The Importance Of Geriatric Assessment

3.5 Current Research:

The geriatric assessment is a multidimensional, multidisciplinary assessment designed to evaluate an older person’s functional ability, physical health, cognition and mental health, and socio-environmental circumstances (Bassem and Kim, 2011). Geriatric assessment aids in the diagnosis of medical conditions, development of treatment and follow-up plans; coordination of management of care; and evaluation of long –term care needs and optimal placement. Geriatric assessment differs from a standard medical evaluation by including nonmedical domains; by emphasizing functional capacity and capacity of life; and often, by incorporating a multidisciplinary team. Well-validated tools and survey instruments for evaluating activities

Go over the detailed family history with the patient or patient’s family, and make sure all skin conditions are reviewed. Also obtain a history of the patient’s bathing routine and skin care products. Document the soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, oils, and other topical products that the patient uses routinely. Ask the patient;

- About skin changes such as xerosis (skin dryness), pruritus, wounds, rashes, or changes in skin pigmentation or colour.

- If skin appearance changes with the

Explain to the client what you are going to do, why it is necessary, and how he or she can participate. Discuss how the results will be used in planning further care or treatments. Perform hand hygiene and observe appropriate infection control procedures. Provide for client privacy. Inquire if the client has any history of the following: pain or itching: presence and spread of lesions, bruises, abrasions, pigmented spots; previous experience with skin problems; associated clinical signs; family history etc. (Berman and Snyder, 2012).

4.3 Application of the Concept to the Current Job:

As a nurse, the concept of skin assessment is very useful in my job. While carrying out integumentary assessment, I will include assessment of skin colour, moisture, temperature, texture, mobility and turgor, and skin lesions. I will inspect and palpate the fingernails and toenails, noting their colour and shape and whether any lesions are present. Skin lesions can be categorized as primary or secondary, although the distinction is not always clear. To that end, I will make sure I use the correct term to describe any lesions I may find. The following are primary lesions:

- Macule; a flat, non-palpable circumscribed area (up to 1cm) of colour changes that’s brown, red, white, or tan.

- Patch: a flat, non-palpable lesion with changes in skin colour, 1cm or