Mentation
This is the recognized delirium screening tool for older adults at MHH
What is bCAM?
To help identify potential drug interactions, this review of up-to-date list of of home medication is necessary on admission.
What is medication reconciliation?
This stereotype leaves older adults from important clinical decision making in the hospital. You may experience it if you live long enough
What is ageism?
Prolonged immobility in hospitalized older adults causes loss of ability to complete these activities independently .
What are activities of daily living (ADLs)?
This is an unmet need in the hospitalized older adult that can trigger delirium
What is pain, fear, need to void (incontinence/retention)?
This is the 3rd most common ailment (HTN, arthritis) in older adults and is a risk factor for depression, dementia, and delirium. You heard that right!
What is hearing loss/HOH?
Double Jeopardy
This is the alternate frequency for medications prescribed every 8 hours to limit sleep interruptions
What is Q8-06?
Estimated length of time for NPO status prior to scheduled surgery for hospitalized patient already on a clear liquid diet
What is 3 hours?
Double Jeopardy
Hospitalized older adults are encouraged to be OOB at least for this event.
What are meals?
Bedside sitters are encouraged to do this for older adults with delirium.
What is Engage/Mobilize the patient? OR
Distract from unsafe actions? OR
Reorient OR
Address unmet needs (voiding, thirst, hunger etc)
Double Jeopardy
Loss of functional independence, gradual or sudden can cause problems like pain intolerance, lack of personal hygiene, fatigue. You may need a PHQ-2
What is depression?
The use of muscle relaxants should be avoided in the geriatric population due to the risk of this. Keep this vital statistic from shifting less you fall
What is orthostatic hypotension OR hypotension?
Do not ask "What is the matter with you?". Instead asking __ is a better question to learn of patient's values
What is "What matters to you?"
Activities that help limit the complications of bedrest.
What are bed mobility exercises, ADL training, and sit to stand to sit?
Double Jeopardy
According to American Nursing Association, do not use this to treat behavioral & psychological symptoms of hospitalized older adults with dementia
What are physical restraints?
This item on the delirium screening test describes a patient who is easily distracted, has difficulty keeping track of what is being said, and has difficulty listing days of the week in reverse order during screening
What is inattention?
This postoperative complication can cause delirium, but treatment can cause the same. Manage carefully
What is pain?
Double Jeopardy
Emotional and physical are 2 of several forms of this issue in older adults. Skin inspection is sometimes helpful
What is elder abuse?
Activity/mobility level recommendations for hospitalized older adults should be based on this. Back to the basics.
What is their baseline activity level at home?
This impediment has respiratory and nutritional complications in older adults after hip fracture, particularly those with Parkinson's disease. You may need to call the therapist to address intake.
What is dysphagia?
This is a risk factor for hospital associated delirium for the frequent flyer. Been there, done that!
What is prior episode of delirium?
There may be some resistance with discussing this issue among older adults. If unattended, can cause poor appetite, urinary retention, and delirium.
What is Constipation?
Moisture and force are the enemy regardless of stage. Better take a look
This syndrome is recognized by decreased endurance, decreased physiologic function and increased vulnerability to stressors. It is responsible for poor outcomes in hospitalized older adults.
What is Frailty?
This problem causes cognitive deficits, altered immune function, increased risk of falls. Please hold the chatter, lights
What is sleep deprivation/abnormal circadian rhythm?