Identify inappropriate medications for elderly patients

Definition: medications for which a better alternative drug exists and for which the potential risk outweighs the potential benefit.

DEFINITIONS

• Micro- or macroscopic perforation of a diverticulum caused in most patients by erosion of the diverticular wall by increased intraluminal pressure
• Complicated diverticulitis: presence of a perforation, obstruction, fistula or an abscess (25 percent of patients diagnosed for the first time present); nearly all require surgery.
• Uncomplicated diverticulitis treated with bowel rest and antibiotics needs surgery only in up to 30% of patients.
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Symptoms and signs

They are frequently milder and less specific than in younger adults.

An accurate history is more difficult to obtain because of:

• fear of loss of independence
• dementia
• cerebrovascular disease
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Challenges to obtain informed consent in the geriatric patient:

• Increased risk of dementia: it is important to determine whether the patient is able to understand, process and retain the information
• Significant dementia: representative (usually familly member) must be consulted regarding decisions about surgery and other treatments or end of life discussions.
• Hearing impairment and other sensory deficits difficults communication