Neurology > Geriatrics > Flashcards

Geriatrics Flashcards

(41 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

When should we screen for depression?

A 
Sleep issues
Decrees interest
Energy 
Concentration
Appetite 
Somatic symptoms, cognitive impairment, psychosis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

When should we do head imaging due to cognition?

A 
If age greater than 60
Rapid unexpected decline in function
Short duration dementia
Recent and significant head trauma
History of cancer
Use of anticoagulants
Unexplained neuro findings 
New localizing signs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

When should you screen for osteoporosis?

A

If less than 65 and risk factors

Or everyone over 65

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Initial screen for weight loss in acute setting

A 
CBC with differential
Urinalysis
Hemoglobin A1C
Creatinine and electrolytes
Liver panel
Calcium
CRP
TSH
FIT
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

CAM criteria

A
  1. Acute onset and fluctuating course
  2. Inattention
  3. Disorganized thinking
  4. Altered LOC

Need 1+2 and either 3/4

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Risk factors for delirium on admission

A
  1. Sensory impairment
  2. Severe illness
  3. Cognitive impairment
  4. Dehydration
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Risk factors for delirium in hospital

A
  1. Malnutrition
  2. Physical restraints
  3. Catheters
  4. Polypharmacy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Risk factors for delirium pre-op

A
  1. Age >70
  2. EtOH abuse
  3. Poor cognitive function
  4. Poor functional status
  5. Abnormal Na, K, Glucose
  6. AA surgery
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Management of delirium

A
  1. Meds: avoid benzos, merperidine, anticholinergics
  2. Regular tylenol to reducse opiod dose for pain
  3. Avoid catheters, physical restraints, do regular toileting and comfort rounds
  4. Manage fluids and electrolyres
  5. Feed appropriately
  6. Use glasses, hearing aids etc
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are some major physiological changes that occur with age?

A
  1. Cardiac: stiffer vessels, higher BP, less response to beta stimulation
  2. Resp: Decrease elasticity, decreased strength of diaphragm
  3. MSK: decreased muscle bass, loss of calcium from bone
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Which drugs may increase the risk of falling?

A 
Sedatives
antidepressants -ssris
antipsychotics
anti hypertensives
diurectives
NSAIDS
anticholinergics
alchohol
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What has the best evidence for fall intervention?

A

Exercise program

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How is driving assessed?

A 
Safety record
Attention skills
Family Report
Ethanol
Drugs
Reaction time
Intellectual impairment
Vision/visuospatial function
Executive function
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Is dementia a contraindication to driving?

A
  1. Only if moderate to severe

2. If mild reassess every 6-12 months

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How does age affect drug pharmacology?

A
  1. Absorption may be slower but not sig. changed
  2. Distribution: larger in fat, less in water
  3. Metabolism: decreased first pass metabolism s higher serum drug concentrations
  4. Distribution: decreased renal function so decreased excretion
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Adverse drug reaction

A

Noxious/unintended result of a drug, elderly at much higher risk. See Beers list.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Which medications interact significantly with warfarin

Study These Flashcards
A
  1. Antibiotics
  2. Antifungals
  3. Antidepressants
  4. Antiplatelet agents
  5. Amiodarone
  6. Anti-inflammatories
  7. Acetaminophen
  8. Alternative drugs (herbals
18
Q

What are the types of elder abuse?

Study These Flashcards
A 
Physical
Psychological
Material/financial exploitation
Neglect
Violation of rights
19
Q

Personal directive:

Study These Flashcards
A

Written before loss of capacity

Covers non-financial decisions

20
Q

Power of attorney

Study These Flashcards
A

makes financial decisions

21
Q

What changes in sexuality occur with aging?

Study These Flashcards
A

Men: decreased libido, erections take longer to achieve and are more difficult to maintain, decreased intensity of orgasm
Women: vulvovaginal atrophy, decreased lubrication

22
Q

what counts as a fever in the elderly?

Study These Flashcards
A

> 37.2 C oral

23
Q

Frailty

Study These Flashcards
A

An increased state of vulnerability to external stressors

Phenotype: slow gait, weight loss, decreased strength, decreased activity, exhaustion

24
Q

Risks of prolonged bedrest

Study These Flashcards
A
  1. Loss of muscle mass, strength, aerobic capacity
  2. Loss of plasma volume- orthostatic hypoT
  3. Reduced ventilation
  4. Accelerated vertebral bone loss
  5. Functional incontinence
  6. Pressure sores
  7. Malnutrition and dehydration
  8. Change in quality of life
25
What are the medical indications for a urinary catheter/
1. Urinary retention unmanageable 2. Monitoring urinary output 3. Bladder hemorrhage 4. Surgery 5. Palliation 6. Bad sacral ulcers
26
What are the common causes of transient urinary incontinence?
1. Thin, dry vagina/atrophy 2. Obstruction (stool) 3. Infection 4. Limited mobility 5. Emotional disorder 6. Therapeutic meds (diuretics) 7. Endocrine/excess output 8. Delirium/confusion **
27
What characterizes the causes of chronic urinary incontinence?
1. Urge-large volumes +urgency 2. Stress-loss on exertion but small vol. 3. Overflow-urge but only small vol. passed 4. Functional- cognitive, physical, environmental barriers 5. Mixed - stress + urge
28
What are treatments for causes of chronic urinary incontinence?
1. Urge-bladder training, scheduling toilets, anti-cholinergic 2. Stress-kegels 3. Overflow-intermittant catheterization 4. Functional- tx underlying cause 5. Mixed - anticholinergic
29
Red flags for urinary incontinence?
1. Organ prolapse 2. Hematuria 3. Palpable bladder after voiding 4. Suspected pelvic mass
30
Most common cause of fecal incontinence?
Fecal impaction
31
pharmacological treatment for chronic constipation?
Osmotic laxatives (PEG, lactulose)** safe chronic* Stimulant laxatives, bulk forming (Biscodyl, senna) not safe chronically Suppositories
32
Risk factors for chronic constipation?
1. Endocrine (hypokalemia, hypothyroid, diabetes, hypoMg, hyperparathyroid) 2. Meds- opiods, anticholinergics, antacids, iron, levadopa/carbidopa 3. Dehydration 4. Neuro changes
33
Well elderly- obesity
Measure height, weight, BMI | -behavioural interventions in those that are obese
34
Well elderly- prostate
Do not do regular PSA
35
Well elderly-Colorectal cancer
1. FIT for patients 50-74, q 1-2 years | 2. Colonoscopy if FIT positive
36
Well elderly-depression
Screen if clinical clues
37
Well elderly- cervical cancer
1. Screen q 3 years until 69 | 2. Don't screen over 70 if 3 good tests
38
Well elderly-breast cancer
Mammography q 2-3 years 50-74
39
Well elderly-HTN
screen bp every visit
40
Well elderly-DM
screen HBA1C q 3-5 years in high risk
41
Well elderly-Vaccinationes
``` pneumococcal (routine if >65) herpes zoster (optional) ```
Neurology
flashcards
Decks in class (28)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions