Introduction to Geriatric Syndromes

Geriatric syndromes such as falls, polypharmacy, frailty, and delirium are common challenges in the care of older adults and are major contributors to morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare utilization. This enduring material provides a case-based overview of these conditions, enabling clinicians to better identify, evaluate, and manage these complex and interrelated syndromes in real-world clinical practice.

The course takes a practical and systematic approach, enabling healthcare professionals to assess patient risk factors, apply evidence-based interventions, and tailor care plans that can prevent or mitigate adverse outcomes. Through illustrative clinical examples, learners gain insight into the challenges of diagnosing and treating geriatric syndromes, as well as the importance of early intervention and coordinated care.

This course meets the mandatory CE topic requirement in Geriatrics for nurses practicing in Texas and is an essential component of maintaining licensure and ensuring quality patient care in geriatric populations.

Educational Objectives

• Identify, define, and discuss examples of various geriatric syndromes, including falls, polypharmacy, frailty, and delirium.
• Describe the contribution of geriatric syndromes to morbidity and mortality in older persons.
• Implement a systematic approach to preventing and managing common geriatric syndromes in clinical settings.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is recommended for:

• Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Nurses (APRNs) in Texas are required to complete Geriatrics-focused CE for license renewal.
• Healthcare professionals involved in the direct care of older adults, especially in primary care, long-term care, or acute care settings.
• Clinicians seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in the prevention and management of falls, delirium, frailty, and medication-related risks in older people.

Did You Know?

• About 30% of adults over age 65 experience at least one fall per year, making falls the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults. [CDC]
• Polypharmacy, defined as taking five or more medications, affects nearly 40% of older adults and increases the risk of adverse drug events. [NIH]
• Delirium is associated with a twofold increase in the risk of death and long-term cognitive decline in hospitalized older adults. [Journal of Gerontology, 2019]
• Frailty significantly increases the risk of hospitalization, disability, and death, and affects approximately 10–15% of seniors over age 65. [Journal of the American Geriatrics Society]
• Early screening and management of geriatric syndromes can significantly reduce hospital readmissions and improve quality of life. [Health Affairs, 2021]