You are the medical consultant on call in a hospital where there is a frailty unit. One third of emergency admissions are aged over 80-years-old. Which of the following criteria will help you to determine whether or not the elderly patients being admitted are considered to be 'frail'?
Admitted with a fractured neck of femur
Aged 90 years or over
Has a history of Parkinson's disease
No next of kin available
Suffers from constipation
The criteria that can help determine whether or not elderly patients being admitted are considered 'frail' include being admitted with a fractured neck of femur, being aged 90 years or over, having a history of Parkinson's disease, the absence of a next of kin, and suffering from constipation.
Understanding Frailty in Elderly Patients
Frailty: Frailty is a common condition among elderly individuals, characterized by increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. As a medical consultant in a hospital with a focus on frailty, it is essential to assess and determine the frailty status of elderly patients being admitted to the facility.
Criteria for Determining Frailty
Admitted with a fractured neck of femur: One important criterion for determining frailty is if the patient is admitted with a fractured neck of femur. This type of fracture is often associated with frailty due to weakened bones and impaired mobility.
Aged 90 years or over: Advanced age is a major risk factor for frailty. Patients aged 90 years or older are more likely to be considered 'frail' due to the physical and cognitive decline associated with aging.
Has a history of Parkinson's disease: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that can contribute to physical and cognitive decline in elderly patients. A history of Parkinson's disease may indicate an increased risk of frailty.
No next of kin available: The absence of a next of kin can suggest a lack of social support for the elderly patient. Social support plays a vital role in maintaining health and well-being, and the lack of it can increase vulnerability to frailty.
Suffers from constipation: Constipation can be a sign of underlying health issues and impaired physical function in elderly patients. It is a common characteristic of frailty and should be considered when assessing the frailty status of a patient.
By evaluating these criteria, medical professionals can determine whether an elderly patient being admitted to the hospital is considered 'frail' and provide appropriate care and support based on their frailty status.