Falls + Drugs Flashcards
What in a patients history + investigations suggest Rhabdomyolysis?
Long lie
Tea coloured urine
Raised creatine kinase + myoglobin
What is released into the blood stream in Rhabdomyolysis?
Myoglobin
How can Rhabdomyolysis cause an AKI?
Is this pre-renal, intrinsic or post-renal cause?
Myoglobin is toxic to the kidneys
Intrinsic
Define postural hypotension
A drop in BP that occurs within 3 mins of standing
>20mmHg systolic or >10mmHg diastolic
Possible GI causes of a fall
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Possible respiratory causes of a fall
Breathlessness
Cough
Possible CVS causes of a fall
Chest pain
Palpitations
Possible neurological causes for a fall
Confusion
Change in sensation
Abnormal movements
Possible MSK causes for falls
Joint pain
Possible genitourinary causes of falls
Dysuria
Frequency
UTI
Nocturia
Urinary incontinence
Possible head and neck causes for a fall
Dizziness on moving head
Change in eyesight
What is the drug class of diazepam?
Benzodiazepine
Uses of diazepam
Anxiety disorders
Sedatives
Treat muscle spasms
What is the mechanism of action of diazepam?
- Enhances GABA effects (inhibitory neurotransmitter)
- Has a calming effect on the brain
How could a patient taking diazepam be at an increased risk of a fall?
Sedative effect > could make patient drowsy
What drug class is amlodipine?
CCB - dihydropyridine