Geriatrics

Question 1

Concerns

Answer 1

Hip Fractures

Osteoporosis

Results from Sedentary Behavior:

Pneumonia

Blood Clots

Question 2

Baseline Level of Consciousness

Answer 2

May be different for patients with memory deficits.

Question 3

GEMS Diamond

Answer 3

Geriatric Patient
Environmental Assessment (basic needs met)
Medical Assessment (obtain full history, meds, and frequent re-assessment)
Social Assessment (isolation or engagement)

Question 4

Physiology

Answer 4

Reduced elasticity of lungs/alvioli leads to decreased gas exchange.

Chemoreceptors for oxygen and carbon dioxide slow.

Brittle bones, decreased muscle mass, and increased chest wall stiffness.

Loss of gag reflex or difficulty protecting airway due to lack of consciousness.

Lower heart rates, irregular pulses, and vascular compromise.

Electrical conduction system changes.

Brain weight and volume decreases. Increased subarachnoid space increases risk of hemorrhage due to head injury.

Increased antidiuretic hormone leading to fluid imbalance. Increased norepinephrine leads to stress on heart.

Question 5

Vitals Unusual

Answer 5

Beta-blockers slow heart rate.
Irregular pulses common but should ask.
Capillary refill typically poor.
Blood Pressure typically higher.

Question 6

Risk Factors of Mortality

Answer 6

Age over 75
Lives Alone
Recent Death of Significant Other
Recent Hospitalization
Incontinence
Immobility
Unsound Mind

Question 7

Pulmonary Embolism

Answer 7

Blockage of artery by venous clot.
Sx: chest pain, wheezing, hypotension, cardiac arrest
Risk: surgery, history of blood clots, obesity, limited mobility
Signs: Sudden dyspnea, cough, tachycardia, anxiety

Treatment: ventilation, airway, suction

Question 8

Arteriosclerosis

Answer 8

Stiffening of blood vessels due to fat and cholesterol in arterial walls.
Hypertrophy of heart.

Complications: myocardial infarction, stroke, bowel infarction, aneurysm.

Question 9

Venous Stasis

Answer 9

Loss of vein function.
Causes blood clot (Deep Vein thrombosis) that can develop into pulmonary embolism.
Edema in legs and ankles.

Question 10

Eye Disease

Answer 10

Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration
Retinal Detachment

Question 11

Presbyscusis

Answer 11

Gradual hearing loss.

Question 12

Neuropathy

Answer 12

Impaired function of motor, sensory, and autonomic nervous system.

Question 13

Acute Abdomen

Answer 13

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
GI Bleeding can lead to shock
Bowel Obstruction

Question 14

Diverticulitis

Answer 14

Pouches in colon can become inflamed.

Question 15

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Answer 15

Ulcer development in stomach, esophagus, or small intestine.

Question 16

Gallbladder Disease

Answer 16

Inflammation of gallbladder from gallstones or other.

Question 17

Dialysis

Answer 17

Done by fistula that filters blood when kidneys fail.

Question 18

Hypothyroidism

Answer 18

Bradycardia
Fatigue
Weight Gain
Cold intolerance
Dry skin/hair

Question 19

Osteoporosis

Answer 19

Decreased bone mass

Question 20

Osteoarthritis

Answer 20

Progressive disease of joints that destroys cartilage, promotes formation of bone spurs.

Question 21

Pressure/ Decubitus Ulcer

Answer 21

break down of tissue due to lack of mobility

Question 22

Falls

Answer 22

Significant Mechanism of Injury

Can lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Question 23

Anticoagulant

Answer 23

blood thinning medication

Question 24

Palliative Care

Answer 24

Relief of pain and psychological care.

Question 25

Advance Directives

Answer 25

Indicates what treatments they consent to.

Question 26

Abuse

Answer 26

Improper or excessive action to injure or harm.

Question 27

Neglect

Answer 27

Giving insufficient attention or respect to person in your care. Signs: undernourished lack of hygiene poor temperature regulation