Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a common symptom of delirium in older adults?
What is a common symptom of delirium in older adults?
Which of the following can cause delirium in older adults?
Which of the following can cause delirium in older adults?
What is a characteristic finding in Parkinson's disease?
What is a characteristic finding in Parkinson's disease?
What is a common consequence of a cerebrovascular accident?
What is a common consequence of a cerebrovascular accident?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common symptom of depression in older adults?
What is a common symptom of depression in older adults?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary benefit of immediate treatment for a stroke?
What is the primary benefit of immediate treatment for a stroke?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following cognitive abilities is maintained or may even increase with age?
Which of the following cognitive abilities is maintained or may even increase with age?
Signup and view all the answers
Older adults are at increased risk of dehydration due to which of the following age-related changes?
Older adults are at increased risk of dehydration due to which of the following age-related changes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential consequence of gastrointestinal losses and diuretic use in older adults?
What is a potential consequence of gastrointestinal losses and diuretic use in older adults?
Signup and view all the answers
Why should healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing certain medications to older adults?
Why should healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing certain medications to older adults?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Delirium
- An acute-onset and reversible syndrome, common in older adults
- Characterized by inattention, inability to focus, drowsiness, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and other cognitive changes
- May be caused by medication, acute illness, change in environment, or sleep disturbances
- Can last hours or days
- Depression can cause delirium
Parkinson's Disease
- A degenerative condition primarily affecting movement
- Causes tremors, rigidity, and gait disturbances, and can also affect speech
- Symptoms include tremor, rigidity, gait disturbances, and speech disturbances
- Can result in dementia due to lack of dopamine
- Characterized by shaking, unsteady gait, and feet sticking to the floor
Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
- A vascular disease with neurological consequences
- Affects the opposite side of the body
- Causes paralysis, weakness, speech and vision impairments
- If treated immediately, neurological damage can be minimized or prevented
Cognitive Issues in Older Adults
- Episodic memory diminishes with age, affecting recall of information
- Free recall diminishes, making it difficult to remember unrelated items
- Working memory ability decreases, making it hard to multitask or comprehend complex information
- Semantic memory is maintained or may increase, allowing for long-term memory of how the world works
- Processing speed decreases, taking longer to recall memories
Renal Issues in Older Adults
- Increased risk of dehydration due to diminished thirst response
- Kidney changes lead to decreased thirst response and fear of incontinence
- Decreased excretion of medications and toxins, increasing the effect and side effects
- Risk of hyponatremia and hypernatremia due to nephron function decrease
- Increased risk of acid-base imbalance due to impaired renal diluting and concentrating ability
- Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia can occur from gastrointestinal losses and diuretic use
- Diarrhea can lead to acidosis, while vomiting can lead to alkalosis
- NG tube suctioning can put older adults at risk for alkalosis
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the symptoms, causes, and characteristics of delirium, a reversible syndrome common in older adults, including inattention, confusion, agitation, and cognitive changes. Learn about the main symptoms, causes, and risk factors of delirium. Test your knowledge of this common condition in older adults.
