9. Geriatric Psych

Question 1

Elderly patient presents with memory loss or nonspecific physical complaints. Work them up for what?

Answer 1

Major depression

Question 2

Pseudodementia

Answer 2

Presence of apparent cognitive deficits in patients with major depression

Question 3

If using a TCA in the elderly, which one is favored because it has fewest anticholinergic side effects?

Answer 3

Nortriptyline

Question 4

stages of grief

Answer 4

Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

Question 5

Normal grief symptoms usually abate in what time frame?

Answer 5

Within 6 months

Question 6

Most common psychiatric disorder in the elderly

Answer 6

major depressive disorder

Question 7

Visual hallucinations early in dementia suggest what?

Answer 7

Lewy body disease

*Avoid antipsychotis

Question 8

Effect of using alcohol with H2 blockers

Answer 8

Higher BALs

Question 9

Effect of using benzos, tricyclics, narcoticcs, barbituates, antihistamines with alcohol

Answer 9

Increased sedation

Question 10

Aspirin, NSAIDs with alcohol

Answer 10

Prolonged bleeding time, irritation of gastric lining

Question 11

Effect of metronidazole, sulfonamides, long-acting hypoglycemis with alcohol

Answer 11

Nausea and vomiting

Question 12

Effect of Reserpine, nitroglycerin, and hydralazine with alcohol

Answer 12

Increased risk for hypotension

Question 13

Effect of acetaminophen, isoniazid, phenylbutazone with alcohol

Answer 13

Increased hepatotoxicity

Question 14

Antihypertensives, antidiabetics, ulcer drugs, gout medications with alcohol

Answer 14

Worsening underlying disease