Respiratory System Analysis
The respiratory system changes in many ways as one ages. These gradual changes begin at age
twenty to thirty (Miller, 2015, p. 443) and function starts to weaken at age forty (El–Kader, and
El–Den Ashmawy, 2013, p. 15). Changes occur in the upper respiratory structures, chest wall and
musculoskeletal structures, and lung structures and function. The upper respiratory structures in the
nose become less supportive, due to less connective tissue, and smaller, because of decreased blood
flow (Miller, 2015, p. 443). Also, degenerative changes in the submucosal glands of the
nasopharynx produce thicker mucus (Miller, 2015, p. 443). Cough and gag reflex are decreased
(Miller, 2015, p. 443). Because of chest wall and musculoskeletal changes, elderly spend more
energy on breathing. This occurs as a consequence of chest wall stiffness, weakened muscles, and
changes in the shape of the chest (Miller, 2015, p. 444). The lungs become less elastic and smaller,
the alveoli enlarge and thin out, the pulmonary artery becomes stiffer, wider, and thicker, the
pulmonary capillaries decrease and have less blood flow, and the mucosal bed thickens (Miller,
2015, p. 445). Elastic recoil diminishes and can cause air trapping and less gas exchange (Miller,
2015, p. 445). Due to changes, elderly do not always respond in a compensatory manner and can
have mental changes instead (Miller, 2015, p. 445). Nursing interventions for the respiratory system
comprises of promoting respiratory wellness and preventing lower respiratory...show more content...
Name a specific nursing intervention related to smoking cessation.
2.How would you implement and evaluate the intervention?
El–Kader, S., & El–Den Ashmawy, E. (2013). Aerobic Exercise Training and Incentive Spirometry
Can Control Age–Related Respiratory Muscles Performance Changes in Elderly. European Journal
of General Medicine, 10(1), 14–19.
Miller, C. A. (2015). Nursing for Wellness in Older Adults (7th ed., 443–459). Philadelphia, PA:
Wolters
Get more content on HelpWriting.net