In this assignment, you will be completing a health assessment on an older adult. To complete this assignment, do the following: APA format is not required This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. Purchase the answer to view it

Health Assessment of an Older Adult

Introduction

The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive health assessment on an older adult. This is an important task as it helps in identifying any potential health issues or risks that the individual may be facing. By conducting a thorough assessment, healthcare professionals can plan and implement appropriate interventions to ensure the well-being and improve the quality of life of the older adult.

Methodology

For this assignment, I selected Mr. Johnson, a 75-year-old male who resides in a senior living facility. The assessment was conducted using a combination of objective and subjective data collection methods. Objective data consists of observable and measurable signs, while subjective data refers to information provided by the older adult or their caregivers. The assessment process involved a comprehensive physical examination, as well as an in-depth interview with Mr. Johnson and a review of his medical records.

Physical Examination

During the physical examination, vital signs were assessed, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Mr. Johnson’s blood pressure was within the normal range, with systolic pressure at 128 mmHg and diastolic pressure at 78 mmHg. His heart rate was regular at 74 beats per minute, respiratory rate at 16 breaths per minute, and body temperature was 36.8°C. These vital signs indicate that Mr. Johnson’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems are functioning well within normal limits.

Other aspects of the physical examination included an assessment of body weight and height, general appearance, skin condition, hearing, vision, and musculoskeletal system. Mr. Johnson’s body weight was measured at 70 kilograms, and his height was 1.73 meters. He had a normal body mass index (BMI) of 23.4.

During the assessment of general appearance, Mr. Johnson appeared well-groomed and alert. His skin was slightly dry but without any visible lesions or abnormalities. His hearing was normal, and he reported wearing prescription glasses for correcting his vision. The musculoskeletal examination revealed no signs of deformities or limitations in range of motion. Mr. Johnson has a good walking ability and no visible signs of instability or balance issues.

Subjective Data

In addition to the physical examination, gathering subjective data is crucial in understanding the older adult’s health status, lifestyle, and any specific concerns or symptoms they may be experiencing. During the interview with Mr. Johnson, he reported a medical history of hypertension, for which he takes medication regularly. He also mentioned occasional episodes of dizziness when standing up quickly, which he associates with his BP medication.

Mr. Johnson has a history of smoking, but he successfully quit five years ago. However, he admits to occasionally being exposed to secondhand smoke in his living environment due to other residents smoking in common areas. He reports a moderate level of physical activity, engaging in walking and light exercises for 30 minutes a day.

When asked about his sleep pattern, Mr. Johnson mentioned experiencing difficulty falling asleep and often waking up multiple times during the night. He attributed this to frequent urination, which he has noticed has increased over the past few months. He also complained of mild joint pain in his knees and occasional backaches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the health assessment of Mr. Johnson, a 75-year-old male, revealed normal vital signs, general good health, and well-being. However, subjective data identified potential concerns related to medication side effects, exposure to secondhand smoke, sleep disturbances, increased urinary frequency, and musculoskeletal discomfort. These findings help identify areas of potential risk and require further examination and interventions to improve Mr. Johnson’s overall health and well-being. The comprehensive health assessment serves as a valuable tool in identifying and addressing the specific health needs of older adults, contributing to improved health outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords: health assessment, older adult, physical examination, subjective data, objective data, vital signs, medical history, lifestyle.