Geriatric Emergencies: Notes

Question 1

What drugs should be used with extreme caution in elderly patients?

Answer 1

Beta agonists and theophylline

Question 2

What is the potential salivary volume decrease in elderly patients?

Answer 2

33%

Question 3

Why can decrease liver function be a problem in elderly patients?

Answer 3

Because it impedes detoxification. In other words, it takes the liver longer to filter out drugs in the bloodstream.

Question 4

What is a common drug toxicity problem for EMS in regards to elderly patients?

Answer 4

Lidocaine

Question 5

What blood related hormones into the kidneys produce?

Answer 5

Erythropoietin

Question 6

What does Erythropoietin do?

Answer 6

Stimulates the production of red blood cells

Question 7

When can you function decreases in elderly patients, how can this affect their blood?

Answer 7

They can become it anemic because of reduced red blood cell count.

Question 8

What are signs and symptoms of pneumonia?

Answer 8

Increased dyspnea, congestion, fever, chills, tachypnea, Sputum production, And altered mental status.