Geriatric Syndromes Exam Questions With
Correct Answers
Geriatric syndrome - answer✔a consequence of conditions (involving multiple organ systems
and often lacking firm diagnosis or clarification of underlying causes) common to older adults
and without a specific diagnosis or pathology
To what do we attribute geriatric syndromes? - answer✔When diseases interact with the
common and inevitable effects of normal aging
List the shared risk factors that may lead to Geriatric Syndromes - answer✔-slow chair stand
time
-decrease UE strength
-decreased vision/hearing
-high anxiety/depression
Common geriatric syndromes - answer✔-Incontinence
-Falls
-Pressure ulcers
-cognitive impairments (demential, Delirium)
-Functional decline
-urinary incontinence
-sleep disturbances
-syncope
-dizziness
Changes of the sensory system due to aging - answer✔-visual, somatosensory, proprioceptive,
auditory, vestibular.
, ©THEBRIGHTSTARS 2024
-Due to changes in end organs (eyes, ears, skin, muscle, tendon) and loss of receptors, sensory
neurons, axons, myelin.
Changes of the CNS due to aging - answer✔-Slowed reaction times
-diminished executive functions
-decreased motor control
-due to loss of brain cells, axons, and myelin; decrease in neurotransmitter production
Changes of the motor system due to aging - answer✔-decreased strength, ROM, ability to
absorb shock; increased stiffness.
-Due to loss of motor neurons, axons, myelin, muscle mass, water, elastic fibers; decreased nerve
conduction velocity, number of motor fibers; increase collagen crosslinks
Biomechanical gait changes with aging - answer✔Increased:
-stance time
-double stance time
-variability
Decreased:
-gait speed
-step length
-stride length
-excursion of movement
May be the best predictor of functional decline and disability - answer✔Gait speed
The 6th vital sign - answer✔Gait speed
Diminished gait speed is considered a marker of __________. - answer✔poor health
Gait speed is predictive of __________ - answer✔-daily ambulatory activity
-mortality