Week 3 Flashcards
Why do we age?
- Genetic control - telomeres shorten
- Accumulation of damage - cells aren’t completely able to get rid of toxins
- Neuroendocrine - over time, loses sensitivity to negative feedback
Define frailty
A state of increased vulnerability to poor resolution of homeostasis after a stressor event as a consequence of age-related decreased physiological reserves
What are the different models of frailty?
1) Phenotypical model
2) Cumulative deficit model
3) Clinical frailty scale
What is the Electronic frailty index (eFI)?
- Primary care
- 36 domains
- mild/moderate/severe
- highlight patients that may need further review
- prompt advanced care planning/end of life discussion
What screening tests for frailty are used in secondary care?
- PRISMA 7
- Mobility access
- Polypharmacy
What are some cognitive screening tests and cognitive assessment tools?
Cognitive screening tests:
- six-item cognitive impairment test (6CIT)
- Mini mental state examination (MMSE)
- 4AT
Cognitive assessment tools:
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
- Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE3)
What are the 5 principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005)?
1: the presumption of capacity
2: support the individual
3: unwise decision
4: best interests
5: least restrictive option
What is confusion?
An inability to think clearly and/or rapidly, which is characterised by:
- difficulty understanding a situation
- disordered or unclear thoughts
- disorientation and/or memory loss
Which neurotransmitter is thought to play an important role in sundowning?
Acetylcholine
Which nucleus of the hypothalamus plays a key role in controlling diurnal rhythm?
Suprachiasmatic nucleus
Which two neurotransmitters control the sleep-wake cycle?
Acetylcholine and histamine
What are the three scales used to diagnose an acute confusional state?
- DSM
- CAM
- 4AT
What is empirical therapy?
“best guess” - therapy started without a confirmed diagnosis
What drugs would you treat a UTI with in secondary healthcare?
Co-amoxiclav
Ciprofloxacin
How would you treat multi-drug resistant UTIs?
Ertapenem
What is the conjunctiva?
Conjunctiva is an epithelial layer that covers the sclera (white of the eye).
Extends from the border of the cornea, and is continuous along the inner surfaces of the upper and lower eyelids