Geriatrics Flashcards
A patient is admitted with a bacterial infection. What will their FBC look like?
High neutrophils, low lymphocytes
What is sick sinus syndrome?
a
What is torsade de pointes?
specific type ofabnormal heart rhythmthat can lead tosudden cardiac death.
What is cyclizine used for?
Anti-emetic
What is the first line Abx for GI infection?
Piperacillin and tazobactam
What is erysipelas?
A relatively common bacterial infection of the superficial layer of the upper dermis typically on the face or legs
Are CAPs usually viral or bacterial?
Bacterial
How does apixaban work?
highly selective, orally bioavailable, and reversible direct inhibitor of free and clot-bound factor Xa. Factor Xa catalyzes the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, the final enzyme in the coagulation cascade that is responsible for fibrin clot formation.
How does clopidogrel work?
It selectively inhibits the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet P2Y12 receptor and the subsequent ADP- mediated activation of the glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation
A pt presents with normal SATs but hypoxia. What is the diagnosis?
CO poisoning
What is Chilaiditi’s sign?
The incidental radiographic finding of the bowel positioned between the right diaphragm and the liver
What is the Barthel index?
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assesses functional independence, generally in stroke patients.
Where would you see a J wave?
Hypothermia, amongst other things
What is the difference between T1 and T2 Resp failure?
a
What is Bolam’s rule?
Negligence
Give six causes of hyperkalaemia.
MACHINE: medications, acidosis, cellular destruction, hypoaldosteronism/haemolysis, excessive intake, renal failure, impaired excretion
What is scurvy?
Lack of vitamin C, leading to bleeding around the hair follicles (due to weak collagen)
Describe the pathophysiology behind refeeding syndrome.
on refeeding, insulin increases. This causes PO43- to enter cells, causing a decrease in serum PO43- — an electrolyte imbalance that can cause death
What can precipitate delirium?
Drug, electrolyte/physiology abnormalities, lack of drug/alcohol withdrawal, infection, reduced sensory input, intracranial problems, urinary retention/faecal impaction, myocardial problems
What are the four geriatric giants?
Instability, immobility, intellectual impairment, incontinence
What are the four main components of the comprehensive geriatric assessment?
Medical assessment, functional assessment, psychological assessment, social & environmental assessment
What is the 4-AT tool used for?
Delirium
How do you investigate pressure ulcers?
CRP, ESR, WCC, swabs, blood cultures, XR for bone involvement
What is a tool used to assess nutritional status?
MUST screening tool (malnutrition universal screening tool)
What are the biochemical features of refeeding syndrome?
Hypophosphataemia, hypokalaemia, thiamine deficiency, abnormal glucose metabolism
What are some complications of re-feeding syndrome?
Arrhythmias, coma, convulsions, cardiac failure
What are some medications that increase risk of falls in elderly people?
Benzodiazepines, diuretics, anti-hypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, polypharmacy
What are the 3 main features of Parkinson’s?
Bradykinesia, rigidity (lead-pipe, cog-wheel), tremor
What are the components of the GCS?
Best eye opening response, best verbal response, best motor response
List 4 causes of hyponatraemia?
Dilutional effect – heart failure, SIADH, hypervolaemia/failure excess, NSAIDS (promote water retention), oliguria renal failure (dilution)
Sodium loss – Addison’s disease, diarrhoea and vomiting, osmotic diurese (DM, diuretic excess), severe burns, diuretic stage of acute renal failure
What are the 2 subtypes of delirium?
Hyperactive and hypoactive
What Ix would you do for delirium?
ABG/VBG, Sats, BP, Temp, FBC, LFT, U&E, CRP, sputum culture, folate, B12, HbA1C, TFT, CXR, ECG, urinalysis
How do bisphosphonates work?
Osteoclast inhibition
