View source for General approach to EM geriatrics

==Background==
Generalized Approach to the Geriatric patient.

4 Basic Assessments.

*Medical
*Cognitive
*Functional
*Social

==Medical==
*Common acute illness presents atypically - generalize weakness = MI or Hyponatremia
*Vital signs often normal in illness
**beta blocked, lack temperature
*Labratory studies often nornmal
**no leukocytosis 
*Often consider polypharmacy

==Cognitive==
*assess memory and orientation; compare to baseline
**evaluate for deliruim
*important for assessing reliability of history and remembering dispo instructions

==Functional==
*Up to 3/4 of older patients present with chief complaint of functional decline
**ask about shortness of breath during episodes
*Basic ADLs
**walking, transferring, dressing, toileting
**get up and go test:ability to rise, ambulate 10 ft, turn around, and sit back down
*Instumental ADLs
**finances, taking medications, meal prep, driving
*Patients must be able to transfer and ambulate at a minimum to consider discharge by self

==Social==
*Supports
**who live with, family in town, anyone helps out?
*Living environment
**steps, hallways wide enough for walker, how far bathroom/kitchen from bedroom


==See Also==
*[[Geriatrics (main)]]

==References==
<references/>
ACEP Geriatric Video Series

[[Category:Misc/General]]