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Phase 3a - Geriatrics > GI / Urinary > Flashcards

GI / Urinary Flashcards

1
Q

What is constipation in elderly patients?

A

Constipation in elderly patients refers to infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements, often with associated symptoms like bloating, abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

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2
Q

T/F:Constipation is more common in elderly patients than in younger adults.

A

true

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3
Q

Constipation in elderly patients is often defined as fewer than ________ bowel movements per week.

A

3

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4
Q

What are the most common causes of constipation in elderly patients?

A

Common causes include decreased physical activity, insufficient dietary fiber, dehydration, medications (e.g., opioids, anticholinergics), and underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and neurological disorders.

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5
Q

T/F: Polypharmacy is a significant risk factor for constipation in elderly patients.

A

true

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6
Q

Common medications that can cause constipation in elderly patients include ________, ________, and ________.

A

Opioids, anticholinergics, calcium channel blockers

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7
Q

How does dehydration contribute to constipation in elderly patients?

A

Dehydration leads to harder stools and slower bowel movements, making it more difficult to pass stools.

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8
Q

T/F: Decreased physical activity can contribute to constipation in elderly individuals.

A

true

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9
Q

Constipation in elderly patients is often associated with ________ (low/high) dietary fiber intake.

A

Low

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10
Q

What are the common symptoms of constipation in elderly patients?

A

Symptoms include infrequent bowel movements, straining, hard or lumpy stools, abdominal discomfort or bloating, and the feeling of incomplete evacuation.

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11
Q

T/f: Abdominal pain and bloating are common symptoms associated with constipation in elderly patients.

A

true

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12
Q

The sensation of ________ is a key symptom of constipation in elderly patients, indicating that stools have not been fully evacuated.

A

Incomplete evacuation

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13
Q

What is the role of the Bristol stool chart in managing constipation in elderly patients?

A

The Bristol stool chart helps classify stool consistency and aids in diagnosing constipation by determining whether stools are hard, lumpy, or difficult to pass.

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14
Q

T/F:The Bristol stool chart classifies stool types into seven categories, ranging from Type 1 (hard) to Type 7 (liquid).

A

true

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15
Q

Type ________ on the Bristol stool chart is considered the most ideal stool consistency for normal bowel function.

A

Type 4

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16
Q

What are the red flags that warrant further investigation of constipation in elderly patients?

A

Red flags include unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, a family history of colorectal cancer, and a recent change in bowel habits.

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17
Q

T/F: Blood in the stool or significant weight loss with constipation should be promptly investigated for possible underlying conditions like colorectal cancer.

A

true

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18
Q

The presence of ________ or ________ in the stool should prompt investigation for serious conditions like colorectal cancer.

A

Rectal bleeding; weight loss

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19
Q

What is the general approach to treating constipation in elderly patients?

A

Treatment involves dietary and lifestyle changes (e.g., increasing fiber intake, fluid intake, and physical activity), stool softeners, laxatives, and addressing underlying causes such as medication use.

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20
Q

T/F: Dietary changes such as increasing fiber and water intake are the first-line treatment for constipation in elderly patients.

A

true

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21
Q

The recommended daily fiber intake for elderly patients to prevent constipation is ________ grams.

A

25-30 grams

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22
Q

What types of laxatives are commonly used to treat constipation in elderly patients?

A

Laxatives commonly used include bulk-forming agents (e.g., psyllium), osmotic laxatives (e.g., lactulose, polyethylene glycol), stimulant laxatives (e.g., senna), and stool softeners (e.g., docusate).

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23
Q

T/F: Osmotic laxatives like lactulose and polyethylene glycol are commonly used in the management of constipation.

A

true

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24
Q

________ laxatives work by drawing water into the bowel to soften stools and promote bowel movements.

A

Osmotic

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25
Q

How can physical activity help manage constipation in elderly patients?

A

Regular physical activity stimulates bowel motility, improving the frequency and ease of bowel movements.

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26
Q

T/F: Regular physical activity and exercise can reduce the severity of constipation in elderly patients.

A

true

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27
Q

The use of ________ (enemas/suppositories) is often recommended for more immediate relief of constipation in elderly patients.

A

Suppositories

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28
Q

What are some possible complications of untreated constipation in elderly patients?

A

Complications can include fecal impaction, bowel perforation, rectal prolapse, and hemorrhoids.

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29
Q

T/F: Severe constipation can lead to fecal impaction, which may require manual removal.

A

true

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30
Q

________ is a complication of severe constipation where hardened stool becomes lodged in the rectum and cannot be passed.

A

Fecal impaction

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31
Q

What should be considered when managing constipation in elderly patients with comorbidities such as heart failure or renal disease?

A

In elderly patients with comorbidities, careful selection of laxatives is crucial, as some laxatives (e.g., stimulant laxatives or those containing sodium) may worsen conditions like heart failure or renal disease.

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32
Q

What is urinary incontinence in elderly patients?

A

Urinary incontinence in elderly patients refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, which can be caused by various factors, including aging, medical conditions, and medications.

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33
Q

T/F: Urinary incontinence is a normal part of aging.

A

False (It is common but not normal, and it should be evaluated and managed appropriately.)

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34
Q

_______ is the involuntary loss of urine due to an inability to delay urination, commonly seen in elderly patients.

A

Urge incontinence

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35
Q

What are the four main types of urinary incontinence?

A

The four main types are urge incontinence, stress incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence.

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36
Q

T/F: Urge incontinence is characterized by a strong, sudden urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.

A

true

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37
Q

________ incontinence occurs when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily before the bladder is full, leading to an urgent need to urinate.

A

Urge

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38
Q

What is stress incontinence?

A

Stress incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine during physical activities or actions that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

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39
Q

T/F: Stress incontinence is most common in elderly men.

A

False (It is more common in elderly women due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or post-childbirth changes.)

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40
Q

________ incontinence occurs due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as during coughing or lifting heavy objects.

A

Stress

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41
Q

What is overflow incontinence?

A

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder becomes overly full and urine leaks out due to the bladder’s inability to empty completely. This can be caused by bladder outlet obstruction or weak bladder muscles.

42
Q

T/F: Overflow incontinence is commonly associated with urinary retention and can be caused by conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men.

A

true

43
Q

________ incontinence is characterized by the inability to empty the bladder completely, leading to leakage when the bladder is full.

A

Overflow

44
Q

What is functional incontinence?

A

Functional incontinence is the inability to reach the bathroom in time due to physical or cognitive limitations, such as mobility problems or dementia, rather than a bladder or urethra dysfunction.

45
Q

T/F: Functional incontinence is caused by cognitive decline or mobility issues, not by bladder dysfunction.

A

true

46
Q

________ incontinence occurs when a person cannot reach the bathroom due to physical or cognitive limitations, such as in dementia or severe arthritis.

A

Functional

47
Q

What are some common risk factors for urinary incontinence in elderly patients?

A

Risk factors include aging, weakened pelvic floor muscles, neurological disorders, medications (e.g., diuretics, sedatives), obesity, pregnancy, and post-surgical changes.

48
Q

T/F: Neurological disorders like stroke and Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of urinary incontinence in elderly patients.

A

true

49
Q

Medications such as ________ and ________ can contribute to urinary incontinence by increasing urine output or causing sedation.

A

Diuretics; sedatives

50
Q

What diagnostic tests are commonly used to assess urinary incontinence in elderly patients?

A

Diagnostic tests may include a bladder diary, urinalysis, post-void residual measurement, urodynamics, and cystoscopy.

51
Q

T/F: A bladder diary is an important diagnostic tool for evaluating the frequency and volume of urinary incontinence episodes.

A

true

52
Q

The measurement of the amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding is known as ________ residual volume.

A

Post-void

53
Q

What are the first-line treatment options for managing urinary incontinence in elderly patients?

A

First-line treatments include behavioral therapies such as bladder training, pelvic floor exercises (e.g., Kegel exercises), and lifestyle changes like weight loss and reducing caffeine intake.

54
Q

T/F: Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improving stress incontinence.

A

true

55
Q

________ therapy involves scheduling bathroom trips and gradually increasing the intervals between voids to improve bladder control.

A

Bladder

56
Q

What pharmacological treatments are used for urinary incontinence in elderly patients?

A

Pharmacological treatments include anticholinergics (e.g., oxybutynin) for urge incontinence, alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) for overflow incontinence, and topical estrogen for postmenopausal women with stress incontinence.

57
Q

T/F: Anticholinergics are used to treat urge incontinence by relaxing the bladder muscles.

A

true

58
Q

________ blockers, such as tamsulosin, are used to treat overflow incontinence by relaxing the bladder neck and improving urine flow.

A

Alpha

59
Q

What are some surgical treatment options for urinary incontinence in elderly patients?

A

Surgical treatments include sling procedures (for stress incontinence), sacral nerve stimulation (for urge incontinence), and prostate surgery (for overflow incontinence caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia).

60
Q

T/F: Surgical treatments are typically considered only when conservative measures fail to control symptoms of urinary incontinence.

A

true

61
Q

A ________ procedure is commonly performed for women with stress incontinence to support the urethra and prevent leakage.

A

Sling

62
Q

How can lifestyle modifications help manage urinary incontinence in elderly patients?

A

Lifestyle modifications include reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing fluid intake (avoiding large volumes at once), weight loss, and quitting smoking.

63
Q

T/F: Managing fluid intake and avoiding excessive caffeine can help reduce the frequency of urinary incontinence episodes.

A

true

64
Q

________ is a key lifestyle modification for managing urinary incontinence, as it reduces the irritation to the bladder.

A

Reducing caffeine intake

65
Q

What are some complications associated with untreated urinary incontinence in elderly patients?

A

Complications can include skin irritation, urinary tract infections, falls (due to rush to the bathroom), social isolation, and reduced quality of life.

66
Q

What is malnutrition in elderly patients?

A

Malnutrition in elderly patients refers to a state of nutritional imbalance, where there is either insufficient intake of nutrients or an inability to utilize them properly, leading to weight loss, weakness, and impaired immune function.

67
Q

T/F: Malnutrition is a common problem in the elderly and can affect physical and mental health.

A

true

68
Q

Malnutrition in elderly patients can result in weight ________, weakness, and poor wound healing.

A

Loss

69
Q

What are the main causes of malnutrition in elderly patients?

A

Main causes include insufficient dietary intake (due to loss of appetite, difficulty chewing, or financial constraints), chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes), medications, depression, and social isolation.

70
Q

T/F: Chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes can contribute to malnutrition in elderly individuals.

A

true

71
Q

________ is a common cause of malnutrition in the elderly, often related to difficulty with eating or financial constraints.

A

Insufficient dietary intake

72
Q

How does aging contribute to malnutrition in elderly individuals?

A

Aging can lead to decreased appetite, impaired taste and smell, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and changes in metabolism, all of which can contribute to malnutrition.

73
Q

T/F: Aging naturally causes a significant increase in appetite and energy requirements.

A

False (Aging often leads to decreased appetite and energy requirements.)

74
Q

Elderly individuals may experience reduced ________ and ________ as part of the aging process, which can contribute to malnutrition.

A

Appetite; taste

75
Q

What are some common symptoms of malnutrition in elderly patients?

A

Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, weakness, muscle wasting, poor wound healing, and a weakened immune system.

76
Q

T/F: Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of malnutrition in elderly patients.

A

true

77
Q

________ and ________ are signs of malnutrition that can occur due to inadequate protein intake in elderly patients.

A

Muscle wasting; weakness

78
Q

What are the key components of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)?

A

The key components of MUST include body mass index (BMI), unintentional weight loss, and the effect of acute disease on nutritional intake.

79
Q

T/F: The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is used to assess the risk of malnutrition in elderly patients.

A

true

80
Q

The ________ index is used in the MUST tool to assess malnutrition risk based on body weight in relation to height.

A

Body mass

81
Q

How does dehydration contribute to malnutrition in elderly individuals?

A

Dehydration can cause weakness, confusion, and fatigue, further impairing the ability to eat or absorb nutrients, leading to malnutrition.

82
Q

T/F: Dehydration in elderly patients can exacerbate the effects of malnutrition.

A

true

83
Q

Dehydration can make elderly individuals more ________ and reduce their ability to properly absorb nutrients, leading to malnutrition.

A

Weak

84
Q

How does medication contribute to malnutrition in elderly individuals?

A

Certain medications (e.g., appetite suppressants, diuretics, and laxatives) can interfere with appetite, digestion, and nutrient absorption, increasing the risk of malnutrition.

85
Q

T/F: Medications such as diuretics and appetite suppressants can contribute to malnutrition in the elderly.

A

true

86
Q

_______ can reduce appetite or impair digestion, making elderly individuals more vulnerable to malnutrition.

A

Medications

87
Q

What role does depression play in malnutrition in elderly patients?

A

Depression can reduce appetite, decrease interest in eating, and cause fatigue, leading to insufficient nutrient intake and contributing to malnutrition.

88
Q

T/F: Depression can contribute to malnutrition by reducing an elderly person’s desire to eat and causing fatigue.

A

true

89
Q

________ can lead to decreased appetite and energy, which in turn contributes to malnutrition in elderly individuals.

A

Depression

90
Q

What are the consequences of untreated malnutrition in elderly individuals?

A

Untreated malnutrition can lead to muscle wasting, weakened immune function, delayed wound healing, increased risk of falls, and higher mortality rates.

91
Q

T/F: Malnutrition in elderly patients can lead to serious consequences such as muscle wasting and delayed wound healing.

A

true

92
Q

Untreated malnutrition can lead to increased ________ rates in elderly individuals.

A

Mortality

93
Q

How is malnutrition treated in elderly patients?

A

Treatment involves improving nutrient intake through dietary changes, supplementation (e.g., oral nutrition supplements), addressing underlying causes (e.g., treating depression or managing chronic diseases), and providing support through meal assistance.

94
Q

T/F: Treatment for malnutrition in elderly patients includes dietary changes, supplementation, and addressing underlying causes like chronic diseases or depression.

A

true

95
Q

________ supplements are often used to help elderly patients meet their nutritional needs when oral intake is insufficient.

A

Nutritional

96
Q

What dietary changes can help manage malnutrition in elderly patients?

A

Dietary changes include increasing the intake of high-calorie and high-protein foods, such as dairy products, lean meats, eggs, and legumes, along with fortifying meals with additional nutrients.

97
Q

T/F: Fortifying meals with additional nutrients can help manage malnutrition in elderly patients.

A

true

98
Q

High-calorie and high-protein foods such as ________ and ________ can help address malnutrition in elderly individuals.

A

Dairy products; lean meats

99
Q

What is the role of oral nutrition supplements in the treatment of malnutrition in elderly patients?

A

Oral nutrition supplements (e.g., high-protein drinks) are used to provide additional calories and nutrients when patients are unable to consume sufficient food.

100
Q

T/F: Oral nutrition supplements can help elderly patients gain weight and meet their nutritional needs.

A

true

101
Q

_______ nutrition supplements can provide extra calories and protein to help elderly patients meet their nutritional requirements.

A

Oral

Phase 3a - Geriatrics (8 decks)

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