Guide.
,Parkinson's Disease Presentation
Bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor ("pill rolling"), postural instability
Parkinson's Disease Treatment
Dopaminergic agents, Carbidopa/levadopa (Do not give to patients with narrow angle glaucoma)
Beer's List
a list of drugs for which you should not give or monitoring is especially important in elderly patients
Anti-cholinergics, anti-spasmotics, scopolamine, meclizine, promethazine
High risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation.
Meningitis
, Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord meninges result from bacteria, virus, or fungi. Headache is
caused by meningeal irritation. Tx is cephalosporins (Ceftriaxone).
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
brief episode of loss of blood flow to the brain, usually caused by a partial occlusion that results in
temporary neurologic deficit (impairment). Typically resolves within hours; often precedes a CVA
Seizures
Uncontrolled electrical activity within the brain
Scoliosis
Lateral curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune disorder characterized by thickened synovial membrane, joints are warm, swollen, and
tender, which can lead to bone erosion.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis Treatment
Weight-bearing exercise, weight loss, Cymbalta, duloxetine, tramadol. RICE = Rest, Ice, Compression,
Elevation. Acetaminophen not recommended. Short acting NSAIDs are ok. Refer to ortho for
injections.
Sprain
Stretch or tear in a Ligament
Strain
Stretch or tear in a muscle or tendon
Ortolani's Click
A click is heard or felt as dislocation is reduced
Barlows Maneuver
Feeling of a slip of the femoral head slips away from the Acetabulum (toward the butt)
Meningitis assessment finding
Positive Kernig or Brudzinski sign
Adam's Sign
Evaluation for scoliosis.
Negative for functional scoliosis if curve straightens out
Positive for structural scoliosis if curve remains
Fat Pad Sign
radiographic finding that can indicate an underlying injury or fracture in the elbow joint, specifically
around the olecranon process of the ulna bone.