ISSN:1079-0713    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1079-0713    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Infection associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in older adults is an increasing problem in clinical care. Often regarded as a disease of the young, more than 10% of HIV infection actually is found in people 50 years of age and older. In addition, individuals with HIV and AIDS are living longer. Approximately 71% of them currently are in their 30s and 40s. Given the current therapies available, it is conceivable that these patients will live well into their 60s and beyond. A case study describing the acute care experience of a 77-year-old African American man is reported. Pitfalls of diagnosis and management are discussed in relation to the care of an older person with HIV disease. The epidemiology of HIV in this population and a review of some recent literature and research on HIV and older adults are presented.

ISSN:1079-0713    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The hospitalized elderly are at an increased risk for poor outcomes such as increased length of stay, readmissions, functional decline, and iatrogenic complications, as compared with other age groups. Research related to the hospitalized elderly has identified factors associated with poor outcomes. Nurses and other healthcare team members may be able to identify elderly patients at risk for poor outcomes and target modifiable factors to minimize their negative impact. Clinical experience and research validate the conclusion that multidimensional, preventive risk factor modification balanced with acute illness treatment can result in positive outcomes for elderly patients.

ISSN:1079-0713    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Acute care of the elderly patient is a specialty area of practice. The elderly have a spectrum of needs including physiologic, psychosocial, functional, and financial needs that will alter their response to physiologic illness and the acute care experience in general. Acute care units specifically designed to meet the needs of elderly adults can have a dramatic impact on recovery from acute illness and long-term, postdischarge outcomes. This report describes the experience of one elderly patient hospitalized for the treatment of pneumonia. This elderly patient manifested a response to the acute care experience that was typical of his age cohort, including confusion and incontinence. Subsequent transfer to an acute care for the elderly unit maximized this patient’s recovery and postdischarge placement.

ISSN:1079-0713    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

In an aging population, the number of patients with cancer continues to rise. Little research has focused on the treatment of cancer in the elderly. Therefore, the treatment for various cancers differs across the healthcare system. A uniform approach in assessing the elderly person with cancer is lacking. This article describes two case studies in the elderly population, focusing on two common cancers: acute myelogenous leukemia and breast cancer. Common side effects of treatment and determinants of treatment options are discussed. It is important that the elderly receive appropriate screening, early detection, treatment, and management of comorbidities.

ISSN:1079-0713    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Pediatric patients are not just “little adults” and elderly patients are not just “old adults.” The elderly patient experiences physiologic and anatomic changes that affect all body systems. Providing trauma care for the elderly presents a particular challenge. Muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, and decreased subcutaneous tissue make the elderly patient more prone to a greater severity of injury. Alterations in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems limit the physiologic reserve the elderly need to respond to hypoxia and shock. Preexisting health conditions further complicate the picture. This article highlights some of the important differences in caring for an elderly trauma patient from resuscitation to rehabilitation.

ISSN:1079-0713    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Alzheimer’s disease is emerging as a major health challenge for the 21st century. The reported case study discusses a 74-year-old woman with dementia of the Alzheimer type who sustained a head injury when she fell down the basement stairs. Differentiating the head injury from the preexisting dementia was complicated and required creative and astute assessment. Objective assessment tools discussed include the Mini-Mental State Examination, a delirium guide, and the Tinetti assessment tool. Predisposition to delirium is significant because of the comorbidities associated with cognitive impairment and head injury. Interventions to prevent delirium are recommended.

ISSN:1079-0713    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Mechanical ventilation is a life-sustaining technology used with increasing frequency in the elderly population. Prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and poor functional status. Care of these complex patients requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to optimize outcome. To minimize mortality and morbidity and contain health care costs, it is essential to identify patients at high risk for prolonged ventilation and to implement early interventions to curtail functional decline. In this article, the incidence and outcome of prolonged mechanical ventilation is reviewed, along with interventions to promote recovery. In particular, the role of tracheostomy timing and placement is discussed.

ISSN:1079-0713    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Recent American Heart Association statistics indicate that approximately 5 million people experience heart failure, and that an estimated 400,000 to 700,000 new cases are expected annually. Improved efforts in the emergency care of myocardial infarction and the increased life expectancy of the population in general are credited for the rapidly increasing number of elderly adults with such chronic cardiac diseases as heart failure. New drug therapies are tested daily to improve the treatment of heart failure. However, drugs alone cannot improve the lives of elderly men and women with this disorder. Skillful delivery of expert care is necessary if advanced practice nurses are to reduce the burden of heart failure and improve the lives of the individuals who must live with this devastating disease.

ISSN:1079-0713    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID