Geriatric

Question 1

Main difference between senior and geriatric

Answer 1

Senior: increase in senescence related problems
Geriatric: considers health status. Decreased health function

Question 2

Nursing health care goals of geriatric animals

Answer 2

Client education in level of care changes
Preventative care due to increased predisposition to certain diseases
Early recognition for related conditions
Current disease treatment
Hospice care

Question 3

QOL considerations

Answer 3

Owners capacity for care
Animal enjoying life

Question 4

Common physiologic effects of aging

Answer 4

Behavioural changes
Appearance changes
Daily functional changes

Question 5

Examples of behavioural geriatric changes

Answer 5

Sleep cycle
Response to commands
Social interactions

Question 6

Examples of appearance changes in geriatric animals

Answer 6

Dull/dry hair coat
Graying coat
Muscle atrophy
Lenticular sclerosis

Question 7

Examples of changes to daily functions of geriatric dogs

Answer 7

Decreased activity or mobility
Changes to special senses

Question 8

how frequently should senior/geriatric pets have exams. What minimum database should they be getting

Answer 8

q 6 months
Cbc/chem with thyroid. +/- imaging
Core vaccinations q3 years

Question 9

Important client education for senior/geriatric pets

Answer 9

Dental care
Nutrition
Exercise
Behaviour

Question 10

What is important to remember regarding nutrition for aging dogs

Answer 10

Decreased ability to adapt to diet changes
Lower protein with renal disease
Higher protein in healthy aging dogs

Question 11

What is sarcopenia

Answer 11

Muscle atrophy not due to disease
Lean muscle starts to go away

Question 12

How can you monitor sarcopenia

Answer 12

Muscle condition score
Measures muscle loss based on bony prominences and epaxial muscles

Question 13

What is the most common nutritional problem with aging dogs

Answer 13

Weight gain

Question 14

What can obesity cause

Answer 14

Chronic inflammation
Osteoarthritis
Hypertension
Diabetes mellitus
Increased morbidity and mortality

Question 15

What is cognitive dysfunction syndrome & what species are affected

Answer 15

Neurodegenerative disorder that is not a normal aging process
Dogs, cats, horses

Question 16

Clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome

Answer 16

Confusion
Memory problems
Aberrant activity
Anxiety/pacing/vocalizing
Apathy
Altered response to stimulus
Altered sleep/wake cycles

Question 17

Clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction in horses

Answer 17

Confusion
Uncharacteristic forgetfulness
Aimless wandering
Unusual dependence on companions
Depression/mood change
Frequent yawning
Head pressing
Altered eating/drinking
Compulsive walking/circling
Unprovoked kicking/biting

Question 18

Diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction

Answer 18

Clinical signs

Question 19

Management methods for cognitive dysfunction

Answer 19

Environmental enrichment
Dietary modifications
Pharmaceutical supplements

Question 20

what dietary modifications can you make for cognitive dysfunction

Answer 20

Antioxidants
Omega 3s
Vitamins
Amino acids

Question 21

What pharmaceuticals can help with cognitive dysfuntion

Answer 21

Pain management
Cognitive function support

Question 22

what is degenerative joint disease

Answer 22

Osteoarthritis
Gradual cartilage degradation with variable onset

Question 23

Clinical signs of degenerative joint disease

Answer 23

Decreased mobility
Reluctant to move with stiff joints
Lameness
Withdrawal
Behaviour changes

Question 24

Common problems of senior/geriatric dogs

Answer 24

Cardiovascular
Musculoskeletal - DJD
Urinary - CKD
Cognitive dysfunction

Question 25

What happens to the cardiovasuclar system of an aging animal

Answer 25

Decreased CO with decreased efficiency and endurance

Question 26

What cardiac problems are most common in aging dogs

Answer 26

Valvular disease

Question 27

What cardiac problem is most common in aging cats

Answer 27

HCM

Question 28

what happens when the function of the urinary system decreases in aging animal

Answer 28

Decrease concentrating ability Decrease waste clearance +/- hypertension Increase in clinical signs as function decreases Urinary incontinence

Question 29

Symtoms of CKD in horses

Answer 29

Weight loss Ventral edema between legs Pu/pd

Question 30

what percentage of nephron loss must happen before symptoms begin

Answer 30

75%

Question 31

Common oral problems in aging animals

Answer 31

Periodontal disease Tartar accumulation

Question 32

Common GI problems in aging animals

Answer 32

Decrease in intestine function and secretions Decrease in energy requirements Decrease in hepatic function

Question 33

Common neurologic changes in aging animals

Answer 33

Hearing/vision/olfaction loss Decreased brain size - slowed reactions, decrease in fine motor skills, decreased proprioception Decreased balance and coordination

Question 34

Common integumentary changes in aging animals

Answer 34

Skin elasticity/thinning Hair coat loss

Question 35

Common endocrine changes in aging animals

Answer 35

Hormon imbalances

Question 36

Common endocrine problems in aging dogs

Answer 36

Hypothyroid Cushings Diabetes mellitus

Question 37

Common endocrine problems in aging cats

Answer 37

Hyperthyroid Diabetes mellitus

Question 38

Common endocrine problems in aging horses

Answer 38

Cushings Laminitis

Question 39

Main nursing consideration for hospice care

Answer 39

Maintain QOL * Pain management Hygiene Prevent pressure sores Relieving bladder if unable