Nursing Care Of Physiologic And Psychologic Disorders ✓ Solved

Nursing Care of Physiologic and Psychologic Disorders PowerP

Nursing Care of Physiologic and Psychologic Disorders PowerPoint Presentation: Discuss the nursing care of an age-related physiologic or psychologic disorder. 1. Present the age-related physiologic or psychologic disorder. Choose one: integumentary function, urinary function, musculoskeletal function, or endocrine function. 2. Describe age-related changes and common problems and conditions. 3. Summarize nursing management appropriate for the chosen disorder.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

This paper addresses nursing care for an age-related physiologic disorder, focusing on musculoskeletal function in older adults. Musculoskeletal decline (including sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis) substantially affects independence, mobility, and quality of life, and requires targeted nursing assessment, prevention, and management strategies (Liao et al., 2021; Watts et al., 2022). The following sections describe age-related musculoskeletal changes, common conditions, and evidence-based nursing management approaches.

Age-related Changes in Musculoskeletal Function

Aging produces physiologic changes across muscle, bone, cartilage, and connective tissue. Muscle mass and strength decline due to reduced muscle fiber size and number, hormonal shifts, and neural changes, predisposing to sarcopenia (Liao et al., 2021). Bone mineral density decreases with age—accelerated in postmenopausal women—leading to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk (Watts et al., 2022). Articular cartilage thins and joint structures degenerate, contributing to osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain (Bannaru & Smith, 2021). These changes are compounded by reduced physical activity, nutritional deficiencies (protein and vitamin D), comorbidities, and polypharmacy, increasing fall and hospitalization risks (WHO, 2022; CDC, 2023).

Common Problems and Clinical Conditions

Key clinical syndromes include:

  • Sarcopenia: Loss of muscle mass and function, leading to weakness, slower gait, and increased fall risk (Liao et al., 2021).
  • Osteoporosis and fragility fractures: Low bone density increases hip, vertebral, and wrist fracture incidence with high morbidity and mortality (Watts et al., 2022).
  • Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease causing chronic pain, stiffness, functional limitation, and reduced participation in activities (Bannaru & Smith, 2021).
  • Functional decline and falls: Combined musculoskeletal deficits and sensory/cognitive changes raise fall risk and loss of independence (WHO, 2022; CDC, 2023).

Nursing Assessment

Nursing assessment must be systematic and multidisciplinary. Key elements include a focused history (falls, pain, activity level, medications), physical exam (gait, balance, strength tests such as handgrip and chair-stand), functional measures (Timed Up and Go, gait speed), bone health evaluation, nutritional screening, and fall-risk assessment (Tiedemann et al., 2021; Liao et al., 2021). Medication review is essential to identify drugs that impair balance or bone health (e.g., benzodiazepines, corticosteroids) (Beggs et al., 2020).

Nursing Management: Prevention and Interventions

Nursing care targets prevention of decline, symptom management, and restoration of function. Interventions include:

1. Exercise and mobility promotion

Prescribe or refer to progressive resistance training, balance training, and aerobic activity tailored to abilities—these reduce sarcopenia, improve bone health, and lower fall risk (Liao et al., 2021; Tiedemann et al., 2021). Nurses coordinate exercise programs, monitor participation, and provide motivational coaching and safety supervision.

2. Nutrition and supplementation

Optimize protein intake, ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D, and address malnutrition. Nurses perform nutritional screening and collaborate with dietitians for individualized plans (Bae & Kim, 2022). Vitamin D supplementation and protein-rich diets support muscle and bone maintenance.

3. Fall prevention and home safety

Implement multifactorial fall-prevention strategies: home hazard assessment, assistive devices, footwear advice, vision checks, medication adjustment, and education (WHO, 2022; CDC, 2023). Nurses lead interprofessional fall rounds and teach older adults and caregivers about environmental modifications.

4. Pain management and function optimization

Manage chronic musculoskeletal pain with a multimodal approach: nonpharmacologic therapies (heat, TENS, physical therapy), judicious pharmacologic treatment (acetaminophen, topical NSAIDs), and conservative opioid stewardship when necessary (Beggs et al., 2020). Nurses assess pain using validated scales, monitor medication effects, and encourage active coping strategies.

5. Bone health interventions and fracture prevention

Screen for osteoporosis and coordinate bone density testing and pharmacologic therapies (bisphosphonates, denosumab) when indicated (Watts et al., 2022). Educate patients about adherence, side effects, and fall reduction to prevent fragility fractures.

6. Assistive devices and rehabilitation

Prescribe and train in the use of mobility aids (canes, walkers), coordinate physical and occupational therapy for gait training and ADL retraining, and set realistic goals to maximize independence (Tiedemann et al., 2021).

7. Psychosocial support and education

Address the psychological impact of functional loss—depression, social isolation—and connect patients to social services, community exercise programs, and caregiver support. Education about disease processes and self-management improves adherence and outcomes (WHO, 2022).

Care Coordination and Policy Considerations

Nurses play a central role in interprofessional teams, ensuring continuity between acute care, rehabilitation, primary care, and community services. Implementing evidence-based guidelines (e.g., WHO ICOPE, fall prevention programs) reduces readmissions and supports aging-in-place (WHO, 2022; CDC, 2023).

Evaluation and Outcomes

Outcome measures include improved gait speed, reduced fall incidence, increased strength, decreased pain, better ADL performance, and higher patient-reported quality of life. Regular reassessment and adjustment of care plans are necessary to respond to changing health status (Liao et al., 2021; Tiedemann et al., 2021).

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal aging presents complex, multifactorial challenges requiring proactive nursing assessment and multifaceted interventions. Evidence-based strategies—exercise, nutrition, fall prevention, pain management, and care coordination—can slow functional decline, prevent fractures, and enhance quality of life for older adults (Liao et al., 2021; Watts et al., 2022; WHO, 2022). Nurses are essential in implementing and sustaining these interventions across care settings.

References

  • Liao, C.-D., Lin, Y.-C., Huang, Y.-T., et al. (2021). Effects of exercise interventions on sarcopenia in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 12(2), 1–16.
  • Cruz-Jentoft, A. J., Bahat, G., Bauer, J., et al. (2020). Sarcopenia: Revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis. Age and Ageing, 49(4), 489–512.
  • Watts, N. B., Bilezikian, J. P., Camacho, P. M., et al. (2022). Osteoporosis in older adults: Diagnosis and management. Osteoporosis International, 33(5), 1001–1016.
  • Bannaru, L., & Smith, R. (2021). Osteoarthritis management in older adults: Primary care approaches. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 69(2), 400–410.
  • Tiedemann, A., Sherrington, C., & Lord, S. R. (2021). Exercise interventions for fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 372, m230.
  • World Health Organization. (2022). Integrated care for older people (ICOPE) implementation framework. WHO Publications.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Preventing falls: A guide to implementing evidence-based fall prevention programs for older adults.
  • Beggs, C., Patel, K., & Jones, M. (2020). Pain management and opioid stewardship in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Pain Medicine, 21(8), 1630–1642.
  • Bae, S., & Kim, H. (2022). Nutrition interventions to prevent sarcopenia in older adults: Evidence and recommendations. Nutrition Reviews, 80(3), 369–383.
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2021). Falls in older people: Assessing risk and prevention. NICE Guideline.

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