Pulmonary issues in the older adult.
This article elicits why critical care nurses need to become aware of the pulmonary issues of older adults. The population of older adults is increasing. Older adults undergo anatomic and physiologic changes of the protective mechanisms of the pulmonary system. These changes alter the rate and effort of breathing. Speech is slowed because of expiratory strength effort. Cognition changes may be the only indication of impaired oxygenation. Bedside nursing care provides protection from pulmonary complications. Health behaviors of smoking cessation, oral hygiene, and exercise promote pulmonary health even in older adults.
School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Unit #9, 44 White Oak Street, Franklin, NC 28734, USA. Electronic address: defreder@uncg.edu.
Delia E
DE
Frederick
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D064648:Critical Care Nursing; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013894:Thirst / Q000502:physiology
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Effects of aging; Older adults; Pneumonia; Pulmonary issues