MUSCULAR SYSTEM
Chapter 41
Aging and the Muscular/Skeletal System
Muscles become weaker with agebody decreases in strength and endurance
Weakening muscles can cause heart function to decrease
More fatigue as you ageCartilage deteriorates with age
Stiff joints
Aging and the Muscular/Skeletal System
Stiff joints increases with ageInactivity and immobility
Bones become porous and brittle with ageEasier fractures
Spinal column changes over time“stooped” posture and loss of height
Types of Muscle
Cardiac- wall of heartVoluntary- skeletal muscles attached to boneInvoluntary/Smooth/Visceral- forms wall of organs
Key Facts
1. Muscles can only shorten (contract) and lengthen
2. Muscles have 2 points of attachment to bone(origin—proximal insertion—distal)
3. Muscles are not inserted directly into bones. Connected by tendons.
4. As muscles contract, they pull their points of origin and insertion closer together.
Key Facts
5. The more muscles are used, the more powerful they become
6. Muscles have very rich blood supply7. Muscle groups work together to perform
functions.8. The largest muscles groups are the strongest.
Muscle Groups
• Flexors• Extensors• Abductors• Adductors• Invertors• Evertors• Scapular Stabilizers• Rotaters
Immobility-Atrophy-Contractures
Process???Flexion Contractures- permanent bending of jointFoot drop- contracture in foot causing permanent damageProper alignment- when body is in alignment with the natural lines of bones and joints. In order to maintain this with our immobile, dependent residents, we use:
Contractures
• Flexion Contracture Foot Drop
Supportive Devices
1. Pillows2. Trochanter roll- rolled up towel or small
blanket placed next to the tip of the thigh bone to prevent ABDUCTION of the hip
Supportive Devices
3. Wedge- designed to keep thighs apart to maintain proper alignment
4. Splint5. Handroll6. Footboard
Nursing Interventions/Actions
Position in proper alignmentTurn q2hROM exercisesSupportive Devices Ambulate when appropriate