Geriatric Emergencies Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Geriatric Emergencies Deck (32)
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1
Q

Changes in respiratory system in geriatrics

A

Alveoli enlarges and elasticity decreases
Gas exchange progressively declines
Declining PaO2
Receptor’s slow in detection of O2 and CO2

2
Q

Changes in cardiovascular system in geriatrics

A

Heart hypertrophy
Decline in CO due to decreased SV
Impaired vasoconstriction due to stiffening vessels
Decrease in number of cells in SA node and function

3
Q

Atheroscleorsis

A

Form of arteriosclerosis in which fatty material deposits and accumulates in innermost layer of medium and large arteries.

4
Q

Arteriosclerosis

A

Disease characterized by hardening, thickening, and calcification of arterial walls

5
Q

Changes in neurovascular system in geriatrics

A

Brain decreases in weight and volume
Short-term memory impairment
Decreased ability to perform psychomotor skills
Slower reflex times
Decline hearing, vision, and tactile senses

6
Q

s/s of delirium

A
Disorganized thoughts
Inattention
Memory loss
Disorientation
Hallucinations
Delusions
Changes in LOC
Changes in pupillary response, motor tests, BP, and breath sounds
7
Q

Possible causes of delirium

A
Tumors
Fever
UTI
Bowel obstructions
Dehydration
Cardiovascular disease
Hyper/hypoglycemia
Nutritional deficiencies
Psych
ETOH or drug intoxication/withdrawal
8
Q

What four H’s should you rapidly asses your patient if they show signs of an acute delirious state?

A

Hypoxia
Hypovolemia
Hypothermia
Hypoglycemia

9
Q

Changes in musculoskeletal system in geriatrics

A

Decrease bone mass, osteoporosis
Joints, ligaments, and cartilage lose flexibility
Muscle mass and muscle strength decreases
Narrowing of intervertebral disks and compression fx
OA

10
Q

Changes in GI system in geriatrics

A
Decreased changes in taste buds
Reduction of saliva resulting in dryness
Dental loss
Decrease in digestive enzymes
Decrease in gastric mobility
Decrease in enzyme that detoxify drugs and ETOH
11
Q

Changes in renal system in geriatrics

A

Lose nephron unites
Blood flow decrease by 50%
Susceptible to hyperkalemia
Incontinence

12
Q

Why are geriatric patients with DM at an increased risk for hypoglycemia?

A

Medications
Inadequate or irregular dietary intake
Inability to recognize warning signs due to cognitive problems
Blunted warning signs

13
Q

Changes in the integumentary system in geriatrics

A

Collagen and elastin decrease
Bruising is more common
Healing process is longer due to decreased blood flow
Skin is drier

14
Q

Stage 1 decubitus ulcer

A

Persistent skin redness that does not disappear with pressure relief.

15
Q

Stage 2 decubitus ulcer

A

Partial thickness of skin is lost and may have abrasion, blister, or shallow crater.

16
Q

Stage 3 decubitus ulcer

A

Full thickness of skin is lost, exposing subcutaneous tissues. Presents with deep crater w/ or w/o adjacent tissue.

17
Q

Stage 4 decubitus ulcer

A

Full thickness of skin and loss of subcutaneous tissues, exposing muscle or bone.

18
Q

Priority patients include :

A
Poor general impression
Airway/breathing problems
Acute LOC
Shock
Severe pain
Uncontrolled bleeding
19
Q

GEMS Diamond

A

Geriatric patients
Environmental assessment
Medical assessment
Social assessment

20
Q

DELIRIUMS mnemonic

A
Drugs or toxins
Emotional/electrolyte imbalance
Low PaO2
Infection
Retention of stool or urine
Ictal
Undernutrition or underhydration
Metabolism
subdural hematoma
21
Q

Symptoms of neuropathy in motor nerves

A

Muscle weakness, cramps, spasms, loss of balance, and loss of coordination.

22
Q

Symptoms of neuropathy in sensory neerves

A

Tingling, numbness, itching, pain, burning, freezing, or extreme sensitivity to touch.

23
Q

Symptoms of neuropathy in autonomic nerves

A

Involuntary functions that include changes in BP, HR, constipation, bladder and sexual dysfunction.

24
Q

VITAMINS C & D mnemonic

A
Vascular : CVA, brain embolism
Inflammation : blood vessel in brain
Toxins : CO poisoning
Trauma : concussion, intracerebral hemorrhage
Tumors : primary rain tumor or mets
Autoimmune
Metabolic : liver or renal failure, hypo/hyperglycemia, hypo/hyperthyroidism, HHS
Infection : meningitis, encephalitis
Narcotics and other drugs 
Systemic : sepsis, hypoxia
Congenital : seizures
Degenerative : Alzheimer disease, dementia, Parkinson disease
25
Q

Signs of dehydration in older adults

A
Dry tongue
Longitudinal furrows in the tongue
Dry mucous membranes
Weak upper body
Confusion
Difficulty in speech
Sunken eyes
26
Q

s/s of GI bleeding w/ hypoveolemia

A
Agitation
Dizziness
Syncope
Hypotension
AMS
27
Q

Minor lower GI bleeding is characterized by :

A

Small amounts of red blood covering brown stools or scant amounts noticed on toilet paper.

28
Q

Severe lower GI bleeding is characterized by :

A

Passing significant amounts of red blood or maroon-colored stools

29
Q

Brisk GI bleeding presents w/ :

A

Hematemesis

Melena

30
Q

Psychiatric symptoms of toxic effects

A
Hallucinations
Paranoia
Delusions
Agitation
Psychosis
31
Q

Cognitive impairment of toxic effects

A
Delirium
Confusion
Disorientation
Amnesia
Stupor
Coma
32
Q

Most geriatric trauma cases involve ____ or _____.

A

Falls; MVC