Geriatric Pharmacology & Pain Management
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Questions and Answers

An 80-year-old patient with mild to moderate chronic pain is being assessed. Considering the risks and benefits, what is the MOST appropriate initial pharmacological intervention?

  • Gabapentin
  • Acetaminophen, up to 3 g/day (correct)
  • Tramadol
  • Chronic NSAIDs
  • A 75-year-old patient presents with localized knee pain. Which of the following topical therapies would be MOST appropriate as a first-line treatment?

  • Clonidine patch
  • Baclofen gel
  • Methyl salicylate cream (correct)
  • Amitriptyline cream
  • What pharmacological approach should be generally avoided in elderly patients due to potential adverse effects?

  • Muscle relaxants (correct)
  • Transdermal lidocaine
  • Acetaminophen
  • Transdermal buprenorphine
  • A 70-year-old patient with dementia exhibits behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Non-pharmacological interventions have been tried without success. According to current guidelines, what should be the next step?

    <p>Optimize pain control and consider SSRIs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following antipsychotics has demonstrated the LEAST difference from placebo in systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials for treating agitation and aggression?

    <p>Quetiapine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the FDA, elderly patients with dementia treated with antipsychotics for BPSD have an increased risk for death primarily due to what factors?

    <p>Cerebrovascular disease and infections (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended starting dose of risperidone for an elderly patient with BPSD?

    <p>0.25 mg twice daily (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A clinician is considering prescribing an antipsychotic for an elderly patient with BPSD. What is the recommended frequency for adjusting the dosage after the initiation of the medication?

    <p>Every 2 weeks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In managing a patient exhibiting behaviors that pose a danger to themselves or others while awaiting transfer, which initial steps are MOST appropriate?

    <p>Prioritize one-on-one observation and consider antipsychotic medications after discussing risks and benefits with surrogates or guardians. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Before implementing any specific interventions for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), what is the MOST critical initial step?

    <p>Assessing and treating any underlying causes of discomfort, such as pain or constipation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do geriatrics experts advocate for non-pharmacological interventions when managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)?

    <p>Because they rarely have adverse effects, unlike medications, and may benefit individual patients. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A caregiver consistently struggles with a patient's agitation during bathing. Which intervention is MOST likely to reduce agitation, bathing time, and antipsychotic use, based on research findings?

    <p>Training the caregiver in the 'Bathing without a Battle' protocol. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of caregiver training in managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)?

    <p>Understanding behavioral disturbances as responses to discomfort and learning de-escalation techniques. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which healthcare professional is MOST likely to initially observe and report changes in a patient's behavior that may indicate BPSD in a long-term care facility?

    <p>Nursing Assistant (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A facility is developing a BPSD management program. Besides caregiver training, which non-pharmacological intervention has shown benefit in reducing overall BPSD according to meta-analysis data?

    <p>Music therapy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which intervention aligns with the role of a clinical psychologist in managing BPSD?

    <p>Developing behavioral plans that incorporate non-pharmacological strategies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient with dementia frequently exhibits agitation and disruptive behavior in the late afternoon. After ensuring all physical needs are met, which non-pharmacological intervention might be MOST beneficial to implement FIRST?

    <p>Engaging the patient in reminiscence therapy or listening to calming music. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key aspect for creating a therapeutic environment as part of caregiver training?

    <p>Creating a soothing enviroment with optimal levels of stimulation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can pharmacists contribute to the management of BPSD within an interprofessional team?

    <p>By identifying potential medication interactions and verifying dosing regimens. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the PRIMARY purpose of maintaining a detailed log in in-home settings for patients with BPSD?

    <p>To record caregiver ratings of symptoms, medications, schedules and instructions from various disciplines. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An occupational therapist is evaluating a patient with BPSD at home. Which of the following actions would be MOST aligned with the therapist's role?

    <p>Recommending modifications to the home environment to reduce hazards. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In institutional settings, what is a significant concern regarding routine bacteriuria testing?

    <p>It can lead to over-diagnosis and unnecessary antibiotic use, contributing to antibiotic resistance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the revised McGeer criteria, which symptoms should prompt a diagnostic evaluation and empiric therapy for possible urinary tract infections?

    <p>Fever, dysuria, suprapubic pain, or new/increased urinary frequency, urgency, or incontinence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When assessing a patient with BPSD, what is the first priority?

    <p>Ensuring the safety of the patient and others. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is identifying delirium a priority in patients presenting with behavioral disturbances?

    <p>Delirium indicates an underlying medical condition requiring prompt evaluation and treatment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When gathering information about a patient's symptoms, why is it important to ask caregivers to describe specific observations rather than using general terms?

    <p>Caregivers' interpretations of generic terms may vary, potentially leading to miscommunication. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What temporal factors should be considered when characterizing symptoms of BPSD?

    <p>Onset, frequency, timing, trajectory of symptoms, and relationship to environmental or medication changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to review a patient's medications when assessing BPSD, even if the medications don't seem obviously related?

    <p>Patients with dementia are more susceptible to CNS effects, and not all problematic medications are easily recognized. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following situations would warrant more intensive management, potentially including hospitalization, for a patient with BPSD?

    <p>Aggressive behaviors endangering themselves or others, or refusal of basic care. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are Citalopram and Sertraline often favored over Paroxetine or Fluoxetine in treating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)?

    <p>They exhibit fewer drug-drug interactions due to less inhibition of cytochrome p450 enzymes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of treating apathy in elderly patients with dementia, what does the provided content suggest about the effectiveness of different medications?

    <p>Methylphenidate may improve apathy, cognition, and function, while studies of cholinesterase inhibitors, Memantine, and antidepressants have not demonstrated a benefit for apathy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the information, what is a recommended strategy for initiating methylphenidate treatment for BPSD?

    <p>Begin with the immediate-release formulation at 2.5 mg or 5 mg twice daily (morning and early afternoon) and titrate up by 2.5 mg or 5 mg weekly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended minimum trial period at the maximum recommended dose before concluding that a medication is ineffective for BPSD?

    <p>4 weeks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is caregiver education and support crucial when implementing pharmacotherapy for BPSD?

    <p>To avoid prematurely abandoning an effective strategy, as change is often gradual and may not be noticeable until comparing behavior diaries over several weeks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable exclusion criteria in the ADMET trial of Methylphenidate, according to the content?

    <p>Patients with agitation at baseline. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be established prior to initiating pharmacotherapy for BPSD, except in urgent safety situations?

    <p>An established, clear baseline regarding the frequency and severity of target behaviors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In elderly patients without dementia, the content mentions a study involving Citalopram and Methylphenidate. What was a key finding of this study?

    <p>A combination of Citalopram and Methylphenidate led to a greater response rate than either medication alone, without an increase in adverse effects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important for clinicians to periodically attempt to taper and discontinue antipsychotic medications in patients?

    <p>To monitor for adverse motor effects and minimize the risk of long-term side effects, as well as the black box warning of increased risk of death in geriatric patients. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following antipsychotics requires special monitoring and reporting when prescribed?

    <p>Clozapine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key consideration when using SSRIs to treat mild to moderate BPSD, based on the geropsychiatry maxim?

    <p>Begin with a low dose, increase slowly, and adjust according to the patient's response and tolerance. Citalopram should be started at 10 mg daily and Sertraline at 25 mg daily. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A physician is considering prescribing an antipsychotic for a geriatric patient with dementia. Given the information, what is the MOST critical factor they should consider?

    <p>The increased risk of death associated with antipsychotic use in geriatric patients with dementia. Antidepressant dosing strategies used in the studies were the same as for depression. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the information, which of the following statements is TRUE regarding antipsychotic discontinuation in patients on long-term antipsychotics?

    <p>Antipsychotic discontinuation can be successful in many patients without worsening BPSD, as evidenced by a longitudinal study. Discontinuation may be less successful for patients who have had severe symptoms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the starting and target dose of pimavanserin?

    <p>Starting and target dose is the same (34 mg). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adverse effect was observed in a multicenter randomized controlled trial of Citalopram 30 mg daily versus placebo?

    <p>No difference in agitation scores was seen, and patients had an average increase in corrected QT interval of 18 ms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient with Lewy body dementia is exhibiting psychosis. Considering the recommendations, which of the following medications would be MOST appropriate to consider first?

    <p>Pimavanserin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Bacteriuria prevalence

    Bacteriuria occurs in up to 50% of institutionalized patients.

    McGeer criteria

    Revised criteria for diagnosing UTIs focus on specific symptoms rather than cultures alone.

    UTI symptoms

    Fever, dysuria, suprapubic pain, increased urinary frequency, urgency, or incontinence are key signs.

    Delirium definition

    Delirium is a rapid change in mental status due to medical conditions or substances.

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    Intensive management

    Patients with aggressive behavior or severe symptoms may need more urgent care, like hospitalization.

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    Characterizing symptoms

    Caregivers should describe specific behaviors instead of vague terms like 'depression'.

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    Medication review

    Assess medication changes as they can affect patient behaviors, especially in dementia.

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    Environmental changes impact

    Symptom changes may relate to new environments or situations, like moving to a facility.

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    BPSD management

    Management involves assessing discomfort and implementing non-pharmacological interventions.

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    Acetaminophen use in elderly

    Maximum recommended dose is 3 g/day for pain management.

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    Risk-benefit discussion

    Consultation regarding the pros and cons of using antipsychotic medications for dangerous patients.

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    Topical pain therapies

    Transdermal lidocaine, diclofenac gel, and methyl salicylate cream are safe for localized pain.

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    Non-pharmacological interventions

    Techniques used to manage BPSD without medication, aimed at reducing symptoms.

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    Neuropathic pain medications

    Duloxetine, Gabapentin, and Pregabalin can treat neuropathic pain but may increase fall risk.

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    Risks of opioids vs Tramadol

    Tramadol has a higher risk of falls compared to other opioids in the elderly.

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    Caregiver training

    Education for caregivers on managing BPSD through understanding and de-escalation techniques.

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    Bathing without a Battle

    A protocol aimed at easing agitation during personal care like bathing.

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    Antipsychotics for agitation

    Second-generation antipsychotics treat agitation, but have small effect sizes and possible severe side effects.

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    FDA warning on antipsychotics

    Antipsychotics carry a black box warning for the elderly with dementia due to increased death risk.

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    Music therapy for BPSD

    A non-drug intervention shown to reduce overall behavioral symptoms in patients with dementia.

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    Massage therapy for depression

    A technique that may help reduce depression symptoms in dementia patients.

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    Antipsychotic dosing guidelines

    Starting doses: Aripiprazole 2 mg, Olanzapine 2.5 mg, Quetiapine 12.5 mg, Risperidone 0.25 mg for BPSD.

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    Aromatherapy

    Using scents to potentially enhance well-being and reduce agitation in dementia patients.

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    Incremental dose adjustment

    Increase antipsychotic doses in small increments every 2 weeks if necessary for treatment effectiveness.

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    Antipsychotics in Lewy Body Dementia

    Clinicians should avoid antipsychotics except Quetiapine, Pimavanserin, and Clozapine due to worsening motor symptoms.

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    Pimavanserin Approval

    Pimavanserin is FDA-approved for Parkinson's disease psychosis but has a black box warning.

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    Clozapine Monitoring

    Clozapine requires special monitoring and reporting when prescribed.

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    Antipsychotic Discontinuation Success

    Discontinuing antipsychotics often succeeds without worsening BPSD in most patients.

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    SSRI for BPSD

    SSRIs like Citalopram and Sertraline showed improvement in agitation symptoms associated with BPSD.

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    Citalopram and Dosing

    Citalopram began at 10 mg daily, shown to improve BPSD; similar efficacy to placebo in trials.

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    Start Low, Go Slow

    The mantra for treating BPSD with SSRIs emphasizes cautious titration to avoid worsening symptoms.

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    QT Interval Risk

    Both antipsychotics and certain SSRIs can prolong the QT interval, raising health risks.

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    Interprofessional healthcare team

    A coordinated team approach involving multiple healthcare disciplines to manage patient care effectively.

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    Role of nurses in BPSD

    Nurses are key in identifying, quantifying, and monitoring behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

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    Role of social workers

    Social workers connect family caregivers with resources like education, respite, and permanent placement options.

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    Communication in healthcare teams

    Clear communication among team members is crucial for effective management of BPSD and patient safety.

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    SSRI Effectiveness

    SSRIs like Citalopram are more effective than other antidepressants for responders and remitters, though evidence quality is lower.

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    Citalopram & Methylphenidate

    Combining Citalopram and Methylphenidate improves response rates in non-demented elderly without increased adverse effects.

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    Citalopram Dosing

    Elderly patients showed benefits from Citalopram doses above 20 mg daily, but benefits below this dose are unclear.

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    Drug-Drug Interactions

    Citalopram and Sertraline have fewer drug-drug interactions compared to Paroxetine or Fluoxetine, which affect cytochrome p450 enzymes.

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    Methylphenidate Use

    Methylphenidate can improve apathy and cognition with minimal side effects, though some patients may experience hallucinations.

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    ADMET Trial Findings

    In the ADMET trial, Methylphenidate had no significant cardiac impact but resulted in some weight loss among patients.

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    Pharmacotherapy Approach

    A systematic pharmacotherapy approach for BPSD includes establishing a clear baseline and allowing an adequate trial period for medications.

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    Caregiver Support

    Educating caregivers is vital, as behavior changes can be gradual and may require long-term observation to notice.

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    Study Notes

    Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia (BPSD)

    • Dementia is a colloquial term for major neurocognitive disorder (MND) as defined by DSM-5. It's characterized by cognitive decline and decreased daily functioning.
    • BPSD are neuropsychiatric symptoms that accompany dementia. They include a range of disturbances like delusions, hallucinations, apathy, anxiety, depression, or disinhibition.
    • BPSD significantly impact dementia prognosis and management.
    • BPSD involve emotional, perceptual, and behavioral disturbances related to psychiatric disorders.
      • Cognitive/perceptual: delusions, hallucinations
      • Motor: pacing, wandering, repetitive movements, physical aggression
      • Verbal: yelling, calling out, repetitive speech, verbal aggression
      • Emotional: euphoria, depression, apathy, anxiety, irritability
      • Vegetative: disturbances in sleep, appetite
    • Etiology is complex; a biopsychosocial model explains BPSD as interactions between biology, prior experiences, and the environment.
      • Brain volume reductions and decreased metabolism in prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, insula, and temporal lobes influence BPSD (emotional regulation, self-awareness, perception)
      • Dysregulation in cholinergic, noradrenergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmission is related to BPSD
      • Contributing factors include pre-morbid neuroticism, prior PTSD, caregiver communication, and environmental factors (sensory overload/under stimulation, extremes of temperature, loud noises).
    • Many possible etiologies cause dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson's disease.
    • Sundowning (evening behavioral disturbances) affects up to two-thirds of people with dementia.

    Epidemiology

    • Worldwide prevalence of dementia in 2016 was ~43.8 million, representing a significant increase from 1990.
    • A significant proportion (up to 97%) of community-dwelling individuals with dementia develop BPSD at some point, commonly depression or apathy.
    • Symptom severity increases with time and correlates with institutionalization.
    • Symptom presentation varies based on dementia type (e.g., delusions in Alzheimer's disease, disinhibition/eating disturbances in frontotemporal dementia)

    History and Physical Examination

    • Crucial to establish symptom priorities, characterize symptoms, and identify reversible exacerbating factors.
    • Assess the environment, medications, discomfort, substance use, and pre-existing psychiatric disorders.
    • Confirm historical information (consider 'sundowning') and identify alternative/contributing medical/psychiatric conditions.
    • Physical examination to identify factors like delirium, discomfort.
    • Focus on altered levels of consciousness, pain, fever, hypoxia, or localizing neurological deficits.

    Evaluation

    • Basic lab work (CBC, electrolytes, liver/kidney function, urinalysis, thyroid function tests, toxicology screen, head CT) for acute/subacute onset.
    • UTI is a frequent concern but prevalence is often high in institutions and overdiagnosis is possible.
    • Diagnostic testing should focus on the acute/subacute cases, and include other basic lab and imaging tests (if indicated by the examination).
    • Prioritize patient and caregiver safety—hospitalization may be needed for those who endanger themselves or others.

    Management

    • Choose appropriate setting (hospital for delirium, geropsychiatric unit/observation for safety concerns)
    • Treat discomfort (pain, constipation, urinary retention)
    • Non-pharmacological interventions (caregiver training, multisensory stimulation, aromatherapy) are often needed first
    • Pharmacological interventions (especially antipsychotics) are often considered for severe cases of agitation, aggression, or psychosis, however, must be monitored closely for side effects, and their use requires careful consideration and consideration of other interventions.
    • Consider empiric pain treatment for individuals with dementia-related agitation, starting with acetaminophen
    • Antipsychotics are often the main treatment, but benefit is limited and side effects are significant.
    • Non-pharmacological interventions are often more successful for long-term management.

    Differential Diagnoses for BPSD

    • Delirium
    • Schizophrenia
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Major depressive disorder
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder
    • CNS neoplasms

    Prognosis

    • Dementia is associated with reduced life expectancy.
    • BPSD correlate to a more rapid progression of dementia and earlier mortality.
    • BPSD contribute substantially to the overall impact of dementia on patients, caregivers, and society.

    Healthcare Team

    • Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for BPSD management. Nurses play a key role in recognizing and managing symptoms, as do social workers, physical therapists, and physicians.

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    Description

    Questions covering safe and effective pharmacological interventions for elderly patients. Includes pain management, topical treatments, and considerations for dementia and BPSD. Focuses on appropriate drug choices and avoiding adverse effects.

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