NCCPA CAQ Geriatrics case studies
NCCPA CAQ Geriatrics · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) is an NCCPA specialty credential that a Board Certified PA can earn to demonstrate advanced expertise in a focused area of practice beyond the generalist certification. NCCPA describes the CAQ program as a way to "show your advanced expertise in your specialty." NCCPA is the only certifying organization for PAs in the United States, was established as a not-for-profit organization in 1974, and is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCPA CAQ Geriatrics case studies are 5 cases and about 3,358 words.
1Recurrent Falls, Orthostasis, and Polypharmacy After Fracture
An 82-year-old woman is seen 2 weeks after discharge for a fall with a wrist fracture. She has had six falls in 3 months and now uses a walker.
765 words, about 4 min2Postoperative Agitation After Hip Fracture Surgery
A 78-year-old man is postoperative day 1 after intramedullary nailing of a right hip fracture. He was independent, drove, and managed his own finances before admission.
662 words, about 3 min3Self-Neglect, Financial Exploitation Concern, and Decision-Making Capacity
A 74-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarthritis lives alone in a rent-controlled apartment. Over 4 months she has lost 8 kg (from 68 to 60 kg), has unopened mail, stained clothing, and an empty refrigerator except for canned soup.
685 words, about 3 min4Advanced Heart Failure, an ICD, and Conflict With the Health Care Agent
An 85-year-old man with New York Heart Association class III–IV heart failure, ejection fraction 25%, stage 4 CKD (eGFR 22), and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placed 4 years ago for primary prevention has had three admissions in 6 months for dyspnea, with inotropes twice. He says, “Do everything; I’m not ready to go.” His daughter, who is his health care agent, says, “He would never want to live like this; he told me he doesn’t want shocks.” He is alert and oriented, can name his medications and his daughter, but does not know his creatinine or prognosis.
659 words, about 3 min5Positive Urine Culture in a Nursing Home Resident With New Confusion
An 88-year-old woman with advanced Alzheimer disease lives in a nursing home. Baseline: nonverbal, total assistance with transfers, and no indwelling catheter.
587 words, about 3 min