COTE Flashcards

1
Q

Define Geriatric giants?

A

Major categories of impairment that appear in elderly people.

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

What are the 5 Geriatric giants (Bernard Isaacs)?

5I’s

A
Immobility 
Instability 
Incontinence
Intellectual impairment 
Iatrogenic Illness
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the conversion factors for

  1. Oral Morphine -> Oral Oxycodone?
  2. Oral Codeine -> Oral Morphine
  3. Oral Tramadol -> Oral Morphine
  4. Oral Morphine -> Subcut Morphine
  5. Oral Morphine -> Subcut Diamorphine
  6. Oral Oxycodone -> Subcut Diamorphine
  7. Oral Morphine -> Transdermal Fentanyl
A
  1. 1.5 (Usually said that Oxycodone is nice as strong)
  2. Divide 10
  3. Divide 10
  4. Divide by 2
  5. Divide by 3
  6. Divide by 1.5
  7. Conversion of 1:100 (X100)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Advantages of oxycodone VS morphine in elderly/palliative care?

A

Less sedation
Vomiting
Pruritus

Although greater constipation

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

What is a syringe driver?

A

Continuous subcutaneous infusion.

Usually considered in palliative care as an alternative to oral route consumption difficulties and those patients that aren’t active and mobile.

Green - mm per 24hr (delivery rate given)
Blue - mm per hr (delivery rate given)

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

What are the primary side effects of opioids?

A

Nausea
Drowsiness
Constipation

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

What is usually a good adjunct to prescribe alongside opioids?

A

Laxatives

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

Which opioids are preferred in elderly/palliative care and why?

A

Buprenorphine
Fentanyl

Less nephrotoxic as they’re not renally excreted so is a good choice for those with severe renal impairment. Undergo hepatic metabolism.

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

NICE Guidelines on Palliative care prescribing for pain relief [6 Points]

A
  1. When starting treatment, offer patients with advanced and progressive disease regular oral modified-release (MR) or oral immediate-release morphine for breakthrough pain
  2. If no comorbidities use 20-30mg of MR a day with 5mg morphine for breakthrough pain.
  3. Oral MR release morphine > Transdermal patches
  4. Prescribe laxatives for all patients after starting strong opioids.
  5. Drowsiness is transient if no settling adjust dosage. Consider adding antiemetic if nausea persists.
  6. For cancer patients - Breakthrough dose of morphine is 1/6 of the daily morphine dose
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Name medications used in syringe drivers for Palliative care patients:

  1. Nausea and vomiting (4)
  2. Respiratory secretions (1)
  3. Bowel colic (1)
  4. Agitation/restlessness (3)
  5. Pain (1)
A

Nausea/Vomiting: cyclizine, levomepromazine, haloperidol, metoclopramide

Respiratory secretions: hyoscine hydrobromide

Bowel Colic: hyoscine butylbromide

Agitation: Midazolam, Haloperidol, Levomepromazine

Pain: Diamorphine (Able to mix with a number of drugs, more soluble than morphine, easier to administer in higher doses)

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

Headache cause by raised ICP due to Brain mets/cancer

What would you GIVE?

A

Dexamethasone

  • Reduce oedema around brain
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

GMC - Stance on life prolonging treatment in terminal ill px

[3 Points]

A

Must not be motivated by a desire to bring about a patient’s death.

You must always start with a presumption in favour of prolonging life and you

Must take all reasonable steps to prolong life.

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

What are the 5 Main Pre-emptive medications prescribed for EOL? Indications?

A

Morphine/Oxycodone - Pain & Breathlessness

Midazolam - Agitation, Anxiety
Haloperidol- Nausea, Agitation, delirium
Hyoscine Butylbromide l- Respiratory secretions

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

What are the 9 Scores of the Clinical Frailty Scale (Rockwood Clinical frailty score)

A
1 - Very Fit
2 - Well
3 - Managing Well
4 - Vunerable
5 - Mildly Frail
6 - Mod Frail
7 - Sev Frail
8 - Very Sev Frail
9 - Terminally Ill
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What 3 questions should you be asking someone WHO HAS HAD A FALL?

A
  1. Why did they fall?
  2. How did they fall?
  3. Did they injure themselves?
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why should anticholinergic drugs be avoided in the elderly population?

A

More suscepible to the neurological toxicity of anticholinergic drugs because of: physiological and pathological modifications related to aging.

Increase in the blood–brain barrier permeability
Lower ability of the liver and kidney to break down and excrete medications
Substantial decrease in cholinergic neurons/receptors in the brain

Can easily cause confusion or delirium
Drowsiness/sedation

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

What 5 areas are anticholinergic drugs used for?

A

Antimuscarinics (Urinary Incontinence)
Anti-psychotics/Anti-Depressants
Antihistamines
Antispasmodics

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

Risk factors of long-lie fall

A
  1. Rhabdomyeolysis
  2. Pressure sores
  3. Dehyrdration
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Define Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment?

A

An interdisciplinary diagnostic process to determine the medical, psychological and functional capability of someone who is frail and old”

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

What does IMCA stand for?

Role of IMCA?

A

Independent mental capacity advocate

Support and represent people who lack capacity and they do not have anyone else to represent them in decisions about changes in long-term accommodation or serious medical treatment.

Commissoned by NHS and local authorities.

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

List 5 Causes for Falls?

Total 7

A

Visual impairment
Dementia
Drugs
Hypoglycaemia
Poor environment - Lighting, surrounding (loose furniture - rugs)
Neurological - Stroke/ Parkinson’s, peripheral neuropathy
Syncope - Vasovagal, cariogenic, arrhythmias

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

Complications of L-Dopa Therapy?

A

Postural Hypotension

On-off effect - Fluctuations in motor performance between normal function and restricted mobility.

Dyskinesias with long term use (Shortening duration of action of each dose)

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

Why is Carbidopa combined with L-dopa?

Class of drug?

A

Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa prematurely in the bloodstream so more levodopa can enter the brain.

Decarboxylase dopamine inhibitor

Also aid in reducing N/V

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

Cardiac Conditions can cause embolic CVA ?

Hint: 5

A
AF
Infective Endocarditis
MI causing mural thrombus
Aortic / Mitral valve disease 
Patent foramen ovale
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Interventions in hospital for Px to PREVENT PRESSURE SORES?

A

Regular Skin Assessments - Pain, Colour changes, Skin integrity at pressure areas, Temperature, Firmness, Moisture

Repositioning

Pressure redistrubition - Foam mattresses, cushions, heel support

Barrier creams

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Name 2 Dopamine Agoists for Parkinsons?

A

Bromocriptine

Ropinirole

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What 4 Areas (Domains) does a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Address?

A

Medical - Medication Review, Nutritional status, Problem list/co-morbidities, Disease severity
[Doc, Nurse, Dietician, SALT]

Mental Health - Cognition, Mood/Anxiety, Fears
[Psychologist, Doc, Nurse, OT]

Functional Capacity - ADLs, Gait & Balance, Physical, Acitivity/Exercise status
[OT, PT, SALT]

Social/Environmental - Transport, Home safety, Social network support, Care resources eligibility
[OT, Social Worker]

Result - Personalised Care Plan + Intervention + Regular Review

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Treatment for Dementia - Pharmalogical/ Non-Pharma?

A
Non-Medical 
Contact with animals 
Music and dance 
Aromatherapy
Massage

Pharmacological
AD - Ach-Inhibtors/Antiglutaminergic (NMDA-Agonists)
Vascular - Management of vascular risk factors
Lewy Body - Rivastigmine, Clozapine
FTD - Supportive

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Name 2 AcH-Inhibitors for Alzheimers Dementia

A

Donepenzil

Rivastigmine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Define Malnutrition

A

State in which a deficiency of energy, protein and/or other nutrients causes measurable adverse effects on the body’s

  • Form
  • Composition
  • Function
  • Clinical Outcome
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Causes of malnutrition?

A

Starvation - Decreased nutrient intake

Malabsorption - Inability to utilise ingested nutrients

Increased nutrient requirement (infection/sepsis)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Diagnostic Criteria for malnutrition

A

BMI <18.5 kg/m2

unintentional weight loss greater than 10% within the last 3–6 months

BMI <20 kg/m2 and unintentional weight loss greater than 5% within the last 3–6 months.

33
Q

What factors make a person AT RISK of Malnutrition?

A

Eaten little or nothing >5Days

Poor absorptive capacity
High nutrient losses
Increased nutritional needs from causes such as catabolism.

34
Q

Name some consequences of malnutrition?

A

Impaired immunity
Impaired wound healing and general recovery
Muscle mass loss
Cardiorespiratory function loss

35
Q

Factors that increase loss of nutrients

A
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
IBD
Pancreatic insufficiency 
Surgery, Drains
36
Q

Factors that increased nutritional requirements

A
Trauma 
Acute infection 
Chronic infection 
Surgery 
Malignancy
37
Q

Factors that affect intake of nutrients

A
Pain
Medication 
Environment 
Meal times 
Anxiety/Mood
Appetite
Food temperarture
38
Q

Define Refeeding syndrome

A

Metabolic changes that occur on the reintroduction of nutrition to in those who are malnourished or in the starved state

39
Q

What electrolyte abnormalities occur as a result of refeeding syndrome

A
Hypophosphataemia 
Hypomagnesaemia
Hypokalaemia 
Thiamine deficiency 
Fluid retention and Volume overload (Na &amp; H20) 
Hyperglycaemia
40
Q

Explain the Pathophysiological steps of Refeeding syndrome?

A
  1. Refeeding stimulates insulin secretion (Increased insulin)
  2. Movement of electrolytes into cell
  3. Decreased serum electrolytes
41
Q

What checks should be done prior to refeeding?

A

Electrolyte checks -U/E,

ECG, LFTs, Blood glucose levels

42
Q

Treatment for refeeding syndrome?

A

Electrolyte replacement (Po4, K, Mg)
Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate)
Dietician referral

Slow and gradual increase in caloric and fluid intake.

43
Q

Pathophysiology of chronic malnutrition

A
  1. Insulin levels decrease
  2. Energy source switch (Glycogneolysism Gluconeogensis, Protein catabolism)
  3. Normal serum phosphate levels
  4. Low intracellular phosphate levels
44
Q

What does insulin trigger?

A

Uptake of glucose, phosphate, potassium by cells which causes a depletion of serum levels.

Increase kidney sodium retention.j

45
Q

What are the consequences of low phosphate levels

A

Reduced levels of ATP metabolism

Tissue hypoxia

46
Q

Clinical Features of refeeding syndrome

A

CVS - Arrhytmia, HTN, CHF

RESP - SOB, Respiratory muscle weakness

Neuro - Weakness, Paresthesia, Ataxia

Metabolic - Anaemia, Infections, Wernicke’s encephalopathy

GI - Abdo pain, consipation, vomiting, anorexia

MSK- Myalgia, weakness, rhabdomyolysis, Osteomalacia

47
Q

Define Osteoporosis?

A

Loss in bone density and greater fracture risk due to increased turnover of bone breakdown compared to bone formation.

48
Q

What cells are responsible for breakdown bone?

A

Osteoclasts

49
Q

What cells are responsible for bone formation?

A

Osteoblasts

50
Q

Define Osteomalacia?

A

Lack of mineralisation and softening of the bones.

Usually due to Vit D/Ca deficiency

51
Q

Which organ secretes calcitonin?

A

Thyroid gland

In response to high serum calcium. Opposes PTH promoting bone formation > resorption

52
Q

What promotes CA2+ absorption in the GUT

A

Vit D

53
Q

How do bisphosphonates work?

A

Analogues of phosphate. They help to decrease lecule which decreases demineralisation in bone. They inhibit osteoclasts by reducing recruitment and promoting apoptosis.

54
Q

Uses and Side effects of Bisphophonates

A
USES
prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
hypercalcaemia
Paget's disease
pain from bone metatases
S/E
Oesophageal ulcers
Oesphagitis
Osteonecrosi of the jaw 
Risk of atypical stress fractures (proximal femoral shaft - Alendronate)
55
Q

What areas cover the medical assessment of CGA?

A

Medication review
Nutritional Status
Co-morbitities + Disease severity
Problem list

56
Q

What areas cover the medical assessment of CGA?

A

ADLs
Activity/exercise status
Gait and balance

57
Q

What areas cover the psychological assessment of CGA?

A

Cognitive status testing

Mood/depression testing

58
Q

What areas cover the social and environment assessment of CGA?

A

Home safety
Eligibility/need for carers
informal support needs and assets

59
Q

Most common cause of acute confusional state in the elderly?

What clinical marker would increase?

A

Infection - Chest/UTI

CRP

60
Q

What investigations would you run for acute confusional state?

A
Bloods - FBC, U+E, LFT, Glucose, Bone profile B12, Folate, CRP 
Cognitive test - AMT
Imaging - CXR,  CT Head? 
Urinalysis
PR
61
Q

Who needs and AMT assessment?

A

Everyone >60

62
Q

Causes of Delirium?

A
D - Drugs 
E - Electrolyte imbalance
L - Level of pain (High/Post-op)
I - Infection
R -Respiratory - Hypoxia/Hypercapnia
I - Impaction of faeces 
U - Urinary retention
M - Metabolic disorder
63
Q

Patient Present with Falls?

ACTIONS - INVESTIGATION TO TREATEMENT

A

Obtain Hx / Collateral Hx [Assess what ‘PATIENT USUAL NORMAL’]

EXAMINATION -
Beside tests - Vital Obs, Glucose, Urine dip, ECG
Bloods - FBC, U+E, LFT, Bone profile
Imaging - CXR, XR, CT head, echo
Rule out focal neurological signs/ bone deformity

64
Q

Risk Factors for falls?

A
Prev Falls in 12M 
Balance issues - vertigo 
Gait&amp;Mobility problems - Parkinsons, prev fractures/joint replacement
Fear of falling
Drugs - Antihypertensives/psychotics/depressants
CVS - Arrythmisa, postural htn 
Urinary incontinence 
Stroke 
Cognitive impairment - dementia/delirum 
Diabetes - Peripheral neuropathy 
Environmental - Living area, loose carpets
Alcohol
65
Q

Geriatric syndromes?

A

5M’s

Mind - 3Ds (Depression, Dementia, Delirium)
Mobility - Impaired gait and balance
Medications - Polypharmacy, Adverse effects, Optimal prescribing
Multi-complexity - Multimorbidity, Biopsychosocial
Matters most - Individuals preferences and meanigful health outcomes

66
Q

Define Frailty?

A

State of increased vulnerability resulting from ageing associated decline in reserve and function across multiple physiological systems that the ability to cope with everyday is compromised

67
Q

Explain the Confusion Assessment Method Screen?

A
  1. Acute onset and fluctuating course
  2. Inattention (20 - 1 test with reduced capacity to shift attention/keep attention focused)
  3. Disorganised thinking (Disorganised/incoherent speech)
  4. Change level of consciousness (Letheragic/state of stupor)
68
Q

Name the basic ADLs?

DEATH Pneumonic?

A
D - Dress 
E - Eating 
A - Ambulation 
T - Toileting/Transfers
H - Hygiene (Bathing &amp; Dressing)
69
Q

Name the IADLS? (Instrumental ADLs) ?

SHAFT Pneumonic?

A
S - Shopping
H - Housework/Hobbies
A - Accounting - Banking, Bills, Taxes
F - Food Preparation
T - Transportation, Telephoning, Tools
70
Q

4 Grades of Pressure Sores?

A

Grade 1 - Non- Blanchable erythema of intact skin, discolouration of skin

Grade 2 - Partial thickness skin loss

Grade 3 - Full thickness skin loss, Damage to/necrosis of subset tissue that extends down but not through underlying fascia

Grade 4 - Extensive destruction, Tissue necrosis, damage to muscle, bone or supporting structures with or without full thickness skin loss.

71
Q

What screening tool is used for Malnutrition?

A

MUST (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool)

-BMI , Hx of WL, Acute Illness

72
Q

What screening tool is used to assess risk of developing a pressure sore?

A

Waterlow Score

-BMI, Nutritional status, skin type, mobility, continence

73
Q

What screening tool is used to assess the progress of wound healing

A

BWAT (Bates Jensen wound assessment tool)

Formerly PSST-6 Score (Pressure sore status tool)

74
Q

Define Acopia

A

Patient’s inability to cope with activities of daily living.
No acute medical problem

AKA Social admission

75
Q

What are the 5 Principles of Mental Capacity Act?

A
  1. Presumption of capacity - A person is assumed to have capacity unless established that capacity is lacked.
  2. Individual supported to make their own decisions - All practicable steps have been taken to be allow patient to make a decision without success.
  3. Unwise decisions - Just because a person makes an unwise decision doesn’t mean they lack capacity
  4. Best Interests - Any decisions/act done must be done in the patient’s best interests
  5. Less Restrictive option - Decisions made doesn’t stop patient’s freedom more than needed.
76
Q

What is DOLS?

A

Deprivation of liberty safeguards (MCA Act 2005)

The person is under continuous supervision and control and is not free to leave, and the person lacks capacity to consent to these arrangements”.

Person has someone appointed to represent them.

Should be used for the minimum amount of time possible

Person has a legal right of appeal over the arrangements.

77
Q

What test is done to see if someone is Deprived of their liberties?

3 questions asked?

A

Acid Test

  1. Person subject to continuous supervision and control?
  2. Person free to leave?
  3. Does the person act the capacity to consent to their care and treatment in those circumstances.

DOLS - Used only if the person will be deprived of their liberty in a care home or hospital and patient lacks capacity

Safeguards that aim to make sure people in care homes + hospitals are looked after in a way that doesn’t restrict their freedom and is in their best interests.

78
Q

How long can an emergency DOLS last for?

A

7 Days Authoisation - Emergency authorisations

79
Q

What environments are DOLS only allowed to be implemented in?

A

Care home/admitted in hospital, >18

DoLS can’t be done if a patient resides in their home