Frailty

Question 1

Define frailty

Answer 1

health state related to the ageing process in which multiple body systems gradually lose their in built reserves
vulnerability to sudden health changes triggered by minor stress or events such as infection/fall at home

Question 2

Stages of frailty

Answer 2

healthy
pre-frail
frail
nursing care required

Question 3

Describe 2 broad models of frailty

Answer 3

phenotype model:
- unintentional weight loss
- reduced muscle strength
- reduced gait speed
- self-reported exhaustion
- low energy expenditure

cumulative deficit model:
- hearing loss or low mood
- tremor
- dementia

Question 4

Frailty initial investigations

Answer 4

slow gait speed, PRISMA questionnaire, timed up-and-go tests = assessments for frailty
Edmonton frail scale for elective surgical settings

Question 5

5 frailty syndromes

Answer 5

falls
immobility
delirium
incontinence
being prone to medication side effects

Question 6

Questions included in prisma frailty questionnaire?

Answer 6

male?
age >85?
health problems that limit activities?
do you need regular help?
health problems that require you to stay at home?
can you count on someone close to you in times of need?
do you use walking aid regularly?

Question 7

What is a comprehensive geriatric assessment?

Answer 7

tool to help clinicians in hospital and community understand and meet a frail patients care needs and prevent worsening frailty
physical health, diet, exercise, mood, confusion, lonely, medication review

Question 8

Sarcopenia definition

Answer 8

loss of skeletal muscle function
central feature of physical frailty