Elderly Medicine

Question 1

What are the risk factors for developing pressure sores?

Answer 1

Malnourishment
Incontinence
Lack of mobility

Question 2

What scoring system is used to screen patients who are at risk of developing pressure areas?

Answer 2

Waterlow score

Question 3

How are pressure sores graded?

Answer 3

Grade 1 - non blanchable erythema of skin
Grade 2 - partial thickness skin loss involving epidermis or dermis
Grade 3 - full thickness skin loss involving damage to or necrosis that may extend down to the underlying fascia
Grade 4 - extensive tissue necrosis, damage to muscle bone or supporting structures

Question 4

How are pressure sores managed?

Answer 4

A moist environment encourages healing
Hydrocolloid dressings and hydrogens
Discourage washing with soap to avoid drying the wound

Question 5

Which bloods are done as part of a confusion screen?

Answer 5

FBC, U&Es LFTs - baseline
Infalmmatory markers e.g, CRP - infection can cause confusion
B12/folate - deficiency may worsen confusion
TFTs - confusion seen in hypothyroidism
Glucose - hypoglycaemia can cause confusion
Bone profile (calcium) - hypercalcaemia can cause confusion