Cardiopulmonary Comorbidities in the Older Adult, 11/11/23

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About the Course:
The cardiopulmonary comorbidities that are present in the geriatric population greatly impact how health care professionals should treat these patients, including assessment, interventions, and recommendations. In order to have an in-depth understanding of geriatric cardiopulmonary pathologies, the health care professional must also have an understanding of the cardiopulmonary anatomy, the normal aging process, and how to differentiate normal aging from pathology. This course reviews all of these areas and discusses the most common cardiopulmonary pathologies seen in the geriatric population. The proper techniques to monitor vital signs, the use of functional assessments and treatment interventions are all explored. In addition, cardiopulmonary medications are reviewed so that the rehab professional can gain an understanding of the specific classes of drugs used for the pathologies discussed, their side effects and potential impact on rehab.

Course Objectives:
  1. Identify normal anatomy and physiology of the cardiopulmonary system including blood flow, properties of the lungs, and the process of gas exchange.
  2. Identify the cardiopulmonary changes that accompany the aging process
  3. Identify the signs and symptoms of COPD and identify 3 appropriate treatment interventions.
  4. Identify the various types of pneumonia, risk factors for development of pneumonia, and treatment guidelines.
  5. Identify common signs and symptoms of CHF and differentiate these between right and left side heart failure.
  6. Identify the various types of CAD.
  7. Identify the most common arrhythmias found in older adults.
  8. Identify the two variations of heart valve disease.
  9. Define HTN and describe the medical management of it.
  10. Identify current evidence-based medications and common side effects of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics.
  11. Recognize normal and abnormal heart sounds heard through auscultation.
  12. Identify 3 functional assessments commonly utilized in older adults with cardiopulmonary comorbidities
  13. Identify 3 benefits to exercise for older adults.
  14. Recognize how to calculate target heart rates so that exercise can be properly prescribed.
About the Author:
Suzanne Greenwalt, a licensed physical therapist, received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from A.T. Still University and a Master in Physica
l Therapy from Saint Louis University. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, acute care and out- patient rehabilitation. Suzanne is a board certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist and a board certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist. She is an educator in two doctor of physical therapy programs and is an educator and mentor in a geriatric residency program.

Disclosures:
Resolution of Conflict of Interest

Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2022: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to