Abnormal vs. Normal assessment findings in the elderly

[aaaa]

I know that the skin becomes less elastic and wrinkled. Skin becomes drier, the hair becomes thin, gray hair, loss in height, compression of the joints, spinal bones, and discs occur, the vision lens becomes less flexible, bones become less dense, leading to boss loss (osteoporosis), less muscle mass, changes in the memory, heart may have to work harder, kidneys decrease in function.....these are all NORMAL findings in the elderly, correct?

But what are the ABnormal findings in the elderly??

irregular heartbeat?

chronic constipation?

fractures?

hypertension?

[emtoh17]

Abnormal findings are abnormal findings, not matter what the age of the pt.. While the elderly pt may be more prone to certain "abnormals", what you find in the younger population may also be found in the older population. It is great that you know the norms, that will help you more easily identify the abnormals.

[amymina]

Something my instructors pointed out last semester is that in the elderly it isn't unusual to find BP at 160/90 due to the veins and arteries being less elastic. I haven't seen it on a patient yet, but they said it wasn't strange. I agree with the previous person to know what the normal is, and if something looks abnormal with a patient, ask your clincial instructor. That's what they are there for.