Respiratory problems

Abstract

Common health problems of the respiratory system of the older adult can be related to the characteristic changes that occur. The thorax becomes stiffer, lungs less elastic, and expansion of the rib cage more limited, resulting in lungs that are poorly aerated. As a result of structural changes, vital capacity decreases as residual volume increases, resulting in an alteration in the exchange of gases in the lungs. Common health problems of the older person include pneumonia, emphysema and tuberculosis. The purpose of this chapter is to guide the nurse in careful analysis of the data obtained, so that she can formulate valid nursing diagnoses with appropriate nursing interventions for clients with health problems of the respiratory system.