Geriatrics Mar 10 Flashcards

1
Q

What is geriatrics?

A

The branch of medicine that focuses on the health care of elderly people.

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2
Q

What are the main objectives when managing geriatric patients?

A
  • Describe the physiology of aging
  • Describe differences in history taking from geriatric patients
  • Describe reasons geriatric patients are more prone to traumatic injuries
  • Describe differences in the management of geriatric patients
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3
Q

What physiological change occurs in the cardiovascular system with aging?

A

Decreased cardiac output and increased risk of atherosclerosis.

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4
Q

What respiratory changes occur in geriatric patients?

A
  • Decreased baseline oxygen in blood
  • Decreased vital capacity
  • Increased residual capacity
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5
Q

What is a common risk associated with aging in the central nervous system?

A

Increased risk for intracranial bleeds.

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6
Q

Fill in the blank: Aging is ______ and occurs at different rates in different cells and organs.

A

irreversible

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7
Q

What happens to the kidneys with aging?

A
  • Decreased ability to survive massive fluid loss
  • Increased risk of drug toxicity due to decreased excretion
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8
Q

True or False: Hormonal levels remain largely unaffected in healthy aging.

A

True

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9
Q

What are the effects of decreased estrogen in aging women?

A
  • Acceleration of bone demineralization
  • Atrophy of sexual characteristics
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10
Q

What are common changes in the integumentary system due to aging?

A
  • Loss of elasticity
  • Dry mucous membranes
  • Delayed wound healing
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11
Q

What is the difference between delirium and dementia?

A
  • Delirium: not progressive, often reversible, sudden onset
  • Dementia: progressive, irreversible loss of intellectual function
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12
Q

What are signs of potential geriatric abuse?

A
  • Frequent EMS calls for falls
  • Multiple orthopedic injuries
  • Evidence of burns or scars
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13
Q

What factors contribute to depression in the elderly?

A
  • Loneliness
  • Feelings of helplessness
  • Lack of activity
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14
Q

What is a key consideration when assessing elderly patients?

A

They often underreport symptoms.

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15
Q

What should be done when taking history from geriatric patients?

A
  • Talk at eye level
  • Speak slowly and distinctly
  • Use respectful terms
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16
Q

What is a common medication that may be found on a geriatric patient’s list?

A
  • Warfarin
  • Metoprolol
  • Furosemide
17
Q

What is the impact of decreased muscle tone in the esophagus and stomach in older adults?

A

Increased risk for gastrointestinal issues.

18
Q

What is a common assessment technique for elderly patients?

A

Direct questioning to focus on present symptoms.

19
Q

What are the main issues with drug metabolism in elderly patients?

A

Increased drug toxicity due to slower excretion.

20
Q

What is the significance of a thorough history in elderly patients?

A

To differentiate between acute and chronic symptoms.

21
Q

What psychological factors can complicate the management of geriatric patients?

A

Confusion and fear.

22
Q

What is the effect of aging on the musculoskeletal system?

A
  • Loss of minerals in bone
  • Decreased skeletal muscle mass
23
Q

How does aging affect the special senses?

A
  • Decreased sight
  • Decreased hearing
  • Decreased taste
24
Q

What should be assessed regarding the living conditions of elderly patients?

A

General hygiene and availability of life necessities.

25
Q

What is a common consequence of aging on the renal system?

A

Decreased renal blood flow.