Age-related physiologic changes, polypharmacy risk, and fall prevention concepts specific to caring for older adults.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What happens to arterial elasticity with normal aging?
Show answer
It decreases (vessel walls stiffen).- Why does systolic blood pressure tend to rise in older adults?
Show answer
Stiffened, less elastic arteries raise systolic pressure.- How does aging affect the heart's ability to increase output during physical or emotional stress?
Show answer
Cardiac reserve decreases, so output rises more slowly and to a lesser degree.- How does decreased baroreceptor sensitivity in older adults affect blood pressure regulation?
Show answer
It blunts the reflex response to position changes, increasing orthostatic hypotension risk.- How does vital capacity change with normal aging?
Show answer
It decreases.- How does the cough reflex change with aging, and why does it matter?
Show answer
It weakens, raising the risk of respiratory infection and aspiration.- How does glomerular filtration rate (GFR) change with normal aging?
Show answer
It decreases.- Why is renal drug excretion reduced in older adults?
Show answer
Decreased renal blood flow and GFR slow how quickly drugs are cleared.- How does reduced hepatic blood flow in older adults affect drug metabolism?
Show answer
It reduces first-pass metabolism, so more active drug reaches circulation.- How does gastric acid production change with normal aging?
Show answer
It decreases.- How does slowed GI motility in older adults commonly present clinically?
Show answer
Increased risk of constipation.- How does bone density change with normal aging?
Show answer
It decreases, raising fracture risk.- What term describes the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength?
Show answer
Sarcopenia.- Presbyopia is the age-related decline in the eye's ability to ____.
Show answer
focus on near objects- Presbycusis is age-related ____, typically affecting high-frequency sounds first.
Show answer
hearing loss
FlashKeepers