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PT sem > PRELIMS: Geriatric Rehabilitation > Flashcards

PRELIMS: Geriatric Rehabilitation Flashcards

(45 cards)

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1
Q

What are the categories of elderly based on age?

A

Young elderly: 65-74 years old
Old elderly: 75-84 years old
Old, old elderly (frail elderly): 85+ years old

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2
Q

Define aging and ageism.

A

Aging: The process of growing older.
Ageism: Discrimination based on age.

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3
Q

What is senescence?

A

The late stage of adulthood through death.

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4
Q

What is frailty, and how is it diagnosed?

A

A clinical syndrome characterized by at least 3 of the following:
- Unintentional weight loss (≥10 lbs in a year)
- Self-reported exhaustion
- Weakness (low grip strength)
- Slow walking speed
- Low physical activity

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5
Q

Why are frail elderly more vulnerable to stressors?

A

They have decreased functional reserve, multiple system decline, and difficulty adapting to illness or injury.

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6
Q

What are common muscular changes in aging?

A

Hypokinesia: Delayed movement initiation
Sarcopenia: Loss of muscle fibers and sarcomeres → muscle atrophy
Decreased muscle strength & endurance → Increased fatigue

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7
Q

How does aging affect gait?

A
  • Wide BOS (fear of falling)
    Increased step length
    Decreased cadence & stride length
    Increased double support time
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8
Q

What PT interventions help with muscle and gait changes?

A

Fall prevention programs
Patient-centered approach
Assistive device recommendation (e.g., front-wheel walker for stability)

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9
Q

What are skeletal changes in aging?

A

Cartilage degeneration → Joint erosion → DJD
IVD degeneration → Spinal shortening
Decreased bone density → Osteoporosis risk

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10
Q

What is senile posturing in elderly patients?

A

Forward head posture
Thoracic kyphosis
Straight lumbar spine
Hip & knee flexion contractures

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11
Q

What PT interventions help correct posture in elderly patients?

A

PNF Patterns: Bilateral D2 Flexion for posture correction
Stretching hip & knee flexors for contracture management

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12
Q

What are neurological changes in aging?

A

Brain atrophy → Decreased neuron count
Slower nerve conduction → Delayed reflexes
Increased reaction time

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13
Q

How can PT help with neurological changes in elderly patients?

A

Allow increased reaction time
Use short, clear instructions
Focus on familiar motor tasks

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14
Q

What are common visual changes with aging?

A

Senile cataract (cloudy lens, central vision loss)
Presbyopia (far-sightedness, age-related)
Glaucoma (↑ intraocular pressure, peripheral vision loss)
Macular degeneration (sharpness of vision loss, central vision loss)

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15
Q

What are the types of hearing loss in elderly patients?

A

Conductive hearing loss: Mechanical issue (outer/middle ear, earwax, otosclerosis)
Sensorineural hearing loss: Inner ear (CN8 damage, temporal lobe)
Presbycusis: Age-related, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus

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16
Q

How does aging affect taste and smell?

A
  • Decreased sensitivity → Loss of appetite

Decreased home safety awareness (e.g., inability to smell smoke)

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17
Q

How does aging affect proprioception and somatosensory function?

A
  • Decreased sensitivity to touch

Decreased vibration sense
Higher fall risk due to proprioceptive decline

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18
Q

How does aging affect vestibular function?

A
  • Degeneration of saccule & otoconia → Impaired balance

Increased risk of falls

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19
Q

What assessment tools are used for balance and fall risk?

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A

Tinetti POMA (Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment)
Berg Balance Scale
TUG Test (Timed Up & Go)
Functional Reach Test

20
Q

What are common cognitive changes in elderly patients?

Study These Flashcards
A

Impaired short-term memory
Terminal decline (significant cognitive loss in late-stage aging)

21
Q

What are cardiovascular changes in aging?

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A

Brown heart (lipofuscin deposits)
Increased peripheral resistance (thicker blood vessels)
Decreased cardiac output (CO) & max HR
Increased resting BP

22
Q

What are pulmonary changes in aging?

Study These Flashcards
A

Chest wall stiffness → ↓ lung compliance
↓ Total lung capacity (TLC), ↑ Residual volume (RV)
↓ Cough reflex → ↑ Infection risk

23
Q

What are GIT changes in aging?

Study These Flashcards
A

Decreased salivation → Difficulty chewing
Slowed peristalsis → Increased choking risk
Increased satiety → Poor appetite
Laxative abuse → Diarrhea, dehydration

24
Q

How can PT help prevent malnutrition and constipation in elderly patients?

Study These Flashcards
A

Increase water intake
Refer to a physician for nutrition management

25
What are integumentary changes in aging?
Thin, sagging skin (loss of fat deposits) Gray hair (melanocyte atrophy) Thick, brittle nails
26
What are renal changes in aging?
Decreased kidney filtration → Higher infection risk (UTI) Urinary incontinence due to weak pelvic muscles
27
What PT intervention helps with urinary incontinence?
Kegel exercises (pelvic floor strengthening)
28
Q: What is the major goal of geriatric healthcare?
A: To promote functional independence, prevent complications, and maximize functional gains, rather than eradicating disease.
29
What are the short-term goals in geriatric rehabilitation?
Improve/maintain ROM Improve/maintain strength & endurance Improve/maintain cardiovascular endurance Improve/maintain ambulatory status Relieve pain
30
What are the four levels of post-acute care/rehabilitation?
Acute rehab: 3+ hours/day of therapy, 24/7 physician & nursing care Subacute rehab: 1-2 hours/day of therapy, 24-hour nursing care Home/community rehab: Intermittent nursing care, family support Outpatient rehab: Focus on functional recovery
31
How does frailty management improve outcomes in older adults?
Treats chronic conditions contributing to frailty Includes exercise programs (resistance training, stretching, Tai Chi) Promotes nutritional support & weight management
32
What are benefits of exercise in older adults?
Increased mobility & ADL performance Improved gait & balance Reduced falls & fractures Enhanced bone mineral density & general well-being
33
What is delirium, and how is it managed?
sudden cognitive decline due to a medical condition. Management: Maintain mobility & skin integrity Increase activity levels during the day Ensure good lighting & a quiet sleep environment Avoid frequent room/caregiver changes
34
What are the types of urinary incontinence in older adults?
Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) Overflow urinary incontinence (OUI) Transient urinary incontinence Functional urinary incontinence
35
What is overactive bladder (OAB)?
Sudden urge to void, often with incontinence Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate)
36
What is neurogenic bladder, and how does it present?
Bladder dysfunction due to neurological damage, leading to: Urinary retention Overflow incontinence Frequent urgency
37
What are PT treatment options for urinary incontinence?
Electrical stimulation to strengthen pelvic muscles Weighted vaginal cones for pelvic muscle contraction Biofeedback techniques
38
What are common fall risk factors in older adults?
Gait & balance disorders Polypharmacy (multiple medications) Visual impairments Environmental hazards (poor lighting, loose rugs)
39
How can falls be prevented in elderly patients?
Minimize polypharmacy Improve vision with proper eyewear Modify home environment (grab bars, railings, lighting) Use proper footwear Exercise for strength & balance (Tai Chi)
40
What are pressure ulcers, and how do they form?
Localized skin/tissue injury over a bony prominence due to prolonged pressure & shear forces.
41
What are PT interventions for pressure ulcers?
Frequent repositioning (every 2 hours in bed, every 15-30 min in a chair) Wound dressing evaluation ROM, stretching & mobilization exercises Debridement & adjunct therapies (electrical stimulation, ultrasound, hyperbaric oxygen)
42
What is the goal of local wound care for pressure ulcers?
To create a warm, moist wound bed with healthy surrounding tissue to promote healing.
43
What is the goal of pain management in older adults?
Promote independent living Prevent secondary injuries Address functional deficits
44
What are PT interventions for pain management?
Strength & endurance training Stretching & isometric exercises Myofascial release for pain relief TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
45
What are the APTA Geriatrics' Guiding Principles for Best Practices?
Person-Centered Care → Prioritize patient preferences Anti-Ageist Practice → Avoid age-related biases Holistic Assessment → Use appropriate outcome measures Evidence-Based Interventions → Ensure effective PT care Physical Activity Promotion → Encourage movement & mobility Interprofessional Collaboration → Work with caregivers & other healthcare providers

PT sem (3 decks)

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