Common geriatric cases in the ER

Question 1

Steps in the nursing process

Answer 1

• Assessment
• Diagnosis
• Planning
• Implementation
• Evaluation

Question 2

Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS)

Answer 2

Level 1: Resuscitation
Level 2: Emergent 
Level 3: Urgent
Level 4: Less urgent
Level 5: Non-urgent

Question 3

Emergency department utilization by older adults

Answer 3

• Top result is symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions
• Meaning there is not a clear cut issue that they’re coming in with
• Failure to thrive conditions that affect multiple systems

Question 4

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

Answer 4

Assessing the older adult in the ED

• Frailty
• Functional impairment (ADLs and IADLs)
• Delirium and cognitive impairment (CAM)
• Poly-pharmacy
• Falls

Question 5

Case study: falls

Answer 5

Differential diagnosis

• Mechanical fall from tripping
• Secondary to syncopal episode
• Change in perception r.t. cognitive changes

Question 6

Case study: failure to thrive/failure to cope

Answer 6

Differential diagnosis

• Functional decline
• Infection
• Medication interaction

Question 7

Case study: agitation

Answer 7

Differential diagnosis

• Delirim
• Dementia
• Uncontrolled pain