Question 1

Skin colour, and level of consciousness are important in assessing the occurrence of which of the following conditions:&#10;A) Hypocalcaemia&#10;B) Hypoglycaemia&#10;C) Hypoxia&#10;D) Hypokalaemia

Accepted Answer

Skin color and level of consciousness are key indicators in assessing hypoxia. Hypoxia refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, and changes in skin color (such as cyanosis) and altered consciousness can be critical signs of this condition.

Question 2

Older people manifest more rigid arteries. This directly contributes to:&#10;A) Peripheral vascular disease&#10;B) Kyphosis&#10;C) Hypotension&#10;D) Hyperglycaemia

Accepted Answer

Rigid arteries contribute to peripheral vascular disease by reducing the elasticity necessary for proper blood flow, leading to conditions such as atherosclerosis. This does not directly cause kyphosis (a spinal condition), hypotension (low blood pressure), or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

Question 3

How can the damage due to prolonged pressure as a result of the older person's decreased ability to detect damage be prevented?&#10;A) Fluid restriction&#10;B) Offer regular fluid intake&#10;C) Frequent turning&#10;D) Provide high calorie diet

Accepted Answer

Frequent turning helps to relieve pressure on the skin and underlying tissues, preventing pressure ulcers in individuals with decreased ability to detect damage.

Question 4

Why should narcotic analgesia be given in small doses for older persons?&#10;A) Because of the increased risk of renal toxicity&#10;B) Because of the increased risk of respiratory depression&#10;C) Because of the increased risk of liver toxicity&#10;D) Because of the increased risk of CNS depression

Accepted Answer

Older persons are more susceptible to respiratory depression due to decreased physiological reserves and potential drug accumulation, necessitating smaller doses of narcotic analgesics.

Question 5

What is the drug of choice in treating delirium among the elderly?&#10;A) Haloperidol&#10;B) Clonazepam&#10;C) Diazepam&#10;D) Lorazepam

Accepted Answer

Haloperidol is commonly used to treat delirium in the elderly due to its effectiveness and lower risk of causing sedation and respiratory depression compared to benzodiazepines.

Question 6

Which among the opioid drugs should be AVOIDED in managing pain among the elderly due to a higher risk of delirium?&#10;A) Morphine&#10;B) Fentanyl&#10;C) Oxymorphine&#10;D) Pethidine

Accepted Answer

Pethidine (also known as meperidine) should be avoided in managing pain among the elderly due to its higher risk of delirium and neurotoxicity, especially because of its metabolite, normeperidine, which can accumulate, particularly in cases of renal impairment, a common issue in the elderly population.

Question 7

The term coined for the use of several drugs used together in the treatment of disease, suggesting arbitrary, unempirical prescriptions of superfluous medications for one person:&#10;A) Polydrug&#10;B) Polypharmacy&#10;C) Multiple drug syndrome&#10;D) Overdosage

Accepted Answer

Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple drugs by a patient, often implying the use of an excessive number of medications, which may be unnecessary or inappropriately prescribed, leading to potential negative interactions and side effects.

Question 8

Which among the following is an appropriate intervention to counter the risks of normal physiological gerontological change of reduced thickness of skin and loss of subcutaneous fat? Choose all of the correct answers. (Select all that apply.)

A) Provide proper clothing
B) Offer fluids regularly
C) Encourage to reposition regularly when sitting or lying
D) Hydrate skin with moisturiser
E) Provide a high fat diet

Accepted Answer

- A) Proper clothing can help protect thinner skin from injuries and maintain body temperature.- B) Offering fluids regularly helps maintain hydration, which is crucial for skin health.- C) Encouraging regular repositioning can help prevent pressure ulcers, especially in individuals with reduced subcutaneous fat.- D) Hydrating the skin with moisturizer can help counteract dryness and maintain skin integrity.

Deck 38: The Older Person