Geriatrics (Exam II) Flashcards
Memory decline is related to inability to complete _____.
ADL’s
Changes in the central nervous system associated with aging include what three things? (Specifically the brain).
- Cerebral Atrophy
- ↓ Gray matter
- ↓ White matter
Brain ventricle size will ______ with age.
increase
Which of the following neurotransmitters show a decrease associated with aging?
Dopamine
ACh
NE
Serotonin
Glutamate
Dopamine
ACh
NE
Serotonin
Glutamate is unchanged.
Coupling of CMRO₂, CBF, and EEG is increased or decreased due to aging?
Trick question. CMRO₂, CBF, and EEG remain unchanged secondary to aging.
Is epidural space increased or decreased due to aging?
Decreased
What occurs with dura permeability secondary to aging?
Dura permeability increases.
What occurs with CSF volume secondary to aging?
Volume of CSF decreases.
What two changes are seen in myelinated fibers of dorsal and ventral nerve roots secondary to aging?
↓ diameter of roots
↓ number of roots
Elderly patients are more/less sensitive to neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks?
more sensitive
Decreases in what two characteristics of the peripheral nervous system are noted secondary to aging?
- Inter-Schwann cell distance
- Conduction velocity
What cardiac changes are noted due to aging? 6
- ↓ myocyte number
- ↓ SA node cells
- ↓ conduction velocity
- ↓ contractility
- ↓ β-adrenergic sensitivity
- Thickened LV & aortic valve
What happens to vasculature as we age? Why?
Vessels become more stiff
- ↓ collagen & elastin
- ↓ Nitric Oxide vasodilation
What two factors are decreased in the lungs as we age? 2
- ↓ Elastic recoil
- ↓ Surfactant
What anatomic structures of the lungs become enlarged as we age? What is the result?
Bronchioles and alveolar ducts become enlarged leading to early collapse of small airways.
↑ VD
↑ closing capacity
impaired gas exchange
Loss of vertebral height and calcification of vertebrae lead to what three respiratory system consequences?
- Barrel chest
- Diaphragmatic flattening
- Chest wall stiffening
Will the following see an increase or a decrease due to aging-related lung changes?
- Vital Capacity
- Closing Capacity
- Residual Volume
- ↓ VC
- ↑ CC
- ↑ RV
FEV₁ will decrease by ___% per decade.
6-8%
What are the results of weaker pharyngeal muscles from aging-related changes? 4
- ↓ secretion clearance
- ↓ esophageal motility
- ↓ protective upper airway reflexes
- Inefficient coughing
Whats the most important mechanism of action for aging-related A-a gradient changes?
FRC & CC mismatch increasing
Increasing shunt w/ decreasing arterial oxygenation.
What renal consequences are there to aging? 4
- ↓ GFR
- ↑ Urinary retention
- ↑ UTI’s
- Blunted response to aldosterone, vasopressin & renin
Which phase of liver metabolism is more affected by aging?
Phase I more impaired
What are the components of Phase I liver metabolism?
- Oxidation-Reduction
- CYP450 Hydrolysis
What is the mechanism for increased PONV in the elderly?
Trick question. Less PONV in the elderly.
Avoid Prochlorperazine, promethazine, & metoclopramide.