Midterm: DSA: Concepts in Geriactrics and Geriatric Pharm Flashcards

1
Q

What are the categories of elderly?

A

Young Old: 65-75
Old-Old: 75-85
Very Old: 85+

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2
Q

What does the USPSTF recommend to reduce fall risks in elderly?

A

Exercise or physical therapy and vitamin D supplementation in those 65+

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3
Q

What are the three exams used to test for cognitive decline?

A

MoCA-Montreal Cognitive Assessment
MMSE-MiniMental Status Exam
MiniCOG: three words plus clock drawing test

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4
Q

In an elderly patient with a MiniCOG is positive, what can you do next?

A

do a full MMSE or MoCA

Consider full Neuropsychiatric Evaluation

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5
Q

Besides memory defects, what other defect may mimic cognitive decline?

A

Sensory or behavioral defects (living alone/neglect)

Also look for organic cause (B12, TSH, CBC)

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6
Q

Sleep disturbances, fatigue, psychomotor issues, and hopelessness about the future are signs of what in the elderly?

A

Depression

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7
Q

What is a good solution for bladder and bowel issues in patients that it is more of a mobility issue rather than loss of bladder control?

A

Go to the bathroom at regular times,
exercise to optimize mobility,
pelvic floor exercises

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8
Q

whats the rule of thumb for meds in the elderly?

A

Start at lowest dosages and slowly increase if you must

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9
Q

What drug choices should be used with caution?

A

Direct Oral anticoagunlants (bleeds)
Warfarin (bleeds)
Tramadol (CNS issues)
Antipsychotics in PD (dyskinesias)

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10
Q

What does polypharmacy (pt on multiple drugs) increase the risk of?

A

Drug cascades

-the prescribing of one drug to offset the adverse the effects of another

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11
Q

What is the most commonly used criteria in the elderly?

A

BEER’S

-talks about which drugs could be unsafe for elderly

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12
Q

What is a Direct Power of Attorney (DPOA) used for?

A

Puts decision making into the hands of another person if the individual is unable to

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13
Q

What is an advanced directive?

A

Indicates what treatments patient does/doesn’t want

  • code status
  • incubate/ventilator
  • tube feeding
  • etc
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14
Q

What medication should be avoided with opioids?

A

Benzos

-increase OD risk

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15
Q

What meds should be used with caution when pt on ACE/ARBs?

A

Sulfa drugs

TMP-SMX, etc

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16
Q

Which drugs should be avoided in pts with delirium?

A

H2 antagonists

17
Q

Why should aspirin be used with caution when pt is 70+?

A

Increases risks of bleeding

18
Q

What meds should you avoid if pt has history of falls?

A

SNRIs