Evaluating physical and behavioral changes in older adults.
In older adults, subtle and sometime not so subtle physical or behavior changes can act as early warning signs of changing status. Nonspecific signs and symptoms occurring in older adults such as decline in previous functional capacity, urinary incontinence, anorexia, confusion, or unexplained falls may be signs of infection, medication interaction, dehydration, constipation, or sleep deprivation. Nurses, by critically assessing the situation early, may identify a developing problem. Prompt and early diagnosis of the underlying problem may save costly extended hospitalization or even prevent life-threatening complications.
Walton
J C
JC
Rush University College of Nursing, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
Miller
J M
JM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003248:Constipation / Q000451:nursing; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D002534:Hypoxia, Brain / Q000451:nursing; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000451:nursing; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000451:nursing; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000451:nursing