Geriatrics

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1. Identify how each of the following may serve as a risk factor for development of acute illness or complication of chronic disease in the elderly.

A. Concomitant illness.
B. Economic status.
C. Social isolation.
D. Commercial advertising.
E. Family stress.
F. Nursing home placement.
G. Multiple physicians with no coordination of care.

2. Identify common reasons why elderly patients delay or fail to seek medical help when ill.

3. Contrast the clinical signs and symptoms of the following illnesses as they commonly present in a middle-aged adult and in the geriatric patient.

A. Ischemic heart disease.
B. Uncontrolled diabetes.
C. Systemic infection.
D. Traumatic fracture.
E. Hyperthyroidism.

4. Identify at least five etiologies of reversible dementia in the elderly.

5. Outline the essentials of the work-up and the purpose of specific laboratory ordered in evaluation of the confused elderly patient.

6. List and describe the components of functional assessment employed in evaluation of the elderly.

Sources:

"Common Infections in Older Adults" Charles P. Mouton, M.D., M.S., and Oralia V. Bazaldua, Pharm.D., The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, Barbara Pierce, M.D., Monett, MO, and David V. Espino, M.D., The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, American Family Physician, January 15, 2001.

"Guidelines for Managing Alzheimer’s Disease: Part I. Assessment" Jeffrey L. Cummings, M.D., University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, et al., American Family Physician, June 1, 2002.

"Guidelines for Managing Alzheimer’s Disease: Part II. Treatment" Jeffrey L. Cummings, M.D., and Janet C. Frank, DR.P.H., University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, American Family Physician, June 15, 2002.

"The Geriatric Patient:  A Systematic Approach to Maintaining Health" Karl E. Miller, M.D., Robert G. Zylstra, Ed.D., L.C.S.W., and John B. STandridge, M.D. University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, Tennessee,  American Family Physician  February 15, 2000

"Prevention of Falls in Older Patients" Shobha S. Rao, M.D., University of Texas, Southwestern, Dallas, Texas,  American Family Physician  July 1, 2005