Elderly Flashcards
What counts as elderly?
65+
Why are the elderly at risk of AKI?
Reduced renal clearance
Excrete drugs slowly and highly susceptible to nephrotoxic drugs
Why are the elderly more closely monitored in narrow therapeutic drugs?
Reduced hepatic metabolism so reduces metabolism of lipid-soluble drugs due to reduced liver volume
Why should you be careful in the elderly when prescribing sedative drugs?
More prone to side effects due to increased sensitivity of nervous system
What are the most common side effects in the elderly?
Confusion
Constipation
Why should you be careful using diuretics in the elderly?
Postural hypotension and falls
Simple gravitational oedema
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Why should you only use short acting hypnotics in the elderly?
Avoid hangover effects
What is the first line treatment for osteoarthritis, soft tissue lesions, back pain in the elderly?
Weight reduction
Warmth
Exercise
Walking stick
What is the second line treatment for osteoarthritis, soft tissue lesions, back pain in the elderly?
Paracetamol or low dose NSAID
What is the third line treatment for osteoarthritis, soft tissue lesions, back pain in the elderly?
Paracetamol
Low dose NSAID or low dose opioid
Do not give two NSAIDs
Why should you avoid NSAIDs in elderly?
Increased risk of bleeding
Hazard in elderly with cardiac disease or renal impairment
