45,46 AEMT
Which of the following is TRUE regarding the elderly? A) A decrease in estrogen leads to increased cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women B) Cardiac output remains constant, but hypercholesterolemia and hypertension increase C) There is a marked increase in obesity which is associated with the onset of type 1 diabetes D) Osteoporosis can occur in both genders, but is especially common in men
A) A decrease in estrogen leads to increased cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women
The dysrhythmia commonly encountered as a result of the aging process is: A) Atrial fibrillation B) Sinus bradycardia C) Ventricular tachycardia D) Idioventricular
A) Atrial fibrillation
Which of the following would be an example of psychological abuse? A) Berating an elderly patient for incontinence B) Sedating a patient to keep him quiet C) Restraining a patient to prevent his wandering D) Distributing sexually explicit photos of a patient
A) Berating an elderly patient for incontinence
Speech impairment chiefly occurs because of four reasons: articulation disorders, voice production disorders, language disorders, and: A) Fluency disorders B) Mentation processing disorders C) Neurovascular disorders D) Glossal function disorders
A) Fluency disorders
You are called for a motor vehicle collisioninvolving two elderly women. You are concerned because you know that elderly patients are often prescribed blood thinner for cardiac problems. This can be a problem because? A) Impaired blood clotting can exacerbate blood loss B) It means they most likely have cardiac problems C) It increases their risk for pulmonary embolism D) It leads to diminished liver and kidney function
A) Impaired blood clotting can exacerbate blood loss
Patients with dementia often have reduced levels of melatonin which can lead to: A) Impairment of the sleep-wake cycle B) Decrease in calcium in the bones C) An increase in the inflammatory process D) Decreased absorption of medications
A) Impairment of the sleep-wake cycle
All of the following lead to an over accumulation of CSF in the brain EXCEPT: A) Increased acidity of CSF B) Overproduction of CSF C) Poor reabsorption of CSF D) Inadequate flow of CSF
A) Increased acidity of CSF
ou are called to a long-term care facility for a patient with altered mental status and a fever. The staff reports that the patient has an indwelling catheter and he has been passing dark colored urine. He is hypotensive with an SpO2 saturation of 87 percent. You should suspect: A) Life-threatening sepsis B) A severe spinal infection C) A blocked intraventricular shunt D) A contaminated ostomy bag
A) Life-threatening sepsis
You have been asked to deliver a talk about EMS and the geriatric population. Which one of the following points would you emphasize in your presentation? A) Many of the elderly have a combination of different diseases in various stages B) Assessment can be difficult since most persons older than 70 suffer from dementia C) Dementia is an inevitable part of the aging process D) Geriatrics actually comprises a small number of EMS calls and transports
A) Many of the elderly have a combination of different diseases in various stages
Which of the following devices are used to suction stomach contents in the event of an overdose or poisoning? A) NG or OG tube B) CPAP or BiPAP C) Hickman tube D) AV shunt
A) NG or OG tube
A patient with kyphosis has fallen and is complaining of numbness in both arms. Regarding immobilization, you should: A) Place pillows in voids between the patient and the long board B) Disregard immobilization and transport using lights and sirens C) Apply a cervical collar and transport in a semi-Fowler's position D) Transport fully immobilized and in a prone position
A) Place pillows in voids between the patient and the long board
You respond for an elderly female who has apparently taken the wrong medication. She tells you that she thought she took and aspirin for her headache, but instead she is feeling real tired. You check her medication and see that the aspirin looks like her sleeping pills. Which of the following likely lead to the problem? A) Presbyopia B) Presbycusis C) Menopause D) Proprioception
A) Presbyopia
Which of the following techniques will improve communication with a deaf patient? A) Speak normally while looking directly at the patient B) Exaggerate the pronunciation of your words C) Speak slowly and move your lips carefully D) Raise you voice somewhat and speak more slowly
A) Speak normally while looking directly at the patient
Which of the following would BEST prepare you to care for a special needs patient? A) Spend time working at a camp for special needs adults and children B) Working in the emergency department at the community hospital C) Complete some extra shifts on the ambulance working with a paramedic D) Interview a patient with hearing and speech disabilities
A) Spend time working at a camp for special needs adults and children
You are mentoring a new EMT. Which of the following could help your protégée understand the importance of treating a patient empathetically? A) Take him to an Assisted Living facility and introduce him to some of your regular patients B) Explain to him the various ways you can get a patient to give you a refusal C) Show him different ways that he can get another unit to take the calls on skid row D) Spend time showing him how to operate the airway equipment on the ambulance
A) Take him to an Assisted Living facility and introduce him to some of your regular patients
All of the following can lead to urinary retention EXCEPT: A) Urinary incontinence B) Medications C) Neurological problems D) Enlarged prostate
A) Urinary incontinence
Of the following patients, which would NOT be considered a patient with special challenges? A) A terminally ill patient B) A burn patient C) A dialysis patient D) A brain injured patient
B) A burn patient
All of the following can lead to malnourishment in the elderly population EXCEPT: A) Diminished salivation and gastric secretions B) A disruption of the sleep-wake cycle C) Decreased senses of taste and smell D) Decreased financial resources
B) A disruption of the sleep-wake cycle
Which of the following patients would benefit from using a CPAP machine? A) A patient with liver failure B) A patient with sleep apnea C) A paralyzed patient D) A dialysis patient
B) A patient with sleep apnea
You are called for an elderly man with chest pain but you have difficulty understanding him. His wife tells you that he has Bell's palsy which causes paralysis of facial nerves. You should suspect: A) Physical abuse B) An articulation disorder C) A language disorder D) A fluency disorder
B) An articulation disorder
You suspect that the bruising to the face of an 88-year-old woman is the result of abuse by her caregiver. On-scene which one of the following is MOST appropriate? A) Call law enforcement and wait with the patient for them to arrive B) Apply ice to the bruise and transport the patient to the ED C) Inconspicuously investigate the house for additional clues D) Confront the caregiver about your suspicion
B) Apply ice to the bruise and transport the patient to the ED
Which of the following would a COPD patient use at home? A) Mechanical ventilator B) CPAP or BiPAP C) Apnea monitor D) Groshong lines
B) CPAP or BiPAP
Alzheimer's is the MOST recognizable form of ________ in the elderly. A) Delirium B) Dementia C) Dysarthia D) Bipolar disorder
B) Dementia
The cumulative effects of vascular disease and inflammatory processes can lead to: A) Alzheimer's disease B) Dementia C) Proprioception D) Delirium
B) Dementia
Which of the following would be MOST appropriate when providing care for a blind patient? A) Interview the family members to collect information about the patient's problem B) Do not touch the patient without first letting him know what you are going to do C) Speak softly to the service dog so he will know you are not a threat to his owner D) Determine if the patient is also deaf and check to see if he has his hearing aid in
B) Do not touch the patient without first letting him know what you are going to do
A young man convinces his grandmother to take out a home equity line of credit to loan him $50,000 even though she lives on social security. He invested the money in a business that soon went bankrupt. Now, the bank is foreclosing on grandma and she has nowhere to go. This is an example of: A) Elder abuse B) Financial abuse C) Domestic abuse D) Psychological abuse
B) Financial abuse
A tube which is surgically inserted through the abdominal wall, directly into the stomach is called a(n): A) J tube B) G tube C) OG tube D) NG tube
B) G tube
In the elderly population, respiratory muscle function declines and the chest wall becomes less compliant. Which of the following can be a result of this deterioration? A) Increase likelihood of broken ribs B) Higher incidence of pneumonia in the elderly C) A build-up of mucus in the airways D) Pleuritic chest pain that is worse with inspiration
B) Higher incidence of pneumonia in the elderly
A hollow tube that is surgically placed in a ventricle of the brain extending to the abdomen is called a(n): A) Ostomy tube B) Intraventricular shunt C) Central venous catheter D) Tracheostomy tube
B) Intraventricular shunt
Which of the following is TRUE regarding home oxygen equipment? A) An oxygen concentrator can deliver up to 95 percent oxygen B) Liquid oxygen lasts much longer than compressed gas C) They can be complicated and require frequent servicing D) They are connected to a dehumidifier and oxygen cylinder
B) Liquid oxygen lasts much longer than compressed gas
You are interviewing an elderly patient about his eyesight. He tells you that he has good peripheral vision, but has diminished central vision. You should suspect: A) Glaucoma B) Macular degeneration C) Proprioception D) Confabulation
B) Macular degeneration
Which of the following is an example of an implanted venous access port? A) Broviac B) MediPort C) Hickman D) Groshong
B) MediPort
Which of the following statements about pneumonia in the elderly patient is FALSE? A) It may have a bacterial or viral cause B) Pain may be referred to the umbilicus C) It may present without any fever D) It may be community acquired or nosocomial
B) Pain may be referred to the umbilicus
Signs and symptoms of ______________include postural rigidity, tremors, and loss of facial expression. A) Alzheimer's disease B) Parkinson's disease C) Meniere disease D) Starling's disease
B) Parkinson's disease
You have been called for a 91-year-old woman who fell. Since your assessment reveals bruises to her body in various stages of healing and inconsistencies in information related to the fall from her family, you are suspicious of geriatric abuse. Your BSET action would be to: A) Notify the Office of Elder Affairs prior to leaving the scene B) Quietly transport and inform the emergency department physician C) Confront the family members regarding your suspicions D) Have the EMS supervisor contact the patient's primary care physician
B) Quietly transport and inform the emergency department physician
Which of the following would be appropriate to care for an elderly patient? A) Cut away excess clothing when trying to examine the chest B) Recheck breath sounds after the patient has taken a few breaths C) Apply more pressure to open the airway if the neck is stiff D) Pad the cervical collar with extra padding to keep it snug
B) Recheck breath sounds after the patient has taken a few breaths
Decreased clearance of drugs that are metabolized by the liver may contribute to: A) Constipation and bowel obstruction B) Signs and symptoms of drug overdose C) Increased risk of infection D) Impaired proprioception
B) Signs and symptoms of drug overdose
Which of the following would be typical for a patient in hospice care? A) As death nears, the patient is weaned from pain medications B) The patient and family have regular visits from a social worker C) The patient is transported to the hospital for weekly evaluation D) Pain medications are used to keep the patient sedated
B) The patient and family have regular visits from a social worker
Your patient states that he "passed out" and fell down. He regained consciousness a few moments later, but had shortness of breath and sharp chest pain. Which one of the following in the patient's history is of greatest concern? A) He had hip surgery two years ago B) The patient states his left calf is tender and painful C) The patient took nitroglycerin and now has a headache D) The patient injured his wrist when he fell
B) The patient states his left calf is tender and painful
You are called for an elderly man with an apparent broken hip. The patient tells you that he has osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes. He denies falling and cannot remember any trauma. You should suspect: A) Decreased range of motion B) Osteoarthritis C) A pathological fracture D) An associated spinal injury
C) A pathological fracture
You are assessing an elderly patient who was just released from the hospital following surgery to replace a knee joint. The patient is complaining of shortness of breath, sharp pain with breathing, and is anxious. Vital signs are: blood pressure 90/66, pulse 110, rate 34. The BEST treatment for this patient is to: A) Administer oxygen, establish an IV, and rapidly infuse fluids B) Have the patient re-breathe CO2 from a paper bag until ventilations decrease C) Administer oxygen, establish an IV, and keep TKO unless needed D) Begin positive pressure ventilation via BVM using 100 percent oxygen
C) Administer oxygen, establish an IV, and keep TKO unless needed
Which of the following patients would be the MOST likely to be abused? A) A 68-year-old man with asthma B) A 62-year-old woman with dementia C) An 82-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease D) A 74-year-old man with incontinence
C) An 82-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease
Which of the following is NOT one of the problems commonly encountered by a patient who is paralyzed? A) Respiratory infections B) Urinary tract infections C) Blocked intraventricular shunts D) Decubitus ulcers
C) Blocked intraventricular shunts
A common condition that affects the elderly and causes an impairment of vision is/are: A) Chemical conjunctivitis B) Astigmatism C) Cataracts D) Blindness
C) Cataracts
You are called for an elderly woman who fell. She called 911 saying she hurt her head when she fell. When you arrive, her husband tells you that she is fine and doesn't need you. You can see her in the background and she appears to be bleeding from a head wound and is crying. You should suspect: A) Psychological abuse B) She is not really injured C) Domestic abuse D) Sexual abuse
C) Domestic abuse
Orogastric tubes are: A) Slightly smaller than a nasogastric tube B) Inserted through the nose C) Inserted through the mouth D) Slightly shorter than a nasogasatric tube
C) Inserted through the mouth
What is the MOST common complication associated with a tracheostomy tube? A) Air leakage around the cuff B) Tube dislodgement C) Mucus obstructing the tube D) Infection at the stoma
C) Mucos obstructing the tube
You are called for an elderly man who "is not acting right". The man's son says that they were just leaving for a short vacation but grandpa is sick and needs to go to the hospital. During your assessment, you notice numerous bed sores on the patient's backside and bruises on his arms and legs. Other than his physical condition, he appears to be okay. You should: A) Tell the son the you know he is trying to dump his father so he can leave on vacation B) Ask the son about the bruises on grandpa and how they got there C) Package the patient for transport to the hospital and notify the staff of your suspicions D) Treat the patient's bedsores and turn him so they won't get any worse
C) Package the patient for transport to the hospital and notify the staff of your suspicions
An elderly patient presenting with pneumonia may experience no fever but frequently will complain of: A) Nausea and vomiting B) Profuse sweating C) Pain referred to the abdomen D) Pulmonary edema
C) Pain referred to the abdomen
You are called for an elderly man with what appears to be pleuritic chest pain. Further assessment shows he has pain in the lower leg with increased calf pain when he flexes his toes upwards. You should suspect: A) Acute pulmonary edema B) Referred pain from appendicitis C) Pulmonary embolism D) Aortic aneurysm
C) Pulmonary embolism
When dealing with a patient with a mental and emotional impairment, it is important that you: A) Have law enforcement personnel standing by B) Restrain the patient before they become aggressive C) Recognize that these patients can be a threat to your safety D) Are prepared to chemically sedate the patient if necessary
C) Recognize that these patients can be a threat to your safety
You are on-scene with a two-year-old girl. Which of the following would MOST likely indicate neglect or abuse? A) She cries as you attempt to assess her B) She is dirty and has bad breath C) She has bruises on her legs and torso D) She is wearing a dirty diaper
C) She has bruises on her legs and torso
You respond for a 66-year-old man complaining of severe pain on the back of his neck and right shoulder. You examine the area and see fluid filled blisters in a horizontal line across his shoulder. You should suspect: A) Kyphosis B) Spondylosis C) Shingles D) Chicken pox
C) Shingles
Emergencies involving a patient with a tracheostomy tube generally results from which of the following? A) The tube fails or ruptures, or the tube becomes dislodged B) The tube splits from excess airway pressures or becomes occluded C) The tube becomes plugged with mucus, or the tube becomes dislodged D) The tube softens, or becomes occluded with foreign material
C) The tube becomes plugged with mucus, of the tube becomes dislodged
Which of the following is TRUE regarding ostomy bags? A) They divert urine from the patient's urinary bladder B) A common complication is a urinary tract infection C) They collect feces directly from the patient's colon D) They collect excess CSF from an intraventricular shunt
C) They collect feces directly from the patient's colon
Which of the following conditions will put the elderly patient at risk for drug toxicity? A) Loss of total fluid volume B) Decreased fat stores C) Polypharmacy D) All of the above
D) All of the above
The branch of medicine that deals with the management of obese patients is called: A) Adipositics B) Lipidenosis C) Steatpheresis D) Bariatrics
D) Bariatrics
To BEST communicate with a geriatric patient who has diminished hearing, the AEMT should do which one of the following? A) Increase both the pitch and volume of your voice B) Ask the family members about the patient's history C) Try to communicate using sign language D) Be sure the patient has his hearing aid in place
D) Be sure the patient has his hearing aid in place
Which of the following can increase the potential for organ injury in blunt trauma in the elderly? A) Decreased bone density B) Decreased sensitivity to pain C) Decreased circulation to the organs D) Decreased amount of adipose tissue
D) Decreased amount of adipose tissue
Which of the following would demonstrate empathy for a patient? A) Advise an alcoholic that he must quit drinking if he hopes to get better B) Talking to a COPD patient about the dangers of smoking cigarettes C) Tell a patient that it would be less expensive to take a cab to the hospital D) During a cold snap, try to locate a jacket for a homeless man
D) During a cold snap, try to locate a jacket for a homeless man
Which of the following is another term for an articulation disorder? A) Dysrhythmias B) Dysphasia C) Dysphoria D) Dysarthria
D) Dysarthria
There is a high prevalence of urinary tract infection in patients with ___________. A) Diabetes B) Urinary incontinence C) Diarrhea D) Foley catheters
D) Foley catheters
All of the following may require the use of an ostomy bag as a result of medical conditions EXCEPT: A) Diverticulitis B) Colon cancer C) Crohn's disease D) Hydrocephalus
D) Hydrocephalus
Pain that worsens with movement of the chest wall during inspiration is called ________ pain. A) Acute B) Somatic C) Visceral D) Pleuritic
D) Pleuritic
An elderly man mistakenly presses the gas pedal instead of the brake causing him to crash through convenience store. This scenario is commonly related to: A) Dementia B) Confabulation C) Alzheimer's disease D) Proprioception
D) Proprioception
It is important to remember that emergencies may NOT present with the normal signs and symptoms experienced by younger populations because: A) Poor skin turgor diminishes pain sensations B) Hyperreflexia is present in the elderly C) The brain is unable to interpret signals D) Sensations may be seriously diminished
D) Sensations may be seriously diminished
Among the following, who is the MOST likely to be the abuser of a child? A) The child's kindergarten teacher B) A babysitter who sits regularly C) A brother or sister of the child D) Someone he knows and trusts
D) Someone he knows and trusts
Degeneration of the vertebrae and intervertebral disc caused by ____________, can affect the neck and back, limiting mobility and increasing the risk for spine injury. A) Arthritis B) Pathological fractures C) Osteoporosis D) Spondylosis
D) Spondylosis
Which of the following is a concern when caring for bariatric patients? A) They often require medical equipment for day-to-day living B) They usually live in nursing homes or other medical facilities C) They require higher concentrations of oxygen D) Supine positioning can lead to respiratory difficulty
D) Supine positioning can lead to respiratory difficulty
All of the following are common causes of seizures in the elderly EXCEPT: A) Epilepsy B) Stroke C) Brain injury D) Syncope
D) Syncope
Which one of the following BEST describes the term "silent heart attack"? A) The pain did not radiate into the arms, neck, or back B) The patient had a single episode of chest pain followed by cardiac arrest C) The chest pain was so intense the patient could not speak D) The patient had little to no chest pain or discomfort
D) The patient had little to no chest pain or discomfort
All of the following are risk factors for elder abuse EXCEPT: A) The caregiver has other responsibilities besides caring for the elder patient B) The patient is wheelchair bound and incontinent C) The elderly patient is destitute and must depend on family for housing D) The patient is 68-years-old and plays golf every day
D) The patient is 68 years old and plays gold every day
Which of the following is TRUE regarding myocardial infarction in the elderly? A) They are more likely to present with classic symptoms B) They usually complain of more severe symptoms C) They are less likely to have cardiac enzyme elevation D) They are less likely to present with classic symptoms
D) They are less likely to present with classic symptoms
