Survivors may not return to baseline level of function and may require long-term care facilities after discharge from the hospital. Patient and family preferences for goals GSK-3 cancer of care should be explored as early as possible and incorporated into treatment plans. Leslie L. Davis This article discusses selected cardiovascular conditions that nurses encounter when caring for elders hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Physiologic changes that predispose elders to these conditions, typical signs and symptoms, common

diagnostic tests, and evidence-based treatment for this population are included. The implications for nursing care of critically ill elders who have these conditions are also discussed. Delia E. Frederick This article elicits why critical care nurses need to become aware of the pulmonary issues of older adults. The population of older adults is increasing. Older adults undergo anatomic and physiologic changes of the protective mechanisms of the pulmonary system. These changes alter the rate and effort of breathing. Speech is slowed because of expiratory strength effort. Cognition changes may be the only indication of impaired oxygenation.

Bedside nursing care provides protection from pulmonary complications. Health behaviors of smoking cessation, oral hygiene, and exercise TSA HDAC promote pulmonary health even in older adults. Bryan Boling Renal issues are among the most commonly encountered complications in the intensive care unit, Sclareol increasing mortality, morbidity, and health care costs. Older adult patients face an increased risk because of several factors, including the normal effects of aging and a higher rate of comorbid conditions that may affect kidney function. This article describes the classification of renal dysfunction, the effects of aging on kidney function, as well as additional risk factors, management strategies,

and outcomes in the older adult population. Helen W. Lach, Rebecca A. Lorenz, and Kristine M. L’Ecuyer Critical illness can impose immobility in older patients, resulting in loss of strength and functional ability. Many factors contribute to immobility, including patients’ medical conditions, medical devices and equipment, nutrition, use of restraint, and staff priorities. Early mobilization reduces the impact of immobility and improves outcomes for older patients. Several important components make up successful mobility programs, including good patient assessment, a core set of interventions, and use of the interprofessional health care team. Nurses can lead in improving the mobilization of older critical care patients, thus reducing clinical risk in this vulnerable population. Laura M. Struble, Barbara J. Sullivan, and Laurie S.