Non-specific symptoms occuring outside normal rubric of traditional signs and symptoms which may signify an impending acute illness

Complex Interactions of many chronic conditions + Acute conditions

Delay in diagnostic, adverse hospital outcomes such as increased length of stay/admissions, Increased use of restraints, Increased morbidity/mortality

Failure to elicit responses that increase body temp during febrile response

Older patients will run one degree below younger paitents for fevers

Tissue penetration, phagocytosis, rescue from apoptosis

T cell proliferation, decreased expression of co-stimualtory molecules

Immunologic depression that favors inflammation

More/earlier: CHF, pulmonary edema, hypotension, impaired CO, Impaired response to stress

Max urine osmolarity decreased and slower to achieve

Older patients take less water in, have less reserves, and less able to retain

Earlier and faster dehydration than younger paitents

Brain atrophy, neuronla loss, loss of axons and dendrites, increased plaques and tangles, selective and reigonal decrease in neurotransmitters, regional declien in blood flow

Normal aging is typically associated with a mild decline in cogntiive functiinos

Decrease in capacity to oppose damaging effects of strong, excessive stressors

Changes in mental status, functional status, anorexia, falls, blood sugar changes

Chest pain, ST elevation, LBBB, smaller enzymatic evidence

Vague Symptoms of fatigue, nausea, decrease in functional status, heart failure, tachycardia

Fine tremor, increased perspiration, opthalmopathy, heat intolernace, tachycarida, anxiety, irritability

Anorexia, Weight loss, muscle wasting, fatigue/lethargy, depression/apathy/placid facies, atrial arrhythias, new or worsening CHF

Confusion, agitation, depression, apathy, fatigue, lethargy

Acute pain, fever, tachycardia, pain, leukocytosis

Mild discomofrt, constipation, tachypnea, change in mental status, vague resp symptoms

Apathy, cognitive changes, increase anxiety/irritability