Teach caregivers side effects of meds, plus signs and symptoms of cognitive impairment. Develop alternative strategies to assess pain. Respiratory Decreased vital capacity. Increased residual volume. Splinting secondary to pain further decreases vital capacity.
Respiratory depression can be side effect of opiates.
Vaccinate against influenza and pneumonia. Teach breathing exercises, inspirometry. Encourage activity, ADLs, and exercise. Adjust meds as needed. Cardiovascular Decreased cardiac output, contractility, cardiac reserve and vascular elasticity predispose to increased risk for cardiac dysrhythmias and decreased hepatic and renal blood flow.