Analyze The Increased Complexity Of Care Among Older 838526
analyze The Increased Complexity Of Care Among Older
Identify the client problem your in-service will address. Describe at least 5 consequences of the client problem as it relates to the health, safety, and well-being of older adults. Explain your rationale for choosing the client problem you selected.
Paper For Above instruction
The increasing complexity of care among older adults necessitates a comprehensive understanding of prevalent health issues faced by this population. One significant client problem that warrants focused education is coronary artery disease (CAD). This condition remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults, making it imperative for nursing staff to be equipped with the knowledge needed to educate patients and their families effectively.
Coronary artery disease involves the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, primarily due to atherosclerosis, which impairs blood flow to the heart muscle. The prevalence of CAD escalates with age, attributable to cumulative cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and diabetes mellitus (Benjamin et al., 2019). The complexity of managing CAD in older adults is heightened due to multifaceted comorbidities, polypharmacy, and age-related physiological changes that influence disease presentation and treatment responses.
The first consequence of unmanaged or poorly managed CAD is an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), which can be fatal or cause significant long-term disability. The aging heart's diminished regenerative capacity and the presence of comorbidities can exacerbate the severity of cardiac events (Fuster et al., 2020). Second, CAD often leads to reduced functional capacity, limiting older adults’ ability to perform daily activities, contributing to loss of independence and increased reliance on caregivers or long-term care facilities (Shah et al., 2021).
Thirdly, the psychological impact associated with CAD, including anxiety and depression, is substantial, especially when linked with recurrent episodes or fear of mortality. These mental health issues may further impair adherence to treatment regimens and lifestyle modifications necessary for managing the disease (Lichtman et al., 2018). Fourth, the risk of hospitalization and readmission increases with CAD complications, posing significant financial and emotional burdens on patients, families, and healthcare systems. These frequent hospitalizations can contribute to hospital-acquired infections and deterioration of overall health status.
Fifth, adverse medication effects and interactions are particularly concerning among older adults, who often take multiple drugs for various chronic conditions. Polypharmacy raises the risk of side effects, decreased medication adherence, and drug interactions that can complicate CAD management (Maher et al., 2014). Additionally, age-related physiological changes, such as decreased renal function and altered pharmacokinetics, necessitate careful medication dosing and monitoring.
The rationale behind selecting coronary artery disease as the focus of this in-service stems from its high prevalence and profound impact on the health, safety, and well-being of older adults. Educating patients and families regarding CAD can lead to better disease understanding, early recognition of symptoms, adherence to treatment protocols, and lifestyle modifications that can improve quality of life and reduce adverse outcomes. Furthermore, addressing this problem aligns with the broader goal of enhancing holistic and patient-centered care within the aging population, ultimately reducing healthcare disparities and improving survival rates.
In conclusion, CAD exemplifies the complexities faced in caring for older adults with chronic diseases. An educational focus on this condition can empower nursing staff to deliver more effective, tailored interventions that address the multifaceted needs of elderly patients, thereby promoting healthier aging and improved safety in this vulnerable population.
References
Benjamin, E. J., Muntner, P., Alonso, A., et al. (2019). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2019 update: A report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 139(10), e56–e528. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000659
Fuster, V., Steele, P. L., & Desai, M. (2020). Coronary artery disease in the aging population. JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, 13(24), 2811–2823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcin.2020.07.038
Lichtman, J. H., Froelicher, E. S., Blumenthal, J. A., et al. (2018). Depression and coronary heart disease: Recommendations for screening, referral, and treatment. Circulation, 138(2), e80–e102. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000555
Maher, R. L., Hanlon, J., & Hajjar, E. R. (2014). Clinical consequences of polypharmacy in elderly. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 13(1), 57–65. https://doi.org/10.1517/14740338.2013.827444
Shah, R., Giddings, V. L., Dutta, N., et al. (2021). Functional decline and health outcomes in older adults with coronary artery disease. Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, 18(3), 176–185. https://doi.org/10.4103/jgc.jgc_113_20