Constipation In Aged Care

Changes due to the aging process also need to be addressed. Calcium reabsorption increases especially in women after the menopause, this decreases bone density. Lean tissue decreases as fat increases with age; there is also a decline in the percentage of body water meaning that body temperature is more difficult to control. Thirst decline and decreased renal function means that older people can become dehydrated (Copeman 1999). The function of the bowel reduces, meaning that the elderly are more susceptible to indigestion and constipation. The risk of constipation is also increased with Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s UK 2011). The final consideration is the deterioration of the sensory system. Taste, smell, vison, pain and touch all decline meaning that food may not be as appealing (Copeman 1999).

More people are living much longer lives than in years past. People are very surprised to be living much longer lives than they thought they would. Health care has played a large part in patient longevity. There are many normal changes that come along with aging, however, because people are living longer these normal changes can become chronic problems. Common aging problems that can make the older adult a vulnerable population are reviewed in Gerontological Nursing (Tabloski, 2014) and can include nutritional needs, medication management, sleep changes, oral or mouth care, renal problems and musculoskeletal concerns. According to A Profile of Older Americans: 2013 (http://www.hhs.gov), there are a large amount

As a person ages, theirs body cannot perform the way it used to. This will cause many elderly people to loose their job or choose to go into retirement. Both of these options cause a loss in health care as well and a reduced or exterminated income. Here alone lies a reason that the elderly population is challenged. The elderly population also has a tendency to develop a chronic illness that can be life threatening if not treated or controlled properly. This means that need for health care treatments also increases. At least 40% of those over age 65 will have nutrition-related health problems requiring treatment or management (Gigante, 2012). It is important to realize that 10% of people over the age of 65 and will develop Alzheimer’s disease and 50% of those over the age of 85 will develop this disease (Gigante, 2012). More elderly African American men and women use government aid than white men and women. Therefore, this population will be vulnerable because of the lack of funding, proper health care and insurance.

Much of this timing is based on genetics, lifestyle, and access to health care. In general, people have learned stereotypes regarding the elderly. Some of these stereotypes are accurate, but they do not pertain to all the elderly population. Health care providers have come to expect changes in the elderly. However, it is important not to make assumptions, and to use assessment tools to identify changes the elderly may have encountered. Some of the areas the clinician may expect to find changes include: mobility, ambulation, nutritional intake, continence, and skin changes (Tabloski, 2014). The result of these changes includes a multitude of challenges for the elderly. It is important for the clinician to obtain an accurate functional and psychological assessment of the geriatric patient prior to deciding a plan of

This one of the many reasons the elderly seek long term care services. Sometimes having a debilitating chronic illness can impact their activities of daily living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Life (IADLs). The impact chronic illness can have on instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) can include managing money, shopping, preparing meals, and taking medications as prescribed. Activities of daily living (ADLs), can impact the ability to perform more basic activities, such as taking care of personal hygiene, feeding themselves, getting dressed, and toileting. The elderly population is also at risk for developing dementia or Alzheimer’s, which can attribute to further physical and mental declines. Nursing leaders can use evidence base practices to find ways to best assist and care for the aging

Borrayo, Salmon, Polivka, and Dunlop (2002) assert that fostering a closer connection with eldercare services and providers and the needs of the community will demonstrate the importance for policymakers regarding long-term care now and in the future as the aging population continues to increase. Byrd, Fletcher and Menifield (2007) state evidence supports that health disparities regarding minority older adults are a problem that can no longer be overlooked. The authors offer that individual healthcare providers must acknowledge that the problem exists and assess their practices concerning combating issues of disparities (Byrd et al., 2007). They posit that older adults in minority communities incur a higher percentage for missed diagnoses,

Aging is a gradual, continuous process of natural change which begin to decline many bodily functions. These changes increase the risk of developing health-related problems within the older adults. The fulmer SPICES is a tool for assessing older populations that focuses on six main conditions which include sleep disorders, problems with eating or feeding, incontinence, confusion, evidence of falls, and skin breakdown. Upon interview/exam if the patient has no problems noted on chart then score will be zero, if patient problem noted on chart and history of problem then score will be 1 and lastly if the problem is found on the day of assessment either in chart or on exam then score will be 2 on the assessment tool (Fulmer, 2007). This assessment used to plan, promote, and maintain optimal function in elderly adults. Also, the SPICES assessment is done regularly that can signal for the need for specific assessment and interventions for these conditions (Fulmer, 2007). This assessment can be used for both healthy and frail older

Pathophysiology and Nursing Management of Clients Health – Disorders of the Digestive and Musculoskeletal System

People who often experience a combination of gas, bloating, and other stomach problems may have a condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome is a term that is used in the medical community as an indication that someone is experiencing frequent stomach problems, but the cause of those problems is unknown. Because the medical community knows little about how the gut works, the phrase “Leaky Gut Syndrome” is used to refer to the complications that people experience in their digestive system in a way that the cause of those problems is not definitive. The lack of data means this turns out to be a guessing game for the doctor who is face to face with a patient who has “Leaky Gut Syndrome”. Although there is a lack of evidence surrounding the condition, there are a few idea’s in the medical

Looking for natural cures because of the undesirable side effects of prescribed and over the counter medications for constipation, people seek natural alternatives. Fortunately,

After watching the documentary on two individuals with a strange addiction, I never knew until now, that people misusing laxatives, consumption of pottery, and eating cigarette ashes can cause an addiction and health concerns. My impression to why anyone would want to abuse laxatives is because he or she wants to lose weight, get rid of unwanted calories, and feel thin or empty. I noticed some of the health consequences to laxative abuse are: Disturbance of electrolyte and nutrition balances, severe dehydration, irregular heart rhythm and internal organ damage. I could not believe that Kimberly takes 150 laxatives a day and continuously wears waist trimmers to shrink her waist so she feels skinny. This caught my attention because there

Large intestine is responsible for absorbing water from the stool and propelling it towards the anus for the excretion (Marieb & Hoehnm 2012, p.890). However, when the motility of large intestine for this propulsive movement gets slowed, the outcome is constipation (Southwell, 2010). Constipation can be defined as emptying stools fewer than 3 times per week (Kumar, Barker, & Emmanuel, 2014); it can be caused by use of codeine phosphate: opioid induced constipation (Kumar et al., 2014).

Richard,  it is true that most hand outs are intended to be short and concise, but if relevant information is left out then it does not serve any good purpose for the patient. I just took care of a young patient the other day who had to have surgery for bowel obstruction.  She had been on pain pills  for a while and so the doctors were thinking that was what led to the obstruction. I mentioned your story sounded so familiar because she was told pain medication can lead to constipation, but she had on idea constipation can lead to bowel obstruction that required surgery. In talking to her she told she had been doing everything that she was instructed to do, but then upon further questioning her I realized she had not been drinking enough water.

As individuals age changes occur physiologically that are part of normal aging. These changes occur in all organ systems and can impact an individual’s quality of life. The changes related to aging can be attributed to an individual’s genetic make up, lifestyle, physical activity, and dietary lifestyle. Being able to differentiate between normal changes in aging against disease process is important because it can help clinicians develop a plan of care (Boltz, Capezuti, Fulmer, & Zwicker, 2012). Creating an accurate plan of care for older adults will greatly impact their quality of life.

As adults age, the body’s metabolisms slow down progressively. Older adult tends to stay indoors most of the time, so they are not getting sun light or physical activity. This can cause dehydration if they are not having adequate flued and fiber intake. Fiber intake can help lower heart disease, control weight and prevent conception. Eating healthy and staying active is important no matter what our age is, but as we get older our body starts to get weaker and we need to be stricter on our diet to lower our health risk of complications.