NSG 6420: FNP I Adult/Gero Final Review Study Guide

NSG 6420: FNP I Adult/Gero Final Review Study Guide 1. General Concepts in Geriatrics Impact of physiological changes with aging: Kennedy Chapter 1. The major impact of all of these physiological changes can be highlighted with three primary points. First, there is a reduced physiological reserve of most body systems, particularly cardiac, respiratory, and renal. Second, there are reduced homeostatic mechanisms that fail to adjust regulatory systems such as temperature control and fluid and electrolyte balance. Third, there is impaired immunological function: infection risk is greater, and autoimmune diseases are more prevalent. Reduced renal function, particularly the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), affects the clearance of many drugs, and creatinine clearance provides an index of renal function for use in choosing doses of renally eliminated or nephrotoxic drugs (such as digoxin, H2 blockers, lithium, and water-soluble antibiotics). Normal age related changes: Changes in kidney function begin in the fourth decade of life and continue to decline with each subsequent decade. by age 70, an individual might reasonably have a 40% to 50% decrease in renal function, even in the absence of disease. With advancing age, the ability of the liver to metabolize drugs does not decline. Although liver size and blood flow do decline with age, routine liver function test results are typically normal when no disease exists. Decreased liver size and blood flow can result in decreased first-pass metabolism. Older adults often experience more sedation from central nervous system drugs than younger persons at the same concentration. Signs and symptoms of depression: Altered presentation is another common feature in older adults. The patient with depression may not present with a dysphoric mood but rather agitation and psychotic features. Questions The major impact of the physiological changes that occur with aging is: Reduced physiological reserve Reduced homeostatic mechanisms Impaired immunological response All of the above All of the following statements are true about laboratory values in older adults except Reference ranges are preferable Abnormal findings are often due to physiological aging Normal ranges may not be applicable for older adults Reference values are not necessarily acceptable values Mini Mental Status: Buttaro Chapter 13 Geriatric specialists have multiple assessment tools, such as the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination, the Mini-Cog screen for dementia, the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, the AD8 Dementia Screening Interview, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa), to differentiate short-term memory loss from dementia and to observe the progression of cognitive impairment. Questions When prescribing medications to an 80-year-old patient, the provider will a. begin with higher doses and decrease according to the patient’s response. b. consult the Beers list to help identify potentially problematic drugs. c. ensure that the patient does not take more than five concurrent medications. d. review all patient medications at the annual health maintenance visit. The Beers list provides a list of potentially inappropriate medications in all patients age 65 and older and helps minimize drug-related problems in this age group. Older patients should be started on lower doses with gradual increase of doses depending on response and side effects. Patients who take five or more drugs are at increased risk for problems of polypharmacy, but many will need to take more than five drugs; providers must monitor their response more closely. Medications should be reviewed at all visits, not just annually. REF: Polypharmacy/Consequences of Polypharmacy/Management An 80-year-old woman who lives alone is noted to have a recent weight loss of 5 pounds. She appears somewhat confused, according to her daughter, who is concerned that she is developing dementia. The provider learns that the woman still drives, volunteers at the local hospital, and attends a book club with several friends once a month. What is the initial step in evaluating this patient? a. Obtain a CBC, serum electrolytes, BUN, and glucose b. Ordering a CBC, serum ferritin, and TIBC c. Referring the patient to a dietician for nutritional evaluation d. Referring the patient to a neurologist for evaluation for AD Patients with weight loss, confusion, and lethargy are often dehydrated and this should be evaluated by looking at Hgb and Hct, electrolytes, and BUN. This patient is currently leading an active life, so the likelihood that recent symptoms are related to AD, although this may be evaluated if dehydration is ruled out. Anemia would be a consideration when dehydration is ruled out. Referrals are not necessary unless initial evaluations suggest that malnutrition or AD is present. REF: Dehydration/Pathophysiology/Clinical Presentation/Physical Examination