title: Dysrhythmia formation in the older adult.
abstract: Cardiac dysrhythmia in the older patient is a common finding during critical illness. Changes in the functional anatomy and physiology of the cardiac conduction system are associated with the direct and indirect effects of aging. The pathophysiology and clinical manifestations related to changes in cardiac cellular and neural structures are presented. Knowledge of these changes will guide the critical care nurse in planning care aimed at producing positive patient outcomes.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans