Geriatrics

Definition

Geriatrics is the medical and nursing specialty focused on the health and well-being of older adults (typically ≥65). Care addresses physiologic changes of aging, multiple chronic conditions, polypharmacy, cognitive and functional decline, and psychosocial needs.

Key Age-Related Changes

• Decreased renal and hepatic drug clearance
• Increased medication sensitivity
• Decreased cardiac output and reserve
• Sensory impairment (vision, hearing)
• Slowed gastric emptying and reduced thirst perception
• Decreased immune function
• Skin fragility

Priority Considerations

• Fall prevention (most common injury)
• Pain management (under-treatment common)
• Medication review (Beers Criteria for potentially inappropriate medications)
• Polypharmacy review
• Cognitive screening
• Advance directives and goals of care
• Elder abuse screening

NCLEX Relevance

Geriatric pharmacology: 'Start low, go slow.' Falls, delirium, and polypharmacy are recurring NCLEX topics.