9 CONTACT HOUR:THE OLDER ADULT: CHALLENGES FOR NURSING ASSESSMENT AND CARE

Course overview

The target audience for this education program is nurses who want to increase their knowledge and strategies for the assessment and care of older adults. Learning Objectives: 1.Discuss demographics related to the older adult population. 2.Perform a ¿first glance¿ assessment. 3.Review the importance of providing culturally appropriate care. 4.Assess the nutritional status of an older adult. 5.Discuss practical suggestions for maintaining a healthy diet. 6.Describe the important components of pharmacology assessment in the older adult. 7.Describe the components of a sexual assessment of the older adult. 8.Assess the sleep patterns of the older adult. 9.Identify strategies for pain assessment in the older adult. 10.Assess the mental health of the older adult. 11.Recognize signs and symptoms of abuse of the older adult. 12.Describe changes in vision, hearing, and sensation that affect the older adult. 13.Identify common health problems related to the integumentary system in the older adult. 14.Assess the older adult for potential problems related to cardiovascular functioning. 15.Identify lung disorders commonly found in older adults. 16.Identify important aspects of endocrine system assessment. 17.Explain the ways age influences hematologic function. 18.Recognize common health problems of the nervous system in the older adult. 19.Review age-related issues of the genitourinary system. 20.Discuss common age-related conditions of the musculoskeletal system. 21.Recognize age-related immune system deficiencies related to the aging process. The age of the population in the United States is continuing to inch upward. As the density of the aging population increases, there are increased demands on the health care system and increased challenges for nursing. Nurses have a unique opportunity to assess, care for, teach, and promote the health of older adults. This course provides a wide variety of health challenges for the older adult. Topics in this course include assessment, cultural sensitivities, nutrition, the importance of medications and possible interactions, sleep challenges, sexual interests of the older adult, pain assessment, mental health, abuse assessment, sensory and integumentary concerns, and select other topics.