Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Special Pops > 12) Geriatrics > Flashcards

12) Geriatrics Flashcards

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

What age is considered geriatric?

A

≥65 y/o

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

What are the most common EMS calls in geriatrics?

A

Falls & medical issues

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

Define ageism.

A

Bias/stereotyping based on age

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

What are key communication tips with geriatrics?

A

Use name, speak slowly, ask 1 ? at a time, explain before doing, don’t assume confusion or HOH

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

Why are geriatrics high-risk for pneumonia?

A

Weak resp. muscles, ↓ surfactant, immune suppression, sedentary

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What percentage of elderly with hip fractures die within 1 year?

A

~50%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are common signs of PE?

A

Sudden SOB, tachyC, sharp CP, clear lungs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the risk factors for PE?

A

Immobility, surgery, smoking, OCP, DVT hx, long travel

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What condition is S1Q3T3 seen in?

A

PE (rare but specific)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the main cause of CHF in the elderly?

A

HTN → leads to left CHF → right CHF

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the signs of left CHF?

A

SOB, PND, crackles, pulm edema

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

What are the signs of right CHF?

A

JVD, edema, hepatomegaly

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What patient question is associated with PND?

A

“How many pillows do you sleep on?”

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

What is the most common dysrhythmia in geriatrics?

A

A-Fib

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the classic presentation of AAA?

A

Back/flank pain, ↓ LE pulses, hypotension

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

What does stenosis refer to?

A

Stiff valves/vessels

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Define presbycusis.

A

Age-related hearing loss

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the most common cause of reversible blindness?

A

Cataracts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the biggest endocrine change in the elderly?

A

↑ Insulin resistance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of HHNS?

A

Warm, dry, AMS, ↑ BGL, poor turgor, furrowed tongue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Define delirium.

A

Sudden onset AMS, reversible, often due to infection/meds

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Define dementia.

A

Chronic, progressive, irreversible loss of cognition

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is a common cause of dementia?

A

Alzheimer’s (~70%)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What are the components of the GEMS Diamond?
G: Geriatrics E: Environment M: Meds/Medical hx S: Social support/status
26
How to assess falls properly?
Ask: “Did you trip or pass out and fall?”
27
What are the leading infectious causes of death in the elderly?
#1 = Pneumonia #2 = UTI
28
What are the types of stroke?
Ischemic (thrombotic > embolic) & Hemorrhagic ## Footnote Ischemic = ~87%
29
What is the key stroke question?
“When was pt last seen normal?”
30
What is the treatment goal for stroke?
Reperfuse (TPA or mechanical thrombectomy) <3 hrs ideally
31
What are the stages of pressure ulcers?
I: Redness II: Blister III: Fat layer IV: Muscle/bone
32
33
What is depression in the elderly defined as?
Not normal aging; treatable
34
Who has the highest suicide rate?
Older men
35
What are common suicide triggers?
Loss, illness, alcohol, hopelessness
36
What is a suicide question to ask?
“Do you have a plan?”
37
What are the risks of polypharmacy?
Overdose, interactions, falls
38
What is a reason for polypharmacy?
Multiple providers, chronic diseases
39
What does the G in GEMS Diamond stand for?
Geriatric-specific considerations
40
What does the E in GEMS Diamond stand for?
Environmental check (hazards, hygiene, neglect)
41
What does the M in GEMS Diamond stand for?
Medical eval (hx, meds, VS)
42
What does the S in GEMS Diamond stand for?
Social eval (support, isolation, caregiver abuse)
43
What are visible signs of elder abuse?
Bruises (ears, inner thighs), burns, bites
44
What are clues of neglect?
Poor hygiene, malnutrition, no AC/heat, broken toilet
45
What is mandatory reporting for abuse?
Law requires report to PD or social services
46
What assessment question should be asked during falls?
“Did you trip or pass out?”
47
What are clues indicating syncope after a fall?
Cardiac dysrhythmia, AMS, med interaction
48
What is the characteristic of pressure ulcer stage I?
Non-blanching redness
49
What does pressure ulcer stage IV extend to?
Bone/muscle
50
Who is at the highest risk for osteoporosis?
Postmenopausal women
51
What are signs of environmental neglect?
No running water, no fridge, urine smell
52
What is the focus of palliative care?
Comfort, not curative — often home-based
53
What skin changes occur in the elderly?
Thinner dermis, decreased collagen, decreased sweat glands.
54
Why is the risk of skin injury increased in the elderly?
Decreased sensation, fragility, and decreased perfusion.
55
What causes impaired thermoregulation in the elderly?
Decreased muscle, decreased fat, and decreased sweat glands.
56
Why does burn severity increase in the elderly?
Decreased skin elasticity and slower healing.
57
What does decreased thirst in the elderly lead to?
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
58
What are the consequences of decreased saliva in the elderly?
Dysphagia, aspiration risk, and malnutrition.
59
When does hearing loss typically begin in the elderly?
High frequency (presbycusis).
60
What does CN VIII degeneration cause?
Balance loss, vertigo, and falls.
61
What is the symptom triad of Meniere’s disease?
Vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
62
What causes glaucoma damage?
Increased intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage.
63
What does macular degeneration affect?
Central vision.
64
What is the most common visual loss in the elderly?
Cataracts.
65
What are the causes of incontinence in the elderly?
Decreased bladder capacity, prostate issues, and decreased muscle tone.
66
What causes nocturia in the elderly?
Decreased ADH release and prostate hypertrophy.
67
What does increased ADH in the elderly cause?
Fluid imbalance and dilutional hyponatremia.
68
What is the effect of decreased baroreceptor sensitivity?
Orthostatic hypotension.
69
What causes bone loss with aging?
Decreased estrogen and decreased osteoblast activity.
70
What does chronic steroid use cause?
Increased infection risk and bone loss.
71
What may beta blockers mask?
Shock and tachycardia response.
72
What should be considered in hospital transport decisions for hospice patients?
Ask, 'Would you like to go to hospital or stay here comfortably?'

Special Pops (13 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions