EMT Exam 10, Chapter 35 Geriatric

During the natural process of aging, the number of functional cilia in the respiratory system decreases, resulting in: A. a decreased ability to cough. B. baseline respiratory distress. C. an increased risk of COPD. D. air-trapping within the alveoli.

A

Sedentary behavior while healing from a hip fracture would MOST likely predispose the older patient to: A. pneumonia. B. osteoporosis. C. heart failure. D. ischemic stroke.

A

The purpose of the GEMS diamond is to: A. help EMS personnel remember what is different about elderly patients. B. provide the EMT with a standard format for assessing elderly patients. C. replace the typical ABC approach to patient care when caring for the elderly. D. provide clues about an elderly patient's problem by observing his or her home.

A

When explaining the need for a particular procedure to an elderly patient, you should: A. use plain language and simple terms. B. use the appropriate medical terminology. C. be complex so the patient fully understands. D. realize that he or she will not understand you.

A

Which of the following statements regarding the aging process is correct? A. Aging is a linear process; the rate at which a person loses functions does not increase with age. B. Because he or she is younger and healthier, a 35-year-old person ages slower than a 75-year-old person. C. Human growth and development peaks in the late 40s or early 50s, at which point the aging process sets in. D. The older a person gets, the slower the decline in the function of vital organs, such as the kidneys and liver.

A

You are dispatched to a skilled nursing care facility for an 80-year-old female with abnormal behavior. The patient is clearly confused and asks you if you are her husband. As your partner administers oxygen to the patient, you should: A. determine the patient's baseline mental status. B. inquire about a history of Alzheimer disease. C. obtain a complete list of the patient's medications. D. ask an attendant for the patient's medical records.

A

Causes of delirium in the older patient include all of the following, EXCEPT

Alzheimer disease

A "silent" heart attack occurs when: A. sweating is the only presentation. B. the usual chest pain is not present. C. a sudden dysrhythmia causes death. D. the patient minimizes the chest pain.

B

An older patient with significant dehydration would MOST likely present with: A. an increase in blood pressure upon standing. B. dizziness or fainting upon standing. C. weakness to one side of the body. D. a drop in heart rate upon standing

B

Talking about an elderly patient in front of him or her to other members of the family: A. often causes the patient to become paranoid and untrusting of your help. B. may cause the patient to think that he or she has no say in making decisions. C. will anger the patient and result in his or her refusal to accept care or transport. D. is usually beneficial because the patient's cognitive skills are typically impaired.

B

The EMT should suspect left-sided heart failure in the geriatric patient who presents with: A. fever and a cough that produces green sputum. B. tachypnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. C. jugular venous distention and peripheral edema. D. swelling of the lower extremities and weakness.

B

To minimize distractions and confusion when assessing an older patient, you should: A. dismiss the family members from the room or area. B. have only one EMT speak to the patient at a time. C. elevate your voice and speak directly to the patient. D. perform a physical exam and then talk to the patient.

B

Upon entering the residence of a geriatric patient with a medical or trauma complaint, the EMT should: A. immediately seek out a family member or other caregiver. B. observe for conditions that may make the residence unsafe. C. begin his or her assessment after gathering any medication bottles. D. talk to the patient after performing his or her primary assessment

B

When transporting a stable older patient to the hospital, the MOST effective way to reduce his or her anxiety is to: A. allow at least two family members to accompany the patient. B. transport him or her to a hospital that he or she is familiar with. C. avoid the use of a long backboard, even if trauma is suspected. D. perform frequent detailed assessments to gain the patient's trust.

B

Which of the following observations or statements represents the "E" in the GEMS diamond? A. Elderly patients present atypically and deserve your respect. B. The patient's residence is cold due to a malfunctioning heater. C. A patient is assisted with his or her activities of daily living. D. The patient's medications have not been filled in 2 months

B

A 69-year-old female was involved in a motor vehicle crash. She is semiconscious with a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg and a heart rate of 74 beats/min that is weak. Her daughter, who was uninjured in the crash, tells you that her mother has a history of hypertension and takes beta-blockers. Considering the fact that this patient is probably in shock, what is the MOST likely explanation for the absence of tachycardia? A. deterioration of the cardiac conduction system B. intrathoracic bleeding and cardiac compression C. the effects of her antihypertensive medication D. failure of the parasympathetic nervous system

C

Because of the complexity of the older patient and the vagueness of his or her complaint, you should: A. limit your physical examination to the area of pain or injury. B. rely exclusively on family members for the medical history. C. attempt to differentiate between chronic and acute problems. D. perform a rapid assessment on all geriatric patients you treat.

C

Findings during the social assessment of an older patient include all of the following, EXCEPT A. interaction with others. B. daily activity assistance. C. outdated medications. D. delays in obtaining meals.

C

General communication techniques with the elderly include: A. using medical terms to ensure patient understanding. B. explaining procedures while you are performing them. C. frequently asking the patient if he or she understands. D. having at least two EMTs talk to the patient at a time

C

In contrast to younger patients, older patients are more prone to a decrease in blood pressure upon standing because: A. their red blood cells are destroyed at a faster than normal rate. B. the aging process results in an overall increase in blood volume. C. the baroreceptors have become less sensitive to blood pressure. D. any change in position causes blood to be shunted to the brain.

C

When caring for a geriatric patient with a traumatic injury, it is important to consider that: A. geriatric patients usually present with little to no pain. B. decreased bone density often results in incomplete fractures. C. the injury may have been preceded by a medical condition. D. geriatric patients typically present with classic signs of shock.

C

Which of the following patients is at highest risk for a pulmonary embolism? A. 59-year-old male who is recovering from pneumonia B. 66-year-old active female with a history of hypertension C. 71-year-old male with recent surgery to a lower extremity D. 78-year-old female who takes blood thinning medications

C

Which of the following statements regarding a decreased level of consciousness in the elderly patient is correct? A. A decreased level of consciousness is not a normal part of the aging process. B. Most elderly patients have some deterioration in their level of consciousness. C. A decreased level of consciousness is most often the result of chronic dementia. D. The AVPU scale is an ineffective tool when assessing an elderly patient's level of consciousness

C

A productive cough, fever, and chills in an 80-year-old patient with a compromised immune system should make you MOST suspicious for: A. heart failure. B. bronchitis. C. emphysema. D. pneumonia.

D

An elderly patient may understate or minimize the symptoms of his or her illness because: A. the nervous system has deteriorated. B. of decreased perception of pain. C. of conditions such as dementia. D. he or she fears hospitalization.

D

The leading cause of death in the geriatric patient is: A. hypertension. B. altered mental status. C. arthritis. D. heart disease.

D

Which of the following statements regarding communications with the elderly is correct? A. The majority of elderly patients are hearing or visually impaired. B. Attempt to calm the elderly patient by using his or her first name. C. Explain the justification for a procedure after it has been completed. D. Older patients have difficulty understanding when they are stressed.

D

Which of the following is the MOST common mechanism of injury in older patients?

Falls

Which of the following is NOT a reason why the exact extent and prevalence of elder abuse is unknown?

Human resource agencies fail to investigate

Which of the following statements regarding suicide in the older patient is correct?

Older patients tend to use more lethal means than younger patients

Poor maintenance of home, poor personal care, and dietary neglect are all possible indicators of ____________ elder abuse

Physical

Osteoporosis is MOST accurately defined as

a decrease in bone mass and density

You receive a call for a sick person. When you arrive, you find the patient, a 75-year-old male, lying unresponsive in his bed. His respirations are slow and irregular and his pulse is slow and weak. His daughter tells you that he fell the day before, but refused to allow her to call 9-1-1. His past medical history is significant for hypothyroidism, deep vein thrombosis, heavy alcohol use, and liver cirrhosis. His medications include blood thinners and vitamins. You should be MOST suspicious that this patient is experiencing

a subdural hematoma

When assessing an older patient who has multiple bruises in various stages of healing, the EMT should do all of the following, EXCEPT:

accuse a caregiver of physical abuse

A specific legal document that directs relatives and caregivers regarding the medical treatment that may be given to patients who cannot speak for themselves is called a(n):

advance directive

Common causes of depression in the elderly include all of the following, EXCEPT:

an acute onset of dementia

A 73-year-old female experienced a syncopal episode while watching TV. She is now conscious, but is diaphoretic, tachycardic, and hypotensive. Your assessment reveals abdominal tenderness and a pulsating mass to the left of her umbilicus. You should be MOST suspicious for

an aortic aneurysm

Patients who have experienced even minor-appearing head injuries should be suspected of having a brain injury, especially if they

are taking blood-thinning medications

When assessing a 78-year-old female who complains of shortness of breath, the EMT should: A. give oxygen only if the patient has labored breathing. B. conclude that the patient is experiencing a heart attack. C. ask her how many pillows she uses when she sleeps. D. place the patient supine to see if the problem worsens.

ask her how many pillows she uses when she sleeps

When faced with a situation in which an older patient with a terminal illness is in cardiac arrest, but written documentation regarding the patient's wishes cannot be located, the EMT should:

attempt to resuscitate the patient.

When documenting a case of suspected elder abuse, it is MOST important for the EMT to:

avoid documenting any unsupported opinions

Clouding of the lenses of the eyes is called

cataracts

Syncope in the older patient is

caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain

The chief component of connective tissues and bones that deteriorates as people age is called:

collagen.

With age, the spine stiffens as a result of shrinkage of the intervertebral disc spaces, and the vertebrae become brittle. This increases the risk of

compression fractures

The slow onset of progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, and loss of cognitive function is known as:

dementia

When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, it is MOST important to:

determine the onset of the patient's symptoms

Upon arriving at the residence of an elderly female who apparently fainted, you find the patient lying supine on her living room floor. She is not moving and her eyes are closed. A neighbor tells you that she found the patient this way, but did not move her. When you gently tap the patient, she does not respond. You should:

direct your partner to manually stabilize her head while you quickly visualize her chest for signs of breathing

A 10% to 20% reduction in brain weight and volume would MOST likely increase an older person's risk for:

head trauma

You are assessing a 70-year-old female who complains of intense thirst, frequent urination, and dizziness. She has a history of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Her blood glucose level is 450 mg/dL. She is conscious, but confused. Her blood pressure is 92/52 mm Hg, her pulse rate is 130 beats/min and weak, and her respirations are 22 breaths/min and shallow. This patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with:

hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma (HHNC

An abdominal aortic aneurysm

is often the result of hypertension and atherosclerosis

In contrast to delirium, dementia

is usually considered irreversible

The stooped posture of some older people, which gives them a humpback appearance, is called:

kyphosis.

Motor nerve neuropathy is characterized by:

loss of balance, muscle weakness, and spasms

Fractures of the pelvis in older patients often occur as the result of a combination of:

osteoporosis and low-energy trauma

An older woman with osteoporosis presents with pain and deformity to her left hip after she shifted her weight onto her other foot. She has MOST likely experienced a(n):

pathologic fracture

When immobilizing a patient with a kyphotic spine to a long backboard, the EMT would MOST likely have to:

place blankets behind the patient's head

The use of multiple prescription drugs by a single patient, causing the potential for negative effects such as overdosing or drug interaction, is called:

polypharmacy

When caring for an elderly patient who is hearing-impaired, you should

recall that elderly patients have difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds

When performing your secondary assessment on an older patient who has been injured, it is important to:

recall that it will take a less severe mechanism of injury to cause significant injuries

When an elderly patient presents you with multiple over-the-counter medications that he or she is taking, it is MOST important to

recall that the patient is at risk for negative medication interactions

Blood levels of medications may rise in the elderly, sometimes to toxic levels. This is MOST likely due to:

renal insufficiency

You are dispatched to a residence for an 80-year-old female who fell. When you arrive, you find the patient conscious, lying in a recumbent position on the floor in her living room. In addition to providing the appropriate treatment, you should ask the patient if:

she became dizzy or fainted before falling

In contrast to a living will, a "do not resuscitate" (DNR) order becomes valid when:

the patient develops cardiac arrest

A 77-year-old female presents with an acute onset of altered mental status. Her son is present and advises that she has a history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, and glaucoma. He further advises that she takes numerous medications and that she is normally alert. When you assess this patient, it is important to note that:

the patient is experiencing delirious behavior, which suggests a new health problem

Many older victims of physical abuse may make false statements or lie about the origin of their injuries because:

they fear retribution from the abuser

Common causes of syncope in older patients include all of the following, EXCEPT:

vasoconstriction.