Intro And Frailty Flashcards
What is the definition of frailty?
A state of increased vulnerability to poor resolution of homeostasis after a stressor event (so a high risk of deterioration)
Multisystem dysregulation
What are some tests/measures of frailty?
Gait speed
Timed up to go
Clinical Frailty Score (CFS)
ISAR
When do you score somebody with the Clincal Frailty Score?
2 weeks before they became unwell
How does dementia affect the clincal frailty score?
Someone with severe dementia will have a High clinical frailty score even if they are mobile since they require high levels of care
What is a CGA?
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
What is the definition of a CGA (Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment?
Multidimensional holistic assessment considering patient health and wellbeing
Who do we do a CGA (comprehensive Geriatric Assessment) on?
All patients over 85
Or
65+ with other factors
What other factors do patients who are over 65 have to qualify for a CGA?
Cognitive impairment
Falls
Decline in activities of daily living (ADL)
Care home resident
Parkinsonism
How can you assess a patient for postural hypotension?
Lying to standing blood pressure is taken
Drop in more than 20mmHg suggest postural hypotension
What are some factors that contribute to causing frailty?
Ageing
Chronic inflammation
Hormonal changes
Sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass)
Comorbidities
Medications
Lifestyle factors:
-inactive
-social isolation
-malnutrition
-drinking
-smoking
What are the 5 Geriatric Giants/Frailty syndromes?
Falls
Immobility
Delirium
Incontinence
Polypharmacy
Does frailty cause disability?
Frailty may be the cause of disability or the consequence of disability
What is meant by immobility in terms of frailty syndromes?
Any change/reduction in mobility status
Why is immobility a problem with frailty?
Can lead to further decline
Can reduce patients confidences and motivation
Can be the sole presentation in acute illness
What are some causes of incontinence in relation to frailty syndrome?
Congestive heart failure
COPD
Diabetes
Medicine side effects
Constipation and overflow diarrhoea