Geriatric Nursing and Rehabilitation
1. Geriatrics and Geriatric Nursing
Definition of Geriatrics: Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the health care, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in elderly people.
Definition of Geriatric Nursing: Geriatric nursing is a specialized area of nursing that focuses on providing care to elderly patients, promoting health, preventing disease, and helping them maintain independence and quality of life.
2. Physiological Changes of Aging
Cardiovascular System
* Decreased elasticity of blood vessels
* Increased blood pressure tendency
* Reduced cardiac output
* Slower circulation
Respiratory System
* Reduced lung elasticity
* Decreased vital capacity
* Reduced oxygen exchange
* Increased risk of respiratory infections
Nervous System
* Memory decline
* Slower reflexes
* Reduced coordination
* Decreased sensory perception
Musculoskeletal System
* Loss of bone density (osteoporosis)
* Muscle weakness and wasting
* Joint stiffness
* Reduced mobility
Gastrointestinal System
* Decreased digestion and absorption
* Constipation tendency
* Reduced appetite
Urinary System
* Reduced kidney function
* Increased frequency of urination
* Urinary incontinence
Skin
* Dry, thin, and wrinkled skin
* Delayed wound healing
* Loss of elasticity
Sensory System
* Reduced vision (cataract, presbyopia)
* Hearing loss (presbycusis)
* Reduced taste and smell
3. Short Notes: Common Health Problems in Elderly
Hypertension: High blood pressure is common in elderly due to stiff blood vessels and lifestyle factors.
Diabetes Mellitus: adults are at higher risk due to reduced insulin sensitivity.
Osteoporosis: Weak and brittle bones leading to increased fracture risk.
Dementia: Dementia is common in elderly causing memory loss and confusion.
Arthritis: Joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility are common.
Depression : Psychological condition due to loneliness, loss of independence, and chronic illness.
Urinary Incontinence: Loss of bladder control due to weak muscles.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Includes heart failure, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
Previous Year Questions (INC & ANC)
1. Define geriatrics and geriatric nursing.
2. Explain the physiological changes of aging.
3. Write short notes on common health problems in elderly.
4. Describe the nursing care of elderly patients.
5. Explain age-related changes in cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
6. Write short notes on osteoporosis and its management.
7. Explain fall prevention in elderly patients.
8. Describe utritional needs of geriatric patients.
9. Write short notes on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
10. Explain nursing management of dementia patients.
11. Describe depression in elderly and its nursing care.
12. Write short notes on incontinence in elderly.
13. Explain mobility problems in geriatric patients.
14. Describe pressure ulcer prevention in elderly care.
15. Write short notes on polypharmacy in elderly.
16. Explain role of nurse in geriatric rehabilitation.
17. Describe rehabilitation process and its principles.
18. Write short notes on physical therapy and occupational therapy in rehabilitation.
19. Explain nursing care of bedridden elderly patients.
20. Describe communication problems in elderly patients.
21. Write short notes on sensory changes in aging.
22. Explain home care management for elderly patients.
23. Describe psychosocial problems of elderly.
24. Write short notes on end-of-life care in geriatrics.
25. Explain importance of family support in geriatric care.
26. Describe rehabilitation goals in stroke patients.
27. Write short notes on assistive devices used in rehabilitation.
28. Explain prevention of complications in immobilized elderly patients.
29. Describe role of nurse in health education for elderly.
30. Write short notes on active and passive exercises in rehabilitation.
