Drug Dependency Geriatrics

Question 1

What are risk factor life transitions that can trigger dependency?

Answer 1

• Menopause
• Newly empty nest
• Approaching retirement
• New roles as caretaker

Question 2

The elderly often abuse Drugs that are prescribed for:

Answer 2

Joint pain
Sleeping problems
Injuries from falls

Question 3

What is the most commonly abused prescription?

Answer 3

Opioid analgesics

Question 4

What CNS depressants are commonly abused?

Answer 4

Benzos and Barbiturates

Question 5

What CNS stimulates are commonly abused?

Answer 5

Amphetamine and methylphenidate

Question 6

What prescription and OTC medications are abused?

Answer 6

Opioids
Benzos
Alcohol
Sleeping preparations

Question 7

What is the most commonly abused street drug?

Answer 7

Marijuana

Question 8

What are three reasons benzos are prescribed to older adults?

Answer 8

Chronic anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances

Question 9

Benzos exacerbate what chronic medical conditions

Answer 9

COPD and GERD

Question 10

Benzos ____ length of stay and morbidity in hospitalized patients

Answer 10

Increases

Question 11

Benzos have _____ rates of MVA and falls

Answer 11

Higher

Question 12

Benzos have significant additive effect with what other sedative hypnotic drugs?

Answer 12

Opioids and alcohol

Question 13

A prolonged half-life with benzos predisposes to ______ intoxication

Answer 13

Esay

Question 14

What occurs after stopping use of benzos?

Answer 14

Withdrawal syndrome

Question 15

Treatment for Benzo abuse

Answer 15

• Detoxification and withdrawal
• Appropriate therapy for psychiatric problems
• Long term addiction treatment

Question 16

What should we do with patients on benzos that have less than two years left of life?

Answer 16

Remain on benzos but monitor dosages

Question 17

Benzos are to be avoided for treatment of what three conditions?

Answer 17

Insomnia, agitation, delirium

Question 18

What drugs are associated with causing the greatest number of medical problems?

Answer 18

Alcohol and tobacco

Question 19

Alcohol abuse in elderly is a major medical and ______ problem

Answer 19

Psychiatric

Question 20

A decline in liver and kidney function and use of alcohol among the elderly can cause what?

Answer 20

Unexplained elevations of liver enzymes indicate chronic alcohol abuse

Question 21

Chronic Eldelry Alcoholism: Fatigue and weight loss can be caused by

Answer 21

Cirrhosis, heart disease, pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma

Question 22

Chronic Eldelry Alcoholism can worsen what existing conditions

Answer 22

Diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver problems, memory problems

Question 23

What are some effects to smoking cigarettes for the elderly

Answer 23

Greater chance at developing dementia
2-3 time the risk for developing cataracts
Reduced life expectancy

Question 24

Who should be screened for alcohol and prescription drug abuse?

Answer 24

Every 60 year old