Geriatric History and Physical Exam

Question 1

What should you look for regarding past surgical history?

Answer 1

1. Awareness of scars
2. Colonoscopies
3. Mammograms
4. Bone Density Studies

Question 2

List the Geriatric Review of Systems.

Answer 2

1. Memory
2. Falls
3. Hearing
4. Nutrition
5. Incontinence
6. Mood
7. Sleep
8. Vision
9. Sexual History

Question 3

Which immunizations should you look for?

Answer 3

1. Influenza vaccine
2. Pneumococcal vaccine
3. Zoster vaccine

Question 4

What vital signs are you checking for?

Answer 4

Temp, Pulse, Respiration, Weight and Blood pressure

Question 5

Describe the Timed Up and Go Test

Answer 5

Observe patient getting up from seated position, walk 3 meters, turn, return to chair and sit down. Should be less than 20 seconds.

Question 6

Describe the Physical Exam of the Head and Neck

Answer 6

1. Eyelids (En/Ectropion)
2. Cataracts
3. Hearing and Cerumen impaction
4. Dentition
5. Thyroid
6. Carotid

Question 7

Describe the Cardiovascular Exam

Answer 7

1. Murmurs
2. Rate and Rhythm
3. Pulses
4. Venous exam

Question 8

Describe the Abdomen Exam

Answer 8

1. Scars
2. Bowel sounds
3. Bruits
4. Rectal Exam

Question 9

Describe the Skin Exam

Answer 9

1. Thinning
2. Rashes
3. Lesions
4. Pressure Ulcers

Question 10

How do you assess Postural hypotension?

Answer 10

1. Assess after lying flat 5 minutes.

2. Assess standing at 1 and 3 minutes.