Geriatrics Teaching Flashcards
What is frailty?
A state of increased vulnerability resulting from ageing associated decline in reserve and function across multiple systems, such that the ability to cope with stressors is reduced
What are the most common presentations to geriatric medicine?
Falls, confusion, incontinence, immobility, chest pain, SOB, urinary symptoms
What are some of the added complications that come with treating older patients?
Non-specific presentations, complex co-morbidities, reduced organ function, more prone to side-effects, polypharmacy
What is deconditioning?
Deterioration of function that happens due to an illness usually
What is the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA)?
A process focused on determining a frail older person’s medical, psychological, social and functional capacity
What is included in the CGA medical assessment?
Problem list, co-morbidities, medication review, nutritional status
What is included in the CGA functional assessment?
Activities of daily living, activity/exercise status, gait and balance
What factors increase the risk of dying from Covid-19?
Ethnicity, BMI, Co-morbidities, immunosuppression, age
What is the management for an elderly patient with Covid-19 infection?
Frailty assessment, DNAR form, antibiotics, fluids, oxygen, resp rate, escalation plan, physio
What is the management for palliative covid infection?
Oxygen, reduce unneccessary meds, pre-emptive prescribing of opiates, sedatives, hyoscine for secretions)
What is the most common cause of major trauma?
Elderly patient’s falling indoors
What is a fragility fracture?
A fracture from standing height or less
What are the six components of the best practice tariff for hip fractures?
Prompt surgery within 36 hours, prompt orthogeriatric assessment within 72 hours, pre-operative cognitive testing, delirium assessment post-operatively, prompt mobilisation after surgery, fracture prevention assessments, nutritional assessment
What lifestyle factors can prevent frailty?
Good nutrition, physical activity, avoid social isolation, reduce alcohol
How is frailty assessed?
Clinical frailty scale, walking speed, grip strength
How can you reduce post-operative delerium?
Oxygen, correcting anaemia, maintaining fluids and electrolytes, analgesia, ensuring regular bowel and bladder function, nutritional support, appropriate environmental stimuli
What analgesia are typically used in hip fractures?
Fascia iliaca nerve block, paracetamol, opioids (+laxative) - usually buprenorphine patch.
What tool can be used to assess risk of fractures?
FRAX score
What measures can be used to reduce risk of fractures?
Weight-bearing exercises, muscle strengthening, falls prevention, smoking cessation, avoid alcohol, calcium and Vit D supplements, Bisphosphonates (alendronic or zolendronic acid)
What is delerium?
An acute confusional state that fluctuates in severity and is usually reversible. Usually the result of another organic process.
What is BPSD?
Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia - agitation, irritability, depression, disinhibition, hallucinations
What tests are included in the confusion bloods screen?
Calcium levels, B12, folate, ferritin, TSH
What is the first line treatment of delirium?
Orientation, reassurance, continuity of care, provide hearing aids/glasses/quiet environment
Sedation (haloperidol, lorazepam) if risk to self/others
Can you have delirium and dementia?
Yes, they can occur simultaneously
How do you diagnose dementia?
Long-term history - decline in memory with impairment of at least one other cognitive function, such as skilled movements, language or executive function for > 6 months
What are the common causes of reversible dementia?
Depression, B12/folate, hypothyroid, NPH