Ageing

Question 1

What is a good indicator of quadriceps muscle mass?

Answer 1

Get them to sit, cross their arms, and stand

Question 2

Define frailty

Answer 2

Loss of biological reserves resulting in increased vulnerability leading to adverse outcomes

Question 3

Define ageing

Answer 3

Progressive generalised impairment of function resulting in loss of adaptive response to disease

Question 4

What is a telomere?

Answer 4

End section of chromosome arm consisting of multiple repeats which do not code for anything

Question 5

What is the Hayflick limit?

Answer 5

Max number of times a cell can replicate (about 50-70 times)

Question 6

How can frailty be measured?

Answer 6

Rockwood criteria/Fried score

Question 7

What are the 4 components of the CGA?

Answer 7

Medical, psychological, social/environment, functional

Question 8

What are the features of delirium?

Answer 8

Acute, fluctuating confusion, attentional deficits, change in activity

Question 9

What is delirium caused by?

Answer 9

Variable derangement of multiple neurotransmitters (mainly ACh) due to toxic insults on the brain

Question 10

What are predisposing factors to delirium?

Answer 10

Advanced age, dementia, terminal illness, post-operation, sensory impairment, polypharmacy

Question 11

What is the management of delirium?

Answer 11

Reverse cause, maintain calm environment, reassurance

Question 12

What medication can be used in delirium?

Answer 12

Haloperidol (quetiapine in Parkinsons)

Question 13

How does drug absorption change in the elderly?

Answer 13

Increased gastric pH so basic drugs absorbed more readily

Question 14

What binds acidic drugs?

Answer 14

Albumin

Question 15

What binds basic drugs?

Answer 15

alpha-1-acid glycoprotein

Question 16

What juice should be avoided with statins?

Answer 16

Grapefruit

Question 17

What juice should be avoided with warfarin?

Answer 17

Cranberry