Geriatric Pharmacology Flashcards
7 cards from real CCP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Geriatric Pharmacology flashcards as text
Which clinical framework provides a structured approach for deprescribing unnecessary medications in elderly patients through systematic review?
Answer: Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI)
The Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) evaluates 10 criteria for each medication to determine clinical appropriateness and guide deprescribing decisions.
An elderly patient with osteoporosis is on long-term corticosteroids. Which medication should the consultant pharmacist ensure is co-prescribed for bone protection?
Answer: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation plus bisphosphonate therapy
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis management requires both calcium/vitamin D supplementation and anti-resorptive therapy (bisphosphonate) for adequate bone protection.
Which strategy best describes the pharmacist's role in preventing medication-related falls in a 77-year-old with hypertension on three antihypertensives?
Answer: Review for orthostatic hypotension and recommend dose reduction or deprescribing of redundant agents
Reviewing for orthostatic hypotension and simplifying the antihypertensive regimen reduces fall risk while maintaining adequate blood pressure management in elderly.
A nursing home patient develops confusion after receiving diphenhydramine for insomnia. What is the mechanism underlying this reaction?
Answer: Diphenhydramine's anticholinergic properties impair central cholinergic neurotransmission
Diphenhydramine's strong anticholinergic activity blocks central muscarinic receptors, causing delirium, confusion, and cognitive impairment especially in the elderly.
Which age-related change in hepatic function primarily reduces the clearance of high-extraction drugs like propranolol and lidocaine?
Answer: Reduced hepatic blood flow
High-extraction drugs depend on hepatic blood flow for clearance; since blood flow decreases 30-40% with aging, these drugs' clearance falls and bioavailability increases.
A CCP is reviewing an 84-year-old's medication list and notes concurrent use of citalopram and tramadol. What primary interaction concern exists?
Answer: Additive QTc prolongation leading to arrhythmia risk
Both citalopram (dose-dependent QTc prolongation) and tramadol (serotonergic and QTc effects) can prolong the QT interval, increasing torsades de pointes risk when combined.
What target systolic blood pressure is generally appropriate for a frail 85-year-old with multiple comorbidities per current geriatric guidelines?
Answer: Less than 150 mmHg to avoid overtreatment harms in frail elderly
In frail elderly patients, aggressive BP lowering increases fall, syncope, and AKI risk; targets around 140-150 mmHg systolic are generally recommended to balance benefit and harm.