Geriatrics

Question 1

True/False: in the event of an emergency, wherein a life-saving procedure is required, no formal consent is required from the patient.

Answer 1

True.

Question 2

What are the changes in sleep in the elderly?

Answer 2

Less REM / slow wave sleep / ability to sleep

More daytime somnolence

Earlier sleep phase (7pm bedtime / 4am awakening)

Question 3

What are the physiological changes to the lungs in the elderly (5)?

Answer 3

1. Reduced FEV1 and FVC
2. Increased residual volume
3. Reduced mucociliary clearance
4. VQ mismatch due to physiological dead space
5. Blunted ventilatory response