Geriatric Care and Elder Medicine Flashcards

Which validated tool is most commonly used to screen for cognitive impairment in a primary care setting?

Answer: Mini-Cog

The Mini-Cog combines a 3-item recall and clock-drawing test, providing a brief and validated dementia screening tool.

A 78-year-old male presents with acute confusion, fluctuating consciousness, and inattention. This presentation is most consistent with:

Answer: Delirium

Delirium is characterized by acute onset, fluctuating course, and inattention, distinguishing it from chronic progressive dementia.

Which medication class is most associated with fall risk in elderly patients?

Answer: Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines cause sedation, impaired balance, and psychomotor slowing, making them a major fall risk in older adults.

According to the Beers Criteria, which analgesic should be avoided in elderly patients due to risk of GI bleeding and renal impairment?

Answer: NSAIDs

NSAIDs are explicitly listed in the Beers Criteria as high-risk medications in older adults due to GI, renal, and cardiovascular adverse effects.

Which functional assessment tool evaluates basic activities of daily living (ADLs) in older adults?

Answer: Katz Index

The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living assesses bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding.

A 72-year-old woman with osteoporosis sustains a hip fracture from a minor fall. Which bisphosphonate is commonly used for fracture prevention in this setting?

Answer: Alendronate

Alendronate (a bisphosphonate) reduces fracture risk and is first-line pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.