Pharmacology
These medications commonly cause confusion, constipation, urinary retention, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression and falls in geriatric patients
What are Opioids? (Lilley et al. 2021)
This wide spread body system often shows decreased elasticity with age.
What is the integumentary system?
(Skin Care and Aging, 2025)
During the scene assessment, this observation about the home can indicate potential neglect or the inability of self care in older adults.
What are poor living conditions (unkept or unsafe)?
(Caroline, 2021)
This progressive neurodegenerative disorder is the leading cause of dementia in older adults.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
(Caroline, 2021)
This final step of an invasive procedure should be modified due to the delicate nature of geriatric patient’s skin.
What is IV Tegaderm or taping. (Caroline, 2021)
This medication has been on the rise in the elderly population. This rise in usage has been attributed to the social effects covid-19 had on the geriatric population.
What are anti-depressants (Lilley et al, 2021)
With aging, this organ’s ability to filter blood declines, reducing drug clearance and increasing risk of toxicity.
What are the kidneys?
(Aging and Kidney Disease, n.d.)
This aspect of the GEMS diamond focuses on evaluating a geriatric patients support system, including loss of loved ones and need for help with daily living
What is social assessment?
(Caroline, 2021)
This chronic condition is often asymptomatic in older adults known as the silent killer but it significantly increases the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and kidney disease.
What is hypertension?
(Caroline, 2021)
This diamond shaped assessment acronym is used to help recall the key themes when caring for geriatric patients.
What is GEMS (Caroline, 2021)
Testing on which 2 organs is necessary in geriatrics to prevent drug toxicity?
What are the liver and kidneys (Lilley et al, 2021)
This cardiovascular change in older adults involves stiffening of arteries, often leading to increased systolic blood pressure.
What is arteriosclerosis?
(Stern et al., 2003)
The lack of this in a geriatric patient can increase risk of poor health outcomes, especially after the death of a spouse of close family members.
What is a social network or social support system?
(Caroline, 2021)
This metabolic disorder in older adults is characterized by insulin resistance and causes long term vascular complications.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
(Caroline, 2021)
This legal document can often be found in a green coloured sleeve.
What are Advanced Directives and or Goals of Care. (Advance Care Planning: Keep Important Information in a Green Sleeve, n.d.)
The geriatric population has reduced integrity of the blood brain barrier which causes increased sensitivity to what class of medications?
What is central nervous system depressants (Lilley et al. 2021)
Aging commonly reduces the efficiency of this respiratory structure, decreasing surface area for gas exchange.
What are alveoli?
(Welcome to the National Institute on Aging, 2026)
This type of maltreatment involves improper use of an older adult's funds, property or assets.
What is financial abuse?
(Caroline, 2021)
This bone condition results in decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures
What is osteoporosis?
(Caroline, 2021)
Within as little as 45 minutes these infection prone wounds may form on an elderly patient who is placed on a spinal board.
What are pressure ulcers? (Caroline, 2021)
As geriatric patients age, their stomach gradually reduces the production of hydrochloric acid. This reduction can have an effect on what phase in pharmacokinetics
What is the absorption phase? (Lilley et al, 2021)
This neurological change involves a decline in neurotransmitter levels like dopamine and acetylcholine, contributing to slower cognition and movement.
What is age related neurodegeneration?
(Brain Health, n.d.)
This combination of factors: Multiple medications, decreased support, poor living conditions increases the risk for this outcome
What is overall health decline?
(Caroline, 2021)
This irregular cardiac rhythm increases the risk of thrombus formation and stroke due to ineffective atrial contraction.
What is Atrial fibrillation?
(Caroline, 2021)
This mental phenomenon can occur when support systems or respite is unavailable to caregivers of an Alzheimer’s patient.
What is caregiver burnout? (Caring for Older Patients With Cognitive Impairment, 2023)