Geri Flashcards

1
Q

What is an acronym to remember the causes of delirium?

A

PINCH ME

Pain
Infection
Constipation
Dehydration
Medication
Environment

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2
Q

Describe the components of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and their importance in the management of elderly patients.

A

The components of a CGA include medical, functional, cognitive, psychological, and social assessments. These evaluate physical health, mobility, cognition, mood, and social support. By addressing multiple domains, CGA helps identify and manage health issues comprehensively in elderly patients.

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3
Q

Explain the role of social assessment in the comprehensive geriatric assessment process and its implications for patient management.

A

Social assessment evaluates social support, living arrangements, and caregiver burden. It identifies social isolation, caregiver stress, or inadequate support systems, which can impact patient outcomes and care planning in elderly individuals. Addressing social needs promotes patient-centered care and improves outcomes.

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4
Q

Discuss the role of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in identifying and quantifying frailty in elderly patients.

A

Multidimensional evaluation: Physical, functional, cognitive, psychological, social domains.
Frailty quantification: Fried Frailty Phenotype, Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale.
Identification and intervention: Targeted strategies based on frailty assessment to improve outcomes in elderly patients.

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5
Q

Explain the distinction between frailty and disability in elderly patients, highlighting their respective implications for healthcare management.

A

Frailty: Increased vulnerability, decreased resilience.
Disability: Inability to perform activities independently.
Distinct concepts: Frailty encompasses multiple health domains, predicts disability but not all frail individuals are disabled.

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6
Q

Define frailty and differentiate it from aging-related changes in elderly individuals.

A

Frailty: Decreased physiological reserve, increased vulnerability to stressors.
Aging: Gradual decline in physiological function, not synonymous with frailty.
Frailty ≠ Normal aging: Accelerated decline, heightened risk of adverse outcomes.

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7
Q

Explain pharmacodynamic interactions and give an example of an additive/synergistic interaction.

A

Pharmacodynamic interactions involve drugs with similar or antagonistic effects. For instance, ramipril and amlodipine work synergistically to lower blood pressure through different mechanisms of action, enhancing their therapeutic effects.

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8
Q

Define pharmacokinetic interactions and provide examples of interactions affecting drug absorption.

A

Pharmacokinetic interactions alter the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of drugs. For example, oral iron can decrease the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness.

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9
Q

What is polypharmacy, and why is it a concern in the older adult population?

A

Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications, which increases the risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) and medication-related complications due to interactions and cumulative effects.

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10
Q

What are the geriatric giants/frailty syndromes?

A
  1. Immobility
  2. Instability
  3. Incontinence
  4. Intellectual impairment
  5. Iatrogenesis
  6. Impaired vision and hearing

If you have one of these symptoms the term is ‘off legs’

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11
Q

How do you manage widespread metastases?

A
  • Radiotherapy (relieves pain and tumour progression)
  • Analgesia
  • Palliative care referral
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12
Q

What are local complications that can arise from lung tumors?

A
  • Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy
  • Superior vena cava obstruction
  • Horner’s syndrome
  • Rib erosion
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13
Q

What is an ICMA?

A

Local authorities and NHS bodies can instruct an IMCA to support and represent a person who lacks capacity when: they have arranged accommodation for that person. they aim to review the arrangements (as part of a care plan or otherwise), and. there are no family or friends who it would be appropriate to consult.

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14
Q

How do you take Denosumab and how does it work?

A

Taken as a subcutaneous injection
Denosumab works by targeting a protein called RANKL which controls the activity of osteoclasts. This stops bone cells being broken down and strengthens the bone.

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15
Q

Examples of bulk forming laxatives

A

Ispaghula husk (fybogel)
Methylcellulose

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16
Q

Examples of osmotic laxatives

A

Lactulose
Macrogol (movicol)

17
Q

Examples of stimulant laxatives

A

Senna
Bisacodyl

18
Q

Examples of stool softener laxatives

A

Docusate sodium

19
Q

What laxative should you start with?

A

Bulk forming laxative

20
Q

What are the high risk medications in the comprehensive geriatric assessment booklet?

A

Opioids
NSAIDs
Anti-psychotics
Sedatives
Insulin
Cytotoxics
Hypertensives
Parkinson’s medication

21
Q

What are some risk factors in elderly patients with opioids?

A

Risk of respiratory depression, sedation, falls, and cognitive impairment, especially in older adults with frailty or cognitive impairment.

Increased risk of constipation, which can exacerbate existing bowel issues common in older adults.

22
Q

What are some risk factors in elderly patients with antipsychotics?

A

Higher risk of adverse effects such as sedation, orthostatic hypotension, extrapyramidal symptoms, and cognitive impairment, especially in older adults with dementia or cognitive impairment.

Increased risk of falls, stroke, and mortality, particularly in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

23
Q

What are some risk factors in elderly patients with sedatives?

A

Risk of sedation, impaired balance, falls, cognitive impairment, and respiratory depression, especially in older adults with frailty or cognitive impairment.

Increased risk of dependence and tolerance, leading to potential withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.

24
Q

What are some risk factors in elderly patients with cytotoxics?

A

Higher risk of myelosuppression, gastrointestinal toxicity, renal impairment, and cognitive impairment, particularly in older adults with reduced organ function or impaired bone marrow reserve.

Increased susceptibility to infections and delayed wound healing, leading to potential complications in older adults with frailty.

25
Q

What are some examples of cytotoxic drugs?

A
  • Cisplatin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Methotrexate
  • Cisplatin
  • Carboplatin
  • Bleomycin
  • Fluorouracil (5-FU)
26
Q

Discuss NG and PEG feeding in a patient with dementia/poor swallow?

A

NG does not prevent the risk of aspiration and may not improve overall outcomes for a patient with dementia

PEG is a more long term solution, risks as it requires surgery. May not improve quality of life or survival.

27
Q

What does an advance care plan discuss?

A

Set of instructions regarding an individual’s future medical treatment

Organ donation, spiritual preferences, resuscitation, ventilators

28
Q

What does a RESPECT form discuss?

A

Recommended summary plan for emergency care and treatment

Whether they want CPR

29
Q

What does a total anterior circulation stroke syndrome encompass?

A

The Bamford Stroke Classification is used to define four different types of Stroke Syndrome. A Total Anterior Circulation Stroke syndrome requires all three of the following to be present:

Unilateral weakness (and/or sensory deficit) of the face, arm and leg
Homonymous hemianopia
Higher cerebral dysfunction (dysphasia, visuospatial disorder)

30
Q

What does Partial Anterior Circulation Stroke Syndrome (PACS) require?

A

Two of the above

31
Q

What is a lacunar stroke syndrome?

A

Pure motor or pure sensory

32
Q

How would an anterior stroke present?

A

Anterior Stroke (Anterior Cerebral Artery)
Leg Weakness: Often more pronounced weakness or paralysis in the leg than the arm.
Behavioural Changes: Personality changes, apathy, or confusion.
Urinary Incontinence: Difficulty controlling urination.

33
Q

How would a middle stroke present?

A

Middle Stroke (Middle Cerebral Artery)
Face and Arm Weakness: Weakness or paralysis is more severe in the face and arm than in the leg.
Speech Problems: Difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia), especially if the stroke affects the dominant hemisphere (usually the left).
Vision Problems: Loss of vision on one side (homonymous hemianopia).
Neglect: Ignoring one side of the body or space, more common if the stroke is in the non-dominant hemisphere (usually the right).

34
Q

How would a posterior stroke present?

A

Posterior Stroke (Posterior Cerebral Artery)
Vision Loss: Loss of vision in one half of the visual field (homonymous hemianopia).
Memory Problems: Difficulty with memory and recognising familiar objects or people.
Coordination Problems: Difficulty with balance and coordination (ataxia).

35
Q

What is the difference between an advance decision and statement?

A

Decision= Advanced decisions focus upon the refusal of treatments which are life sustaining, including aspects such as giving CPR in a situation of cardiac arrest.

Statement= An Advance Statement also known as a “Statement of Wishes and Care Preferences,” allows an individual to make general statements about their wishes, beliefs, feelings and values and how these influence their preferences for their future care and treatment. This includes expressing wishes regarding food preferences, spiritual/religious beliefs, where they would want to be treated and who they would like to have with them during their final days.

36
Q

What amount of time is considered a long lie?

A

one hour

37
Q

What are some differentials for new onset confusion in elderly patients?

A

Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Extra-dural hemorrhage
GCA
Space occupying lesion
#NOF

38
Q

What CK level would be considered rhabdomyolysis?

A

CK >5000