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Older Adult

Cancer

Cardiovascular changes

Cardiac conduction is affected by the decrease in the number of pacemaker cells in the SA node with age. By age 60, the number in the pacemaker is decreased SA node. In advancing age, there is an increase in elastic and collagenous tissue in all parts of the conduction system. Fat accumulates around the SA node, sometimes it produces a partial or complete separation of the node from the atrial musculature. Cardiac output is unaffected by age.

What is This?

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancerous tumors spread into, or invade, nearby tissues and can travel to distant places in the body to form new tumors (a process called metastasis). Cancerous tumors may also be called malignant tumors. Benign tumors do not spread into, or invade, nearby tissues. When removed, benign tumors usually do not grow back, whereas cancerous tumors sometimes do.

Respiratory changes

Alveoli lose their shape and become baggy. The diaphragm over time become weaker, decreasing the ability to inhale and exhale, this happens when exercising. Ribcage bones become thinner and the shape changes, which makes it less able to expand and contract with breathing.

What are the risk factors/Causes it?

The most common risk factors for cancer include aging, tobacco, sun exposure, radiation exposure, chemicals and other substances, some viruses and bacteria, certain hormones, family history of cancer, alcohol, poor diet, lack of physical activity or being overweight.

Gastro changes

Alterations in taste and smell, gastric motility, intestinal overgrowth and changes in gastro hormone release are the basis of the physiological anorexia of aging. Alterations in swallowing lead to silent aspiration. Changes in gastro function can lead to constipation and fecal incontinence. Changes in probiotics can lead to diarrhea and altered immune system. In the liver, aging is associated with delayed drug metabolism.

How do you Diagnose?

The doctor does a biopsy to diagnose cancer. A biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor removes a sample of tissue. A pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope and runs other test to determine if the tissue is cancer.

GU changes

Kidney tissue decreases and kidney function diminishes. Number of filtering units decreases. Nephrons filters waste material from the blood. Blood vessels supplying the kidneys can become hardened, which causes the kidneys to filter blood more slowly. Bladder control issues, such as leakage or urinary incontinence or urinary retention. Bladder muscles weaken, the urethra can become partially or totally blocked, in women, this can be due to weakened muscles that causes that cause the bladder or vagina to prolapse. In men, the urethra can become blocked by an enlarged prostate gland.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Change in bowel or bladder habits, a sore throat that does not heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere, indigestion or difficulty in swallowing, obvious changes in a wart or mole, nagging cough or hoarseness.

Nervous System and Senses

The brain and spinal cord lose nerve cells and weight. Nerve cells may begin to pass messages more slowly than in the past. Waste products or other chemicals such as beta amyloid can collect in the brain tissue as nerve cells break down. This can cause abnormal changes in the brain called plaques and tangles to form. Breakdown of nerves can affect your senses. You might have reduced or lost reflexes or sensation, which leads to problems with movement and safety.

How do you treat?

Cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy or stem cell transplants

Dementia

Is a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss, which is usually noticed by someone else. Difficulty communicating or finding words. Difficulty with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving. Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving, difficulty handling complex tasks, difficulty with planning and organizing,

Coordination and motor functions, confusion and disorientation.

Chemotherapy Side effects

Chemo works by killing fast-growing cancer cells. Chemo decreases the number of white blood cells in your body, which weakens the body and increases you risk of infection. Hair loss, nausea and vomiting, rash, constipation and diarrhea, mouth, bruising and bleeding more easily.

Safety Considerations

Remove fall hazards, like throw rugs, clean up piled clutter, discard old furniture, wear non-slip footwear when inside. Keep emergency numbers handy, ensure a safe bathroom, by installing grab bars in the shower and beside the toilet, set water heater no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent accidental burns, put rubber mats in the bathtub to prevent slipping and install a nightlight in the bathroom.

Nursing Considerations

Educate the patient on pain, nausea, vomiting, nutrition, skin changes, fatigue, anorexia, alopecia

Histologic Classification of Tumors

TNM, the T labels the size of the tumor