Respiratory and Cardiac Aging Changes: Gerontology - Fundamentals of Nursing | @LevelUpRN

Summary

In this video, Ellis explains the physiological changes in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems of older adults. These changes include decreased lung capacity, reduced lung tissue elasticity, and weaker respiratory muscles, which make breathing more effortful and increase the risk of infections like pneumonia. In the cardiovascular system, a decrease in heart muscle efficacy and stiffened blood vessels contribute to lower cardiac output and higher risks of conditions like atherosclerosis and orthostatic hypotension. Ellis also highlights key changes such as incomplete valve closure leading to murmurs, and the importance of understanding these risks for nursing professionals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Decreased lung capacity in older adults makes breathing more difficult and requires greater effort.
• 😀 Reduced lung tissue elasticity in older adults affects the lungs' ability to expand and contract efficiently.
• 😀 Weaker respiratory muscles in older adults increase the effort needed to breathe, which can lead to respiratory complications.
• 😀 Older adults may experience an increase in anterior-posterior chest diameter, which affects their breathing mechanics.
• 😀 A reduced cough reflex in older adults makes it harder to clear foreign material from the respiratory system, increasing infection risk.
• 😀 Older adults are more susceptible to respiratory infections like pneumonia due to weakened lung function.
• 😀 Sleep apnea is a common abnormal breathing pattern found in older adults due to changes in the respiratory system.
• 😀 Decreased heart muscle efficacy in older adults leads to reduced cardiac output and less efficient blood circulation.
• 😀 Incomplete valve closure in older adults increases the risk of heart murmurs and impacts overall heart function.
• 😀 The stiffening and calcification of blood vessels in older adults contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular risks.
• 😀 Older adults are at higher risk of elevated systolic blood pressure and orthostatic hypotension due to cardiovascular system changes.

Q & A

What are the three main changes in the respiratory system of an older adult?

The three main changes in the respiratory system of an older adult are a decrease in lung capacity, a decrease in lung elasticity, and weaker respiratory muscles.

How does the decrease in lung capacity affect breathing in older adults?

A decrease in lung capacity limits the amount of air the lungs can hold, making it more difficult for older adults to breathe efficiently.

What is the impact of reduced lung tissue elasticity on an older adult's respiratory function?

Reduced lung tissue elasticity means the lungs cannot expand and contract as effectively, which makes breathing more effortful and less efficient.

Why do older adults experience more difficulty coughing up foreign material?

Older adults experience a decreased cough reflex, which makes it harder for them to expel foreign material, increasing the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia.

What are the potential risks associated with the decreased respiratory function in older adults?

The decreased respiratory function in older adults increases the risk for respiratory infections like pneumonia and breathing difficulties such as sleep apnea.

How does aging affect the heart's pumping ability?

As people age, the heart muscle becomes less effective and weaker, reducing its ability to pump blood efficiently and leading to decreased cardiac output.

What leads to murmurs in older adults?

Murmurs in older adults are often caused by incomplete valve closure, which leads to abnormal blood flow through the heart.

What role does stiffening and calcification of blood vessels play in cardiovascular health for older adults?

Stiffening and calcification of blood vessels contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure.

Why are older adults at a higher risk for elevated systolic blood pressure?

Older adults are more likely to have stiffened blood vessels and decreased heart efficiency, which increases the risk of elevated systolic blood pressure.

What is orthostatic hypotension, and why is it more common in older adults?

Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, which is more common in older adults due to decreased vascular responsiveness and heart function.