Summary Book Geriatrics

Question 1

Risk factors for falls

Answer 1

Medical = parkinsons, dementia, frailty, stroke, arthritis, vertigo, diabetes (hypoglycaemia), deconditioned. Medications = anti-hypertensives, sedatives, anti-cholinergic, levodopa.

Question 2

Investigations for falls

Answer 2

FBC, UEC, LFT, CRP, septic screen, CT/MRI brain, ECG, holter, OP (vit D, calcium, PTH, TFT).

Question 3

Management of falls

Answer 3

optimise medications, appropriate foot and eye wear, walking aides, personal alarm, allied health input (rehab, TUG (>10 = increased risk), OT home assessment), reduce fracture risk, reduce bleeding / ICH risk.

Question 4

Examination for falls

Answer 4

walking aides, frailty, confusion, postural BP, gait, TUG, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, romberg’s sign

Question 5

Risk factors for depression

Answer 5

Chronic disease, isolation, homelessness, abuse, lack of access to support, EtOH or drug use.

Question 6

Protective factors for depression

Answer 6

Family, formal supports, physical activity..

Question 7

Management of depression

Answer 7

1. GP mental health plan. 2. Optimise management of chronic disease. 3. Management of risk factors. 4. Support groups

Question 8

3 components to consider when evaluating Perioperative risk

Answer 8

1. Anaesthetics (medications and airway). 2. Surgical risk. 3. Patient risk

Question 9

Medications to consider pre OP

Answer 9

Anticoagulants, antiplatele (consider ceasing 1 week prior. Antihypergltcaemic (12 hours before, except SGLT2 which is 48). Insulin - T2DM withhold, T1DM continue basal.