NURS305 Chapter Notes - Chapter 19: Shortness Of Breath, Palpitations, Heart Failure
23 Dec 2016
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Additional info/steps for older adults (chapter 19) a t a d e v i t c e j b u. Increased risk for older adults because they are more sensitive to the effects of lifestyle choices (such as smoking and high fat diets) Assess patient with questions focusing on: chest pain, fatigue, and dyspnea. Because age-related changes may cause decreased activity tolerance, it is important to assess older adults for: Arrhythmias: palpitations experienced as a rapid throbbing or flutter of the heart. Patients can feel: mild sensation, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Expected findings (older adult): pulse within 60-100 bpm. Variation in rhythm may develop in older adults. Blood and pulse pressures increase from stiff vessels. 50-60 bpm are common and related to beta-blockers or other cardiac medication. If patient is in the 80s or 90s murmurs are common.
