Ageing Flashcards
(32 cards)
What time of day is senna given?
At night
Why are sulphonylureas a risk factor for falls?
They stimulate insulin production so can cause hypoglycaemia leading to falls
Is metformin a risk for falls?
Not a main one, it decreases gluconeogenesis in the liver
So is not as risky as a sulphonylurea
Why is having diabetes a risk factor for falls?
Medications
Retinopathy
Neuropathy
What is overflow diarrhoea?
(Gross)
Constipation builds up so much in the bowel that faeces needs to escape somehow - gets all liquidy and like overflows out
Which class of anti-depressants is most linked to constipation?
Tri-cyclics
What do you prescribe first: laixdo or senna? and why?
Laxido.
Laxido is a stool softener and Senna is a stimulant. Need to soften stool first so that its able to move.
Where does furosemide act?
In the ascending loop of henle
What are the main symptoms and signs of constipation?
Not passing stool - obviously! Abdo pain Nausea Vomiting Dehydration Confusion in elderly Lack of appetite Solid abdomen
What is the definition of postural hypotension?
A drop in systolic blood pressure over 20mmHg with symptoms.
What are the main causes of stress incontinence?
Childbirth COPD Prostate surgery Pelvic surgery Obesity
What are the main causes of urge incontinence?
UTI Constipation Bladder stones Enlarged prostate gland Diuretics
How does docusaid work?
Creates a fluid lining in the bowel to lubricate and move stool
How does lactulose work?
Holds water in the colon to soften the stool
How does senna work?
Stimulates bowel to move 10-12 hours after taking it
How does a phosphate enema work?
Irritates and stimulates bowels to immediately expel stool
Which drugs are most associated with constipation in the elderly?
Opioids Anti-histamines Anti-emetics Anti-psychotics TCAs
How does a glycine suppository treat constipation?
Kind of jelly cube which is inserted into the rectum. Gets into the stool and draws in water to soften it.
4 criteria of teh 4AT?
Alertness
AMT4
Attention
Acute
How does co-trimoxazole affect renal function?
Doesn’t affect the actual function as such
But it does block the tubular secretion of Cr so the levels in the bloods go up. This should return to normal after a few days.
True or false
Amlodipine causes hypotension by limiting heart rate
False
Amlodipine causes hypotension by causing vasodilation
True or false
Digoxin causes hypotension through vasodilation
False
Causes hypotension through the blockade of conduction through the AV node and subsequent bradycardia
True or false
Opiates commonly cause constipation in the elderly
True
True or false
Phenytoin can lower vit D levels
True
