Nurses Know! - Recognizing Elder Abuse

By: Carla Jenkins RN

What is Elder Abuse?

Have you or someone you know been a victim of elder abuse? Do you know what elder abuse is? Do you know where to report suspicions of elder abuse?

Elder abuse is often defined as a single or repeated act, or as a lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.

How big of a problem is Elder Abuse?

It is estimated that only 1 in 10 cases of elder abuse are actually reported. Every year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of abuse and neglect.

Where should Elder Abuse be Reported?

In almost all states, reporting of elder abuse is mandatory. It should be reported to the Adult Protective Service Agency, Department of Aging or other state mandated agencies. Abuse occurring in nursing homes and assisted living facilities should be reported to the Ombudsman program.

Types of Elder Abuse

There are several types of abuse of older people that are universally recognized as being elder abuse and include:

• Physical

• Psychological

• Financial

• Sexual

• Neglect

Once the report is made, ascertain if the person is in immediate danger, law enforcement may be needed. Ensure that there is a safety plan. Elderly persons referred for suspected abuse are at increased risk of injury due to retaliation.

References

http://www.dmoz.org/Society/Issues/Violence_and_Abuse/Elder/

http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elder_abuse

http://www.karisable.com/elderabuse.htm

Mauk, K.L. Gerontological Nursing Competencies for Care.(2006). Salisbury,Mass. Jones and Bartlett.

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Carla Jenkins RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Nurses Know! - Should I get a flu vaccine?

By: Lisa Dempsey RN

Many people are aware of the importance of young children receiving vaccines to prevent common childhood illnesses, but what about the older population? As well as very young children, the elderly more susceptible to illness. Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for all adults 65 years of age or older (Mauk, 2006).

More than 90% of deaths from influenza occur in persons over 65 years of age (Mauk, 2006). In an average year, influenza causes 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations in the United States.(mostly among those aged 65 years and older)(CDC). Influenza vaccines are available beginning every September until the end of December. The Centers for Disease Control recommend receiving the vaccine in October or November because influenza activity in the United States generally peaks between late December and early March(CDC).

There are a few "cons" to receiving the Influenza vaccine. There may be some mild side effects such as soreness to the injection site and a low grade fever for a few days after the injection(CDC). Influenza viruses change year after year, so it is necessary to get a "flu shot" every year. It is also possible that even after receiving the vaccine that a person may still get Influenza. That is because illness may be caused by a strain not protected by the vaccine.

There are certain people who should NOT get the Influenza vaccine. Those persons who are allergic to eggs or chicken, and those who have ever had Guillian Barre Disease. In such cases, the Influenza vaccine is CONTRAINDICATED(CDC).

Although there are "cons" to receiving the Influenza vaccine, the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. Get the Influenza vaccine every year and protect your health.

References

Mauk, K.L. Gerontological Nursing Competencies for Care.(2006). Salisbury,Mass. Jones and Bartlett.

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Lisa Dempsey RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Nurses Know! - Improve your health with physical activity

By: Lynn Christian RN

Unfortunately, the lack of physical activity in our senior population has become a significant, yet preventable risk factor that has been proven to attribute to an increase in the number of elderly deaths. It is estimated that two-thirds of adults between the ages of 65-75 are considered to be inactive (Mauk, 2006).

Society seems to have the impression that exercise after fifty is no longer important, however, that can not be further from the truth. Scientific evidence supports that moderate physical activity is instrumental to decreasing mortality, heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes and hypertension in our elderly population. In addition moderate activity, which is considered 30 minutes of walking weekly, and 2 days of strengthening, will also prevent obesity, reduce depression and falls, and increase one's quality of life (Mauk, 2006).

So, how do you get started? First talk to your physician or nurse to be evaluated for your current level of activity and identify barriers that you may find are keeping you from getting started. Your health care professional will help to find simple, yet effective solutions to these issues. Included in these concerns may be safety, pain, fatigue, immobility, and impaired sensory function (Mauk, 2006).

Set realistic goals, wear comfortable loose, yet some what fitted clothing and wear safe fitted shoes. Start slowly, walking is a great place to start, and you can gradually increase your intensity. Also incorporate some strengthening and resistance exercises a couple of days each week. Remember to stretch for about 5 minutes before and after to "warm up" and "cool down". If you are have a cold, flu or other illness, wait to exercise until you have recovered and then resume your routine slowly. Recruiting a friend will not only provide some companionship, but will most likely keep you on task as well ("exercise", n.d.). There is a web site linked below to help you get started and provides some simple exercises that you may incorporate into your new exercise program.
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/seniors/staying/754.html
An exercise program empowers you to make a positive impact on your own health, as well as improve your quality of life allowing continuing indepencence.

References

Mauk, K. (2006). Gerontological Nursing Competencies for Care. Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett
Exercise for the Elderly (n.d.). Retrieved February 7,2007 fromhttp://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/seniors/staying/754.html

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Lynn Christian RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Nurses Know! - Screening for Colo-rectal Cancer

By: Rosalind Anderson RN

Colorectal is the third most common cancer in the United States (Mauk, 382). It is the second leading cause of death in the United States (Menon, 2003). Early detection can lead to decreased mortality and morbidity.
Survival of colorectal cancer is directly related to the stage at diagnosis. If the disease is localized (not spread) there is a 5 year survival rate of 90% for colon cancer and %80 for rectal cancer (Menon, 2003).
Polyps are precancerous lesions in the colon and can take 7 to 12 years to turn cancerous. For this reason early detection is critical (Menon, 2003).
Colonoscopy takes a picture of the colon and involves introducing flexible tube into the retum through the colon. This is usually done under sedation(ACS). Risks include perforation, bleeding and risks associated with sedation (Mauk, 382). However colonoscopy is the most sensitive of screening methods, and colon polyps can be easily removed during the colonoscopy, resulting in the prevention of that polyp from turning into cancer(Torpy, 2006).
Despite promising prognosis as a result of early polyp detection and/or stage diagnois, only 37% of colorectal cancer is diagnosed at an early stage (Menon, 2003).
The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, men and women of average risk get screened. The adage an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure has never been so relevant.
References
American Cancer Society (ACS). How is Colorectal Cancer Found. Retrieved 2/7/2008
Mauk, K. (2006). Gerontological Nursing Competencies for Care. Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett
Menon, U., Champion, V., Larkin, G., Zollinger, T., Gerde, P. Vernon, S. (2003). Beliefs associated with fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy use at worksite colon cancer screening program. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 45(8), 891-8.
Torpy, J. (2006) Colon cancer screening. Journal of the American Medical Association, 295(10), 1208.

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Rosalind Anderson RN (minor editing by Shirley Comer RN) and was completed as a class assignment. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Nurses Know! - Fall Prevention in Older Adults

By: Candice Williamson RN


Fall Prevention in Older Adults
Have you or anyone you know ever fallen? Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury and death in older adults in this country (Mauk 2006).
The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men. Although no single risk factor causes all falls, the greater the number of risk factors an individual is exposed to, the greater the probability of a fall and the more likely the results of the fall will threaten the person’s independence.


Five key risk factors of falls among older adults include:
1. Osteoporosis
2. Lack of physical activity
3. Impaired vision
4. Medications
5. Environmental hazards

Many of these risk factors are preventable. A lack of knowledge about these risk factors, and how to prevent them, contributes to falls. Balance and strengthening exercises, home safety modifications, and eliminating high-risk medications have been the focus of fall-risk prevention strategies.


Prevention tips for the five key risk factors listed above include:
1. Eat or drink sufficient calcium
2. Regular exercise designed to increase muscle and bone strength, such as walking or swimming.
3. Have regular checkups by an opthamologist and make sure eyewear is clean.
4. Know the common side effects of medications taken, remove all out-of-date medications, have your primary health care provider review all current medications, and limit alcohol intake as it may interact with medications.
5. Keep walk areas clear of clutter, avoid throw rugs, add non skid mats to bathtubs, and keep all commonly used items within easy reach.

References
Mauk, Kristen L. (2006). Gerontological Nursing: Competencies for care. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Candice Williamson RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN, and was completed as a class assignment. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.