger, tremors, irritability or sweating.

Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes)

• A common endocrine disorder that occurs due to insufficient or ineffective insulin production, which regulates blood sugar.
• Insufficient insulin in the body leads to elevated blood sugar causing harm.

Diabetes- Three Types

• Diabetes comes in different forms: type 1 (often childhood onset), type 2 (usually develops in adulthood), and gestational (occurs during pregnancy).
• The types differ in insulin production, use of medications, and diet requirements.

Diabetes- Nurse Aide Role

• Following the established care plans, assisting with dietary needs, monitoring and documenting eating patterns, and ensuring proper medication adherence closely.
• Encouraging residents to engage in exercise programs if permitted; monitoring for signs of low or high blood sugar levels.

Diabetes- Nurse Aide Role (Hypoglycemia)

• Signs include hunger, vomiting, rapid pulse/heart rate, confusion, cool clammy skin/sweating, convulsions, and possibly loss of consciousness.

Diabetes- Nurse Aide Role (Hyperglycemia)

• Signs include sweet breath odor, fast/deep respirations, low blood pressure, skin dryness, headache, blurred vision, convulsions, and coma.

Diabetes- Nurse Aide Role (Additional Aspects)

• Observing for signs, whether indicative of low or high blood sugar levels; reporting potential issues immediately to the nurse; assisting with obtaining appropriate foot care; adhering to physician’s directives.

Immune System

• The immune system's function is to protect the body against illnesses and pathogens.

Immune System- Structure and Function

• Antibodies and white blood cells comprise the key elements; the functioning is to provide protection, support fighting germs, such as bacteria or viruses and providing immunity from certain diseases.

Immune System- Changes Due to Aging

• The immune system weakens with age making people more susceptible to infections.
• The body’s own immune system sometimes attacks its own tissues (autoimmune disorders).

Immune System- Variation of Normal

• Common signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and painful, stiff/swollen joints.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

• Spread by body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk).
• HIV destroys immune cells weakening the body's ability to fight off infections.

Immune System- Nurse Aide Role

• Following standard precautions is crucial.
• Assisting with activities of daily living, and providing fluids as ordered.
• Monitoring and reporting any signs of infection, especially with residents vulnerable to infections; providing emotional and caring support.

Immune System- Other Common Disorders

• Conditions might include lupus, characterized by inflammation and organ damage; Graves' disease, impacting thyroid function, resulting in over-production of hormones; or multiple sclerosis, impairing nerve cell messages affecting other areas of the body.

Curriculum Skills

• 6.01A Apply and remove anti-embolic stockings (TEDs).
• 6.01B Assist residents with coughing and deep breathing.

Resources

• Various resources such as books, websites, and professional organizations providing information about specific medical concepts, including relevant educational materials.