https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nursing/w/vet-nurse-revision_1/453/caring-for-the-geriatric-patient-answersWelcome to the Revision Guide for Student Nurses (Part I) by Vanessa Bird VN. This guide contains notes, self-test questionnaires and practical tasks to help you through your exams (Level 2 NVQ), and to use as a reference afterwards.April 2009. Importen-USTelligent Community 10https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nursing/w/vet-nurse-revision_1/453/caring-for-the-geriatric-patient-answersTue, 31 Mar 2009 07:18:34 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:7ef3c557-358c-405b-9e04-3e85d676d62aArlo Guthriehttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nursing/w/vet-nurse-revision_1/453/caring-for-the-geriatric-patient-answers#commentsCurrent Revision posted to Revision Guide For Student Nurses - Part 1 by Arlo Guthrie on 3/31/2009 7:18:34 AM<br /> <p><strong>ANSWERS</strong></p> <ol class="wikiextraspace"> <li><strong>Define the term &quot;geriatric&quot;.</strong><br />Geriatric describes the elderly and matters relating to them, particularly illnesses. </li> <li><strong>At what age are cats and dogs generally considered geriatric?</strong> (Remember that the longevity of dogs is often dependent upon their size). <ul> <li>Cats - 9 years plus. </li> <li>Giant breed dogs (e.g. St. Bernard) - 5 years plus. </li> <li>Large breed dogs (e.g. German Shepherd) - 7 years plus. </li> <li>Medium and small breed dogs (e.g. West Highland Terrier) - 8-9 years plus. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>List 8 physical changes that may affect a geriatric animal.</strong> <ul> <li>Thickened skin. </li> <li>Greying of the coat (especially around the muzzle). </li> <li>Pigments appearing on the skin. </li> <li>Decreased skeletal muscle mass. </li> <li>Decreased strength and stamina. </li> <li>Decreased bone mass due to resorption. </li> <li>Loss of functional reserve. </li> <li>Prone to accumulated injury. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>List 5 mental changes that may affect a geriatric animal. </strong> <ul> <li>Forgetfulness. </li> <li>Decreased response to stimuli. </li> <li>Irritability. </li> <li>Decreased sensitivity to pain. </li> <li>Less adaptable to changes in routine. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>What properties should a diet for a geriatric animal possess and why?</strong> <ul> <li>Low in sodium - to reduce hypertension. </li> <li>Low in protein - many geriatric animals have renal dysfunction. </li> <li>Low in calories - to prevent obesity (the metabolic rate of a geriatric animal falls by 20%). </li> <li>Low in phosphorous - to prevent the development of hyperphosphataemia and the resulting high circulating levels of parathyroid hormone that may lead to renal rickets (rubber jaw). </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Why are geriatric animals prone to obesity? </strong><br />Geriatric animals tend to sleep more, and exercise less. They therefore do not expend as many calories as their younger counterparts. In addition, the metabolic rate of a geriatric falls by 20%. </li> <li><strong>When is an animal classified as obese?</strong><br />An obese animal is one whose body weight exceeds its optimal (ideal) weight by 15% or more. </li> <li><strong>List 8 diseases that commonly affect the older animal.</strong> <ul> <li>Obesity. </li> <li>Neoplasia, (especially of the skin and gonads). </li> <li>Renal disease. </li> <li>Hepatic disease. </li> <li>Heart disease. </li> <li>Dental disease. </li> <li>Osteoarthritis. </li> <li>Senility. </li> </ul> </li> </ol> <p><strong>Note: A practical task demonstration: Advising a client regarding weight reduction accompanies this module.</strong></p><div style="clear:both;"></div>