Final answer:
Nurses should assess elderly patients for heart diseases, respiratory syndromes, type 2 diabetes, risk of iatrogenic and nosocomial diseases, bedsores due to decreased mobility, and symptoms of infection like fever as these conditions can complicate wound healing. Monitoring of blood glucose levels and strict infection control measures are also essential due to the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the susceptibility of the elderly to infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing wound healing in elderly patients, especially those who are more prone to co-morbidities such as mobility issues, diabetes, or vascular problems, nurses should evaluate for several factors. It is important to recognize that age-related changes can affect the integrity of skin and its healing capacity. Elderly patients often have a higher incidence of conditions like heart diseases, respiratory syndromes, and type 2 diabetes, all of which can complicate the wound healing process. In addition, they are subject to a greater risk of iatrogenic diseases, which include infections from medical treatments, and nosocomial diseases, which are acquired in hospital settings. Moreover, due to decreased mobility, the elderly are at risk for bedsores, also known as decubitus ulcers, which are caused by prolonged pressure on skin over bony areas.
Risks associated with hyperglycemia, such as delayed wound healing and increased susceptibility to infection, make careful monitoring of blood glucose levels in diabetic patients essential. Furthermore, as the immune system declines with age, the capacity to fend off pathogens is reduced, leading to a higher frequency of infections among elderly patients. Nurses should also watch for symptoms of infection like fever which may indicate conditions such as cystitis, common in elderly individuals like the case of Robert, who developed such a symptom shortly after admission to a nursing home.
Lastly, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings poses a significant risk, necessitating rigorous adherence to infection control measures, including proper hand hygiene and sterilization practices. Therefore, nurses must be vigilant and proactive in their assessment and care for the elderly to minimize complications associated with wound healing and infection.