Geriatric Care and Elder Medicine Flashcards

An 80-year-old patient has a blood pressure of 152/84 mmHg. According to current US guidelines for elderly patients, what is the recommended BP target?

Answer: <130/80 mmHg

ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines recommend a BP target of <130/80 mmHg for most elderly patients when treatment is indicated.

Which type of urinary incontinence is most common in elderly women?

Answer: Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence (overactive bladder) is the most prevalent type of incontinence in older women and is characterized by sudden intense urge to void.

What is the first-line treatment for urge urinary incontinence in older adults that avoids anticholinergic side effects?

Answer: Bladder training and pelvic floor exercises

Behavioral therapies including bladder training and pelvic floor muscle exercises are first-line and preferred in older adults to avoid anticholinergic burden.

Which vitamin deficiency is extremely common in homebound elderly patients and contributes to falls and fractures?

Answer: Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in homebound elderly due to lack of sun exposure and impairs calcium absorption, increasing fall and fracture risk.

A geriatric patient taking five or more medications daily is at risk for which condition?

Answer: Polypharmacy

Polypharmacy is defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications and is associated with increased risk of adverse drug interactions and falls in the elderly.

Which assessment tool evaluates gait and balance to predict fall risk in older adults?

Answer: Timed Up and Go (TUG) test

The Timed Up and Go test measures the time to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, and return — a validated predictor of fall risk.