Ageing Flashcards
How is frailty assessed?
Slow walking speed Unintentional weight loss Low grip strength Low physical activity Exhaustion >/3 - frail
List causes of falls
Reduced reaction time Visual impairment Sarcopenia Poor sensory awareness Decreased exercise
List drugs which increase falls risk
Benzodiazepines Neuroleptics Antihypertensives Anticholinergics Antidepressants Digoxin Opiates Alcohol
In palliative care, what is used for: Pain Nausea Distress Secretions
Pain - morphine
Nausea - levopromazine
Distress - midazolam
Secretions - hyosine
What is the best way to assess fecal impaction
PR
How is elder abuse managed?
Protection orders
Involve social work, GP, old age psychiatry
What is malignant hypercalcaemia? What is it caused by? How is it managed?
Serum Ca >2.8
Usually bone mets
IV NaCl, once rehydrated give IV bisphosphonate
How long can it take for chronic subdural haemorrhage symptoms to occur?
Up to 3w after injury
What does Vitamin C deficiency cause?
Scurvy - Muscle and joint pain Fatigue Gingivitis Red dots on skin Decreased wound healing Easy bruising
What is Pellagra?
Vitamin B3 deficiency
Diarrhoea, dermatitis, dementia
Name some acidic drugs. How are they absorbed and what do they bind to in plasma?
Penicillin, aspirin, phenytoin
Acidic environment for absorption
Bind to albumin
Name some basic drugs. How are they absorbed and what do they bind to in plasma?
Diazepam, morphine, pethidine
Basic environment for absorption
Bind to A1AG
What drug should not be stopped in dementia?
Paracetamol - reduced agitation, might not be able to communicate pain
What can be stopped in bed-bound patients?
Vitamin D and Calcium - low falls risk
Calcium side effects
GI upset
