Volume 5, Chapter 5

What organization has been recognized as one of the largest and most vocal groups that is advocating for the​ elderly? A. Medicare Part B B. AARP C. DOD D. ODPS

B. AARP

What percentage of the population are the​ elderly, those over the age of​ 65, expected to represent by the year​ 2040? A. 20 percent B. 30 percent C. 10 percent D. 50 percent

A. 20 percent

What is the generic term or description that is used for legal documents that determine or direct health care providers on what to do when a person becomes incapacitated or is dying and is not capable of making decisions for himself or​ herself? A. Advance directives B. Do not resuscitate order C. Health care proxy D. Comfort care measures

A. Advance directives

Chlorpromazine​ (Thorazine) is an example of what type of​ drug? A. Antipsychotic B. Benzodiazepine C. Anticoagulant D. Antidepressant

A. Antipsychotic

What is the abnormal eye condition that occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and diminishes​ eyesight? A. Cataracts B. Glaucoma C. Tinnitus D. Irisitis

A. Cataracts

What is the term applied to the situation in which an individual is suspected of exploiting the material possessions of the elderly​ person? A. Financial abuse B. Credit abuse C. Material abuse D. Emotional abuse

A. Financial abuse

You respond to a call for a​ 74-year-old patient who fell in the shower 10 minutes ago and now​ can't move. For what would you have the least​ suspicion? A. Hypothermia B. ​Hot-water burns C. Hip fracture D. ​Soft-tissue injuries

A. Hypothermia

What program for funding health care for the elderly shares the resources of both the federal and state​ governments? A. Medicaid B. Medicare C. American Association of Retired People D. Medical Supplement Program

A. Medicaid

About how many people over the age of 85 live​ alone? A. Nearly 50 percent B. Nearly 15 percent C. 20dash40 percent D. 30dash45 percent

A. Nearly 50 percent

While transporting an elderly patient to the​ hospital, you get to talking with your partner and find that you both suspect that your patient is a victim of abuse. What should you do with this​ concern? A. Notify the law enforcement or the appropriate social services agency and the medical personnel to whom you are transferring patient care of your suspicions B. Let the suspected abuser know that there is no way the​ patient's injuries could have occurred in the way that has been described to you C. Tell the suspected abuser that there is no law against what he or she is doing but that knowing what happened is important for making sure the patient receives the proper care D. Ask the patient whether the suspected abuser is taking advantage of him or her financially

A. Notify the law enforcement or the appropriate social services agency and the medical personnel to whom you are transferring patient care of your suspicions

Which of the following is not a leading cause of trauma in the​ elderly? A. Polypharmacy B. Burns C. Motor vehicle collisions D. Falls

A. Polypharmacy

What negative feedback system for hypothermia is not very effective in the elderly patient whose core temperature is​ dropping? A. Shivering B. Tachypnea C. Vasodilation D. Increased BGL

A. Shivering

Why must the paramedic always keep a high index of suspicion whenever trying to gather the chief complaint and medical history from an elderly person who lives​ alone? A. The elderly may underreport problems. B. The elderly may be trying to save money by not going to the hospital. C. The elderly often exaggerate their problem in order to get out of the house for a while. D. The elderly may not be able to understand the questions you are asking.

A. The elderly may underreport problems.

Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the characteristics of an abused geriatric​ patient? A. They have chosen to accept the abuse. B. The patient is often noncommunicative. C. The elderly person is typically dependent on others for daily care. D. The victim may be of a low socioeconomic status.

A. They have chosen to accept the abuse.

You have arrived at an elder care facility for a geriatric patient with mild dyspnea. You are advised by the nursing staff that the patient also has a visual disturbance secondary to cataracts. Which of the following would be the best strategy to improve communication with this​ patient? A. Try to place yourself directly in front of the patient to make it easier to see you. B. Position yourself to either the right or left side of the​ patient, depending on the​ patient's preference. C. Approach the patient from behind to limit the amount of ocular muscle movement. D. Before getting to the​ bedside, ask the patient to ambulate toward you so that you can assess visual acuity and gait.

A. Try to place yourself directly in front of the patient to make it easier to see you.

When you suspect geriatric​ abuse, your best course of action is​ to: A. advise the ED staff upon arrival at the hospital. B. confront only the primary caregiver. C. make a mental note of your suspicions for future reference. D. confront all the individuals responsible for the​ patient's care.

A. advise the ED staff upon arrival at the hospital.

When gathering the history of an elderly​ patient, you​ should: A. be prepared to spend time and give the patient opportunities to rest. B. refrain from questions about the​ patient's medication regimen. C. primarily question caregivers instead of the patient. D. complete the history in a single uninterrupted session.

A. be prepared to spend time and give the patient opportunities to rest.

Diabetes mellitus is more common in the elderly with a greater possibility of hyperglycemia because of changes in​ the: A. endocrine system. B. genitourinary system. C. renal system. D. gastrointestinal system.

A. endocrine system.

The wall of the left ventricle may thicken and enlarge by as much as 25 percent in an elderly​ patient, a process​ called: A. hypertrophy. B. stenosis. C. fibrosis. D. hypotension.

A. hypertrophy.

Your​ 74-year-old patient has a cataract over her left eye. You​ should: A. position yourself in view of her right eye. B. position yourself on her left side. C. stay outside of touching distance. D. speak loudly.

A. position yourself in view of her right eye.

A​ 73-year-old patient in respiratory failure who seems to have suffered blunt trauma the chest and is bleeding from the mouth has dentures that are impeding your management of the​ patient's airway. You​ should: A. remove the dentures. B. assess the trauma to the chest first. C. suction the blood first. D. intubate the patient with dentures in place.

A. remove the dentures.

Loss of what connective tissue causes decreased skin​ elasticity? A. Tendons B. Collagen C. Ligaments D. Cartilage

B. Collagen

Which of these descriptions illustrates an expected​ age-related change in signs and symptoms associated with illnesses in the​ elderly? A. A​ full, bounding pulse resulting from shock B. Complaints of​ weakness, fatigue, and epigastric pain rather than of classic chest pain with myocardial infarction C. Bradypnea as an early sign of hypoxia D. Increased likelihood of fever with pneumonia

B. Complaints of​ weakness, fatigue, and epigastric pain rather than of classic chest pain with myocardial infarction

You are speaking at a community event where there are a number of elderly attendees. Your purpose is to discuss home safety for the elderly patient who lives alone. During this​ talk, which of the following things can you include as a true​ fact? A. Falls occur more often to elderly patients than to people in any other age demographic. B. Falls are the leading cause of accidental death in the elderly population. C. It is possible to make your home safe enough that you will never risk falling again. D. Most falls by elderly patients are intrinsic not preventable.

B. Falls are the leading cause of accidental death in the elderly population.

Which of the following would increase the risk of hyperthermia in the elderly​ patient? A. Use of​ beta-blocker drugs B. History of alcoholism C. Hypothyroidism D. Hypoadrenalism

B. History of alcoholism

What governmental program is designed in a​ two-part complementary system that covers​ in-hospital care by one part and outpatient care in another​ part? A. Medical Supplement Program B. Medicare C. Medicaid D. American Association of Retired People

B. Medicare

Which of these best describes the responsibility of a paramedic who suspects that a geriatric patient has been abused by the​ patient's care​ provider? A. Report suspicions to the physician who will be assuming responsibility for the patient B. Notify the appropriate authorities and the medical personnel who will be assuming care of the patient C. Transport the suspected abuser with the elderly patient to ensure that police will be able to locate the person D. Request a supervisor unit to response to the scene to manage the situation

B. Notify the appropriate authorities and the medical personnel who will be assuming care of the patient

Which of the following conditions occurs as a result of loss of minerals in bone​ tissue, leading to an increase in bone fractures if the elderly patient​ falls? A. Skeletal hypertrophy B. Osteoporosis C. Osteoarthritis D. Kyphosis

B. Osteoporosis

You respond to a​ 78-year-old patient with a myocardial infarction who is bedridden in a nursing home. You discover when assessing the patient that she has a​ large, severe pressure ulcer on her lower back. Which consideration is inappropriate for this​ patient? A. Clean the ulcer with normal saline solution. B. Pack the ulcer with dry woven gauze C. Use a pull sheet to move the patient. D. Pad areas of the​ patient's skin prior to movement.

B. Pack the ulcer with dry woven gauze

What is a common occurrence in the elderly that results from multiple chronic conditions leading to medication​ toxicity? A. Medication intolerance B. Polypharmacy C. Medication liberation D. Hypermedication

B. Polypharmacy

A​ 69-year-old patient has burned his hand on the stove. The burn is a partial thickness burn because he did not realize at first his hand had begun burning. You treat the burn and begin administering fluids. As you assess the​ patient's hydration, what is not a sign you would​ use? A. Blood pressure B. Pulse oximetry C. Pulse D. Urine output

B. Pulse oximetry

Your geriatric patient is experiencing a behavioral emergency. You believe that it is from delirium rather than dementia. Which of the following findings would support that delirium is​ present? A. A history of​ Alzheimer's disease B. Rapid onset of behavior change C. Slow onset of behavior change D. A diagnosed irreversible brain disorder

B. Rapid onset of behavior change

You suspect your elderly patient is suffering from a reaction to​ Lisinopril, an ACE​ inhibitor, in addition to diarrhea. Which​ sign/symptom would lead you to believe​ this? A. Anaphylaxis B. Significant hypotension C. Slurred speech D. ​Low-grade fever

B. Significant hypotension

Which of the following is not a strategy that would help prevent the onset of a heat emergency such as heatstroke in a geriatric​ patient? A. Reducing activity levels outside B. Taking a salt pill before attending an outside event C. Wearing light clothing D. Ensuring adequate fluid intake

B. Taking a salt pill before attending an outside event

What may indicate that an elderly patient has poor living​ conditions? A. The patient typically prepares her own meals. B. The house is unusually cold. C. The patient is taking a variety of medications to manage various illnesses. D. The​ patient's house is exceptionally clean.

B. The house is unusually cold.

You are immobilizing a geriatric patient with scoliosis of the spine to a backboard after the patient fell at home and experienced a neurological deficit in the lower extremities. Because of the​ scoliosis, the​ patient's head is still several inches from the backboard when positioned. What should you​ do? A. Put gentle pressure on the​ patient's shoulders to get the ligaments to relax until the head is resting properly B. Use padding behind the​ patient's head to fill the void C. Place a larger cervical collar on the patient to help displace the occipital region of the head back further D. Abandon any attempts to immobilize the​ patient, and transport the patient on the cot

B. Use padding behind the​ patient's head to fill the void

For any patient presenting with altered mental​ status, you​ should: A. administer glucose. B. administer oxygen if the patient becomes hypoxic. C. assume the cause is dehydration. D. assume the cause is stroke.

B. administer oxygen if the patient becomes hypoxic.

One of the first things an elderly person has to overcome after retiring is the societal effect​ of: A. hypertension. B. ageism. C. depression. D. ​Alzheimer's disease.

B. ageism.

A​ 78-year-old male complains of a headache that he calls a migraine. The headache began about four hours ago and has gotten worse. He is also starting to feel nauseated and is having​ "foggy" thinking. You question the patient and determine that he has never had a history of migraines. He tells​ you, "No, this is the first​ one, but​ it's a​ doozy!" You suspect this patient might be experiencing a stroke. You​ should: A. look for evidence of drug or tobacco use. B. complete a stroke assessment. C. transport the patient immediately to a trauma center. D. perform a full physical examination.

B. complete a stroke assessment.

Because of a loss of elasticity and hardening of​ arteries: A. patient assessment is more difficult. B. hypertension is common among the elderly. C. there is a delay in the appearance of symptoms with head injury. D. environmental emergencies are more common.

B. hypertension is common among the elderly.

Over half of the elderly population over the age of 75 say that they​ feel: A. depressed. B. lonely. C. suicidal. D. all of the above.

B. lonely.

A silent myocardial infarction is a myocardial infarction​ that: A. is confused with angina pectoris. B. occurs without exhibiting obvious signs and symptoms. C. occurs without the person suffering the infarction seeking medical attention. D. afflicts someone in a population with limited access to medical care.

B. occurs without exhibiting obvious signs and symptoms.

A​ 72-year-old patient was struck in the head from a falling box while organizing his garage. He felt acute pain at first but feels better​ now, and the point of impact shows only a light bruise with minimal and easily controlled bleeding. Your index of suspicion should be high​ for: A. injury to the cervical spine. B. traumatic brain injury. C. spondylosis. D. osteoporosis.

B. traumatic brain injury.

You are giving the bedside report to the ED staff for an elderly patient who you think was abused. What is the best way to say this to the​ staff? A. ​"These injuries are pretty bad. I think that he is getting beat up by the​ family." B. ​"I don't think that these injuries match the mechanism that the family reported to have caused​ them." C. ​"I don't know about​ you, but if you met this​ man's family, you would think they were the ones abusing​ him." D. ​"I think this​ man's son is abusing​ him."

B. ​"I don't think that these injuries match the mechanism that the family reported to have caused​ them."

You are on scene with an elderly patient who lives alone and is complaining of dizziness and weakness. The patient also states that she has had a depressed appetite for the past week. What should you say to the patient if she is considering not getting transported​ now? A. ​"Since your complaints are not all that​ bad, maybe you should wait until Monday morning to call your family​ doctor." B. ​"Your complaints are common for an elderly​ person, but you should still be seen at the hospital to make sure everything is​ okay." C. ​"Your complaints are normal for a person your​ age, so really there is nothing to worry​ about." D. ​"Just stay at home and relax. If things​ don't get better in the next day or​ two, then call 911​ again."

B. ​"Your complaints are common for an elderly​ person, but you should still be seen at the hospital to make sure everything is​ okay."

What has been defined as the​ best-known form of​ dementia? A. ​Wernicke's B. ​Alzheimer's C. Organic D. ​Parkinson's

B. ​Alzheimer's

You are transporting a geriatric patient who you feel may be a victim of elder abuse at the group home where the patient lives. What should you​ do? A. Do nothing unless you actually see abuse happen. B. Call the facility on your cell phone and ask to speak with the coordinator so that you can find out whether he or she thinks abuse is occurring. C. Advise the receiving facility of your suspicions. D. Keep this in mind for next time you transport from this facility so that you can try to find more evidence.

C. Advise the receiving facility of your suspicions.

Which statement regarding the respiratory system in the elderly is​ true? A. Maximum oxygen uptake tends to increase as much as 70 percent by age 65. B. Vital capacity may be reduced by as much as 65 percent by age 50. C. Any presence of underlying pulmonary diseases tends to reduce respiratory function. D. Maximum breathing capacity decreases as much as 70 percent by age 60.

C. Any presence of underlying pulmonary diseases tends to reduce respiratory function.

You are taking the history of a​ 78-year-old female patient with hypoglycemia. The patient has been answering your questions but seems to be growing tired. What should you​ do? A. Stop history taking for this patient. B. Inform the patient that an accurate history is necessary for proper treatment. C. Ask the patient if she needs to stop and give her a break before continuing. D. Tell the patient that it will only take a little longer and to bear with you.

C. Ask the patient if she needs to stop and give her a break before continuing.

Side effects from which agents include​ hypertension, peptic​ ulcer, aggravation of diabetes​ mellitus, glaucoma, and increased risk of​ infection? A. Antipsychotics B. Analgesics C. Corticosteroids D. Antiseizure medications

C. Corticosteroids

What is the best description of an aortic​ dissection? A. Tumor that develops on the inferior vena cava B. Dilation of a blood vessel C. Degeneration of the walls of the aorta D. Ripping of the pulmonary arteries away from the trunk of the aorta

C. Degeneration of the walls of the aorta

Which of the following organizations is not known for creating programs to help with the daily living needs or expenses of the​ elderly? A. Association for Senior Citizens B. Religious organizations C. Department of Homeland Security D. Senior centers

C. Department of Homeland Security

What is the primary reason for digitalis toxicity in the​ elderly? A. Digoxin is often prescribed with an ACE inhibitor. B. Acute liver failure is a common condition in the elderly. C. Digoxin has a low margin of safety and a narrow therapeutic index. D. Elderly patients are usually on unreported diuretics.

C. Digoxin has a low margin of safety and a narrow therapeutic index.

Which of the following situations is least likely to be a warning sign of suicidal behavior in an elderly​ patient? A. Breaking from medical or exercise regimens B. Expressing feelings of uselessness C. Hanging onto cherished possessions desired by others D. Losing interest in​ once-enjoyed activities

C. Hanging onto cherished possessions desired by others

What condition is relatively common in the elderly and can cause a complaint of chest​ pain, but occurs when a portion of the stomach migrates upward through the esophageal opening in the​ diaphragm? A. Diverticulosis B. ​Stokes-Adams syndrome C. Hiatal hernia D. Marfan syndrome

C. Hiatal hernia

A​ 69-year-old patient exhibits slow​ speech, confusion, and sleepiness combined with hypertension and​ tachycardia, but later the​ patient's heart rate and blood pressure both begin to fall precipitously. The​ patient's apartment is very​ cold, but the patient has not complained of being cold. What do you​ suspect? A. Stroke B. A metabolic emergency C. Hypothermia D. Normal age

C. Hypothermia

Which of the following is most likely not a risk factor for depression in the​ elderly? A. Chronic pain B. Financial distress C. Increased serotonin level D. Death of close friends and family

C. Increased serotonin level

When completing the patient care report after treating an elderly patient who was suspected to be sexually​ assaulted, you should be sure to do which of the​ following? A. Subjectively state your observations of the​ patient's physical​ condition, environment, or torn clothing B. Summarize all patient​ remarks, paraphrasing for brevity C. List any evidence​ (e.g., clothing,​ sheets) turned over to the hospital staff and the name of the individual to whom you gave it D. Include your opinions as to whether rape occurred

C. List any evidence​ (e.g., clothing,​ sheets) turned over to the hospital staff and the name of the individual to whom you gave it

You are caring for an elderly female patient who has​ fallen, and you suspect that her hip is fractured. Which of the following medical conditions is likely to have contributed to the fracture​ occurring? A. History of COPD disorders B. African American ethnicity C. Osteoporosis D. Taking a calcium supplement

C. Osteoporosis

When performing a general health assessment on an elderly​ patient, which of the following is typically not taken into​ consideration? A. Sleep patterns B. Prescription medications C. Past surgeries D. Level of independence

C. Past surgeries

What governmental program pays a significant part of the health care bills for the​ elderly? A. Medical Care for Elderly B. Health and Human Services C. Social Security D. Department of Elderly

C. Social Security

Which of the following should be documented on the PCR of a geriatric patient who was allegedly sexually​ assaulted? A. That you​ don't believe the patient was​ raped, even though the patient is claiming that it happened B. That you decided to have police meet the patient at the hospital rather than the scene C. That the victim was found unresponsive and naked in bed D. That you feel that the patient was raped

C. That the victim was found unresponsive and naked in bed

Which statement regarding the reason the percentage of elderly Americans is increasing is​ true? A. The birth rate is increasing. B. Health care and standards of living have declined significantly since World War II. C. The mean survival rate of older persons is increasing. D. Wars and other catastrophes have caused population decline.

C. The mean survival rate of older persons is increasing.

You are caring for a​ 77-year-old male who complains of​ nausea, weakness, puffy​ ankles, and trouble breathing. The complaints have been present for the past two hours. When​ questioned, the patient denies chest​ pain, abdominal​ pain, or headache. He has a history of diabetes and hypertension. After you transfer care to the emergency department​ staff, the physician advises you that​ ST-segment elevations were found on the​ patient's 12-lead​ ECG, signifying a possible heart attack. Which of the following best explains the absence of common associated signs and symptoms on​ scene? A. The spinal nerves in the elderly are​ slower, and the patient​ didn't feel the pain right away. B. The patient was too worried to acknowledge the presence of chest pain. C. The patient may have had a​ "silent" myocardial infarction. D. The ECG changes were probably not from an MI.

C. The patient may have had a​ "silent" myocardial infarction.

You are reviewing the medications of an elderly patient who you suspect is developing a​ heat-related emergency. Which medication is most likely to contribute to the development of a heat​ emergency? A. Vitamins B. ​Calcium-channel blockers C. Tricyclic antidepressants D. Stool softeners

C. Tricyclic antidepressants

When gathering the history of an elderly patient you suspect is suffering​ abuse, you​ should: A. ask the patient if abuse is a problem. B. refrain from speaking to the​ patient's family. C. be alert for inconsistencies. D. demand that law enforcement be present.

C. be alert for inconsistencies.

During the general health​ assessment, you are asking a blind elderly patient about who prepares the​ patient's meals. In doing​ so, you are attempting to learn more about the​ patient's: A. activity level. B. awake mental status. C. nutrition status. D. need for social services.

C. nutrition status.

Of the elderly people who live alone and who cannot perform some everyday​ tasks, nearly 74​ percent: A. report loneliness. B. build a network of social support. C. receive no form of assistance. D. report depression.

C. receive no form of assistance.

What change may not be expected in an elderly​ patient? A. Decreased reaction times B. Forgetfulness C. Diminished​ short-term memory D. Lowered intelligence

D. Lowered intelligence

Thyroid disorders are​ "clinical masqueraders" especially in the elderly​ because: A. they present as glucose disorders. B. they present as​ heat-related disorders. C. common signs and symptoms are exaggerated. D. signs and symptoms may be attributed to other causes.

D. signs and symptoms may be attributed to other causes.

Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the characteristics of an abused geriatric​ patient? A. Unexplained trauma is usually the primary presentation. B. The elderly person is typically dependent on others for daily care. C. The victim may be of any socioeconomic status. D. Abuse of the elderly is not a common problem.

D. Abuse of the elderly is not a common problem.

What should the paramedic do besides objectively documenting on the PCR the findings as they relate to geriatric​ abuse? A. Advise the​ patient's church of your suspicions B. Advise the local investigative reporter for the newspaper C. Advise the family of your suspicions D. Advise the ED staff of your suspicions

D. Advise the ED staff of your suspicions

What is the term for using stereotypes to characterize older​ adults? A. Gerontology B. Gerianism C. Ageontology D. Ageism

D. Ageism

Which of the following factors would have the greatest negative influence on the​ patient's nutritional​ status? A. History of appendix removal B. Living in an elder care facility C. Light intolerance D. Certain medications

D. Certain medications

What is one of the primary ways in which doctors encourage the elderly to avoid social​ isolation? A. Interact only with family. B. Join an online dating site to find a new mate. C. Watch TV to stay abreast of world events. D. Continue to interact with other people.

D. Continue to interact with other people.

If it is determined that a paramedic knew of an instance or instances of elderly abuse and did not report​ it, what may occur to this​ paramedic? A. Civil sanctions B. Legal immunity C. Nothing D. Criminal offense charges

D. Criminal offense charges

What is a change that results in the respiratory system with​ age? A. Increased strength and endurance of the respiratory muscles B. Decrease of air trapping C. Increase of lung elasticity D. Decreased chest wall compliance

D. Decreased chest wall compliance

Which of the following findings is not consistent with the person who abuses geriatric​ patients? A. Marital discord B. Financial problems C. Sleep deprivation D. Genetic predisposition

D. Genetic predisposition

You are called to the home of an elderly patient who resides in an assisted living community. The patient was found lying on the tile floor in the kitchen after falling. No one saw the patient for 18​ hours, and he was unable to move. Considering the length of time he was lying on the​ floor, which of the following conditions may​ exist? A. Pancreatitis B. Urinary tract infection C. Heatstroke D. Hypothermia

D. Hypothermia

Which of the following factors should not increase the​ paramedic's index of suspicion for medication noncompliance in an elderly​ patient? A. Childproof containers B. Limited income C. Multiple or complicated drug therapies D. Lack of sensory impairment

D. Lack of sensory impairment

Which of these is an​ age-related change of the renal system that can change the elderly​ person's response to​ medications? A. Proliferation of nephrons increases urine production and rapid elimination of medications and wastes. B. Hypertension results in a greater amount of blood per minute passing through the kidneys for​ filtration, resulting in rapid elimination of wastes and medications. C. The kidneys begin retaining more fluid and increase in size and​ weight, resulting in decreased elimination of drugs and wastes. D. Loss of nephron function results in decreased efficiency of urine production and accumulation of medications and wastes in the blood.

D. Loss of nephron function results in decreased efficiency of urine production and accumulation of medications and wastes in the blood.

You are treating an elderly patient who is displaying a behavioral​ problem, according to family members. They can provide no reason why their elderly​ relative's behavior​ changed; they just know that​ it's not right. In taking this​ patient's history, what sign or symptom would make you suspect drug​ abuse? A. Loss of a spouse B. Loneliness C. Weight gain D. Orthostatic hypotension

D. Orthostatic hypotension

A​ 69-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis falls and fractures his hip. How should you modify your EMS techniques for this​ patient's AS? A. Extend the neck when placing an airway adjunct. B. Use endotracheal intubation. C. Attempt to straighten the​ patient's spine. D. Pad underneath the​ patient's head,​ neck, and upper back with pillows.

D. Pad underneath the​ patient's head,​ neck, and upper back with pillows.

Which of these actions should be taken in immobilizing the spine of an elderly​ patient? A. Use a tall cervical collar to maintain the neck in extension B. Flex the​ patient's hips and knees for comfort and to flatten out the lumbar curve C. Use one hand to apply pressure to the forehead to place the patient in a completely supine position D. Place padding under all voidslong dashincluding between the​ head, neck, and shoulderslong dashand the backboard

D. Place padding under all voidslong dashincluding between the​ head, neck, and shoulderslong dashand the backboard

Which of these statements regarding alcohol abuse is​ true? A. Telling the patient to stop drinking and seek help is the first step of treatment. B. Avoid questioning a​ patient's family,​ friends, or caregivers about the​ patient's drinking patterns. C. An elderly patient who abuses alcohol is at a lower risk for toxicity due to increased tolerance. D. Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse among the elderly may be very subtle.

D. Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse among the elderly may be very subtle.

Which of the following statements is true about trauma in the​ elderly? A. Shock progresses much more slowly in the elderly than in any other age group. B. Conditions that are serious signs of poor perfusion in younger​ patients, such as pale​ skin, tachycardia, and​ hypotension, are normal for most elderly patients. C. The most common cause of death in patients over 80 is complications of hip fracture. D. Signs of subdural hematoma in an older person can develop​ slowly, over time.

D. Signs of subdural hematoma in an older person can develop​ slowly, over time.

Which of the following statements regarding the skin of an elderly patient is​ false? A. The skin tears more easily. B. The skin is typically uniform in appearance. C. The skin heals more slowly. D. The skin perspires less often.

D. The skin perspires less often.

What would be the most precise reason that you would perform a general health assessment on an elderly patient living​ alone? A. To determine the chief complaint B. To ensure that the patient is telling you the truth C. So that you can properly bill the insurance if the patient is on Medicaid or Medicare D. To determine whether social services may be needed

D. To determine whether social services may be needed

You are assessing an​ 82-year-old geriatric patient with an altered mental status at the group home where the patient lives. This patient presents with bruises in various stages of healing on the​ arms, chest,​ back, and abdomen. He has a history of​ incontinence, senile​ dementia, and congestive heart failure. What should you​ do? A. Consult with medical direction on whether the management of the group home must be notified. B. Advise the management of the group home that you have found suspected abuse. C. Question other patients at the home to ask them whether they witnessed abuse. D. Transport the patient and advise the receiving facility that your suspect elder abuse.

D. Transport the patient and advise the receiving facility that your suspect elder abuse.

What program assists with the health care bills of elderly patients who served in the U.S.​ military? A. OSHA program B. AARP program C. U.S. Department of Defense program D. VA program

D. VA program

You are assessing an elderly patient at the request of his daughter. The patient is 98 years old and has been living with his daughter for the past three years. She tells you that he has become increasingly more erratic in his behavior and withdrawn​ lately, and tonight his mental status is significantly altered from​ usual, causing him to withdraw to his room and refuse to let his daughter​ inside, and he seems confused. This may​ indicate: A. drug abuse. B. the normal effects of advanced age. C. hypochondriasis. D. a affective disorder.

D. a affective disorder.

You are caring for an elderly male patient who experienced a brief episode of syncope and has a history of atherosclerosis and hypertension. Witnesses of the syncope said that the​ patient's mood changed and speech slurred just prior to the syncope. This patient most likely​ experienced: A. orthostatic syncope. B. a seizure. C. vasovagal syncope. D. a transient ischemic attack.

D. a transient ischemic attack.

A​ 74-year-old patient presents with altered mental​ status, dyspnea,​ tachypnea, congestion, and sputum production with​ coughing, but no fever. Your management of this patient should​ include: A. active rewarming. B. supplemental oxygen. C. immunization. D. antihistamine administration.

D. antihistamine administration.

The psychosocial effect of isolation in the elderly patient may contribute to the development​ of: A. agitated delirium. B. psychosis. C. hypermania. D. depression.

D. depression.

Immune senescence refers​ to: A. increased immune function. B. activated immune response. C. unpredictable immunological effects. D. diminished immune response.

D. diminished immune response.

Increased urge to urinate in the elderly patient may contribute​ to: A. dementia. B. pneumonia. C. nephron production. D. falls.

D. falls.

Decreased respiratory​ volume, diminished cough​ reflex, and decreased mucociliary clearance all make the elderly more prone​ to: A. pulmonary embolism. B. COPD. C. emphysema. D. pneumonia.

D. pneumonia.

Approximately what percentage of EMS calls involve the​ elderly? A. ​<10 percent B. ​<27 percent C. ​>50 percent D. ​>35 percent

D. ​>35 percent