Chapter 36: Geriatric Emergencies
After the age of 30, organ systems begin to deteriorate at a rate of approximately: A. 1% per year. B. 3% per year. C. 5% per year. D. 10% per year.
A. 1% per year.
The purpose of the GEMS diamond is to: A. help EMS personnel remember what is different about elderly pt's. B. provide the EMT with a standard format for assessing elderly pt. C. replace the typical ABC approach to pt care when caring for the elderly.
A. help EMS personnel remember what is different about elderly pt's.
Polypharmacy is a term used to describe a patient who takes: A. multiple medications. B. other people's medications. C. a medication more than once a day. D. medication only when he or she feels the need to.
A. multiple medications.
Upon entering the residence of a geriatric patient with a medical or trauma complaint, the EMT should: A. observe for conditions that may make the residence unsafe. B. Begin his or her assessment after gathering any medication bottles C. Talk to the patient after performing his or her primary assessment D. Immediately seek out a family member or other caregiver
A. observe for conditions that may make the residence unsafe.
Which of the following statements regarding suicide in the older pt is correct? A. older pt's tend to use more lethal means than younger pt's. B. older females have a higher rate of suicide than any other group. C. depression & hopeless feelings are often not predisposing factors. D. most suicidal patients readily seek care & do not deny the problem.
A. older pt's tend to use more lethal means than younger pt's.
A drop in blood pressure with a change in position is referred to as: A. orthostatic hypotension. B. metastatic hypotension. C. malignant hypotension. D. psychogenic hypotension.
A. orthostatic hypotension.
Poor maintenance of home, poor personal care, and dietary neglect are all possible indicators of ____________ elder abuse. A. physical B. financial C. emotional D. psychological
A. physical
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. pneumonia.
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: A. she became dizzy or fainted before falling. B. she attempted to catch herself before falling. C. a family member regularly checks up on her. D. she takes medications for Alzheimer disease
A. she became dizzy or fainted before falling.
Which of the following statements regarding the aging process is correct? A. the process of aging is gradual, & the rate at which a person loses functions does not increase with age. B. because he/she is younger & healthier, a 35-year-old person ages slower than a 75-years-old person. C. human growth & developmental peaks in the late 40s or early 50s, at which point the aging process sets in.
A. the process of aging is gradual, & the rate at which a person loses functions does not increase with age.
Elderly patients experience a decreased ability to compensate for hypoperfusion for all of the following reasons, EXCEPT: A. uncontrolled hypertension. B. arteriosclerotic blood vessels. C. decreased myocardial contractility. D. lessened ability to increase heart rate.
A. uncontrolled hypertension.
When an elderly patient presents you with multiple over-the-counter medications that he or she is taking, it is most important to: A. Look up all the medications before providing care to the patient B. Recall the patient is at risk for negative medication interactions C. Contact each of the physicians whose names are on the medications D. As the patient to explain what each of the medications is used for
B. Recall the patient is at risk for negative medication interactions
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. The patient's residence is cold due to a malfunctioning heater.
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: A. try to locate the documentation. B. attempt to resuscitate the patient. C. allow the patient to die in peace. D. contact medical control for advice.
B. attempt to resuscitate the patient.
As a person ages, the heart may enlarge as a result of: A. widespread vascular dilation. B. chronically increased after load. C. an overall decrease in blood volume. D. decreased blood return to the heart.
B. chronically increased after load.
When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, it is MOST important to: A. administer 324 mg of aspirin as soon as possible. B. determine the onset of the patient's symptoms. C. ascertain about a history of atrial fibrillation. D. determine if the patient has risk factors for a stroke.
B. determine the onset of the patient's symptoms.
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. may cause the patient to think that he or she has no say in making decisions.
The use of multiple prescription drugs by a single pt, causing the potential for negative effects such as overdosing or drug interaction, is called: A. potentiation B. polypharmacy C. drug tolerance D. drug dependency
B. polypharmacy
Blood levels of medications may rise in the elderly, sometimes to toxic levels. This is MOST likely due to: A. pancreatic failure. B. renal insufficiency. C. intentional overdose. D. splenic dysfunction.
B. renal insufficiency.
Common causes of syncope in older patients include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. venous pooling. B. vasoconstriction. C. acute hypotension. D. blood volume loss.
B. vasoconstriction.
Common causes of depression in the elderly include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. chronic medical conditions. B. prescription medication use. C. an acute onset of dementia. D. alcohol abuse and dependence.
C. an acute onset of dementia.
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. attempt to differentiate between chronic and acute problems.
The slow onset of progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, and loss of cognitive function is called: A. senility. B. delirium. C. dementia. D. delusion.
C. dementia.
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. determine the position in which the patient normally sleeps D. place the patient supine to see if the problem worsens.
C. determine the position in which the patient normally sleeps
A "silent" heart attack occurs when: A. the patient minimizes the chest pain B. A sudden dysrhythmia causes death C. Sweating is the only presentation D. The usual chest pain is not present
D. The usual chest pain is not present
An 84-year-old male fell a week ago and has been bedridden since then. Today, he presents with an altered mental status. His skin is pale and cold and his respirations are rapid and shallow. The EMT should suspect: A. acute hyperglycemia. B. hypovolemic shock. C. a subdural hematoma. D. a systemic infection.
D. a systemic infection.
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): A. statute of care. B. power of attorney. C. physician directive. D. advance directive.
D. advance directive.
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. place the patient supine to see if the problem worsens. C. conclude that the patient is experiencing a heart attack. D. ask her how many pillows she uses when she sleeps.
D. ask her how many pillows she uses when she sleeps.
When documenting a case of suspected elder abuse, it is MOST important for the EMT to: A. theorize as to why the patient was abused. B. document his or her perceptions of the event.'C. list the names of all of the suspected abusers. D. avoid documenting any unsupported opinions.
D. avoid documenting any unsupported opinions.
The chief component of connective tissues and bones that deteriorates as people age is called: A. fibrin. B. elastin. C. sebum. D. collagen.
D. 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: A. severe kyphosis. B. distracting injuries. C. spinal cord tearing. D. compression fractures.
D. compression fractures.
The LEAST common cause of death in patients over 65 years of age is: A. stroke. B. diabetes. C. heart attack. D. drug overdose.
D. drug overdose.
The leading cause of death in the geriatric patient is: A. hypertension. B. altered mental status. C. arthritis. D. heart disease.
D. heart disease.
A geriatric patient's chief complaint: A. is typically grossly obvious to the EMT-B. B. is usually related to a single disease process. C. usually presents with fairly classic symptoms. D. may be an exacerbation of a chronic problem.
D. may be an exacerbation of a chronic problem.
Upon entering the residence of a geriatric patient with a medical or trauma complaint, the EMT should: A. talk to the patient after performing his or her primary assessment. B. immediately seek out a family member or other caregiver. C. begin his or her assessment after gathering any medication bottles. D. observe for conditions that may make the residence unsafe
D. observe for conditions that may make the residence unsafe
When caring for an elderly patient who is hearing-impaired, you should: A. speak directly into his or her ear with an elevated tone. B. remember that most hearing-impaired patients can read lips. C. request that he or she communicates with you by writing on paper. D. recall that elderly patients have difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds.
D. recall that elderly patients have difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds.
You are called to a neatly kept residence for an 80-year-old woman who lives by herself. She burned her hand on the stove and experienced a full-thickness burn. When treating this patient, it is important to note that: A. there is a high likelihood that she has been abused. B. isolated full-thickness burns to the hand are not critical burns. C. this patient should probably be placed in an assisted-living center. D. slowing of reflexes causes a delayed pain reaction in older people.
D. slowing of reflexes causes a delayed pain reaction in older people.
Which of the following is generally NOT acceptable when interviewing an older patient? A. Do not initiate eye contact, because many geriatric patients might find this disrespectful. B. Speak slowly and distinctly. C. Give the patient time to respond unless the condition appears urgent. D. Explain what you are doing before you do it.
A. Do not initiate eye contact, because many geriatric patients might find this disrespectful.
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. a decreased ability to cough.
A 73-year-old female experienced a syncopal episode while watching TV. She is now conscious, but is diaphoretic, tachycardic, & hypotensive. Your assessment reveals abdominal tenderness & a pulsating tenderness & a pulsating mass to the left of her umbilicus. You should suspect: A. an aortic aneurysm B. acute appendicitis C. a strangulated bowel D. myocardial infarction
A. an aortic aneurysm
A 71-year-old man with a history of hypertension and vascular disease presents with tearing abdominal pain. His blood pressure is 80/60 mm Hg, his heart rate is 120 beats/min, and his respirations are 28 breaths/min. Your assessment reveals that his abdomen is rigid and distended. Considering his medical history and vital signs, you should be MOST suspicious for a(n): A. aortic aneurysm. B. hemorrhagic stroke. C. acute myocardial infarction. D. infarction of the large intestine.
A. aortic aneurysm.
A condition that clouds the lens of the eye is called: A. cataract. B. nystagmus. C. astigmatism. D. glaucoma.
A. cataract.
Syncope in the older pt is: A. caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain. B. generally of no concern unless the pt was injured. C. most commonly caused by a silent myocardial infarction. D. rarely life threatening but should be evaluated by a physician.
A. caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain.
You are dispatched to a skilled nursing care facility for an 80-year-old female with abnormal behavior. The pt is clearly confused & asks you if you are her husband. You should: A. determine the pt's baseline mental status. B. inquire about a history of Alzheimer's disease. C. obtain a complete list of the pt's medications. D. ask an attendant for the pt's medical records.
A. determine the pt's baseline mental status.
An older patient with significant dehydration would MOST likely present with: A. dizziness or fainting upon standing. B. a drop in heart rate upon standing. C. an increase in blood pressure upon standing.' D. weakness to one side of the body.
A. dizziness or fainting upon standing.
The "E" of the GEMS diamond stands for:Select one: A. environmental assessment. B. events leading to the incident. C. extrication of the patient. D. emergency assessment.
A. environmental assessment.
In contrast to delirium, dementia: A. is usually considered irreversible. B. is the result of an acute condition. C. is reversible with certain treatment. D. often develops over a period of days.
A. is usually considered irreversible.
The stooped posture of some older people, which gives them a humpback appearance, is called: A. kyphosis. B. arthritis. C. scoliosis. D. miosis.
A. kyphosis.
Geriatric patients present as a special problem for caregivers because: A. the classic presentation of disease is often altered. B. geriatric patients tend not to understand their underlying conditions. C. their medications are rather difficult to learn. D. the typical diseases of the geriatric population are uncommon.
A. the classic presentation of disease is often altered.
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. use plain language and simple terms.
Causes of delirium in the older patient include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. decreased cerebral perfusion. B. Alzheimer disease. C. acute hypovolemia. D. low blood sugar level.
B. Alzheimer disease.
A 75-year-old woman complains of shortness of breath. Which of the following findings should alert the EMT to the possibility of a pulmonary embolism? A. The patient is prescribed an inhaler. B. History of deep venous thrombosis C. Frequent urinary tract infections D. The patient's abdomen is swollen.
B. History of deep venous thrombosis
Which of the following conditions makes the elderly patient prone to fractures from even minor trauma? A. Hypertension B. Osteoporosis C. Arteriosclerosis D. Rheumatoid arthritis
B. Osteoporosis
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. acute hyperglycemia. B. a subdural hematoma. C. acute ischemic stroke. D. diabetic ketoacidosis.
B. a subdural hematoma.
When assessing an older pt who has multiple bruises in various stages of healing, the EMT should do all of the following, EXCEPT: A. factually document all findings. B. accuse a caregiver of physical abuse. C. ask the pt how the bruises occurred. D. review the pt's activities of daily living.
B. accuse a caregiver of physical abuse.
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): A. Idiopathic fracture B. pathologic fracture C. compression fracture D. comminuted fracture
B. pathologic fracture
When immobilizing a patient with a kyphotic spine to a long backboard, the EMT would MOST likely have to: A. force the head into a neutral alignment. B. place blankets behind the patient's head. C. secure the patient's head before the torso. D. use a scoop stretcher instead of a log roll.
B. place blankets behind the patient's head.
According to the GEMS diamond, a person's activities of daily living are evaluated during the: A. SAMPLE history. B. social assessment. C. medical assessment. D. environmental assessment.
B. social assessment.
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. tachypnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
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:Select one: A. because of her age and medical history, you should suspect Alzheimer disease. B. the patient is experiencing delirious behavior, which suggests a new health problem. C. her mental status is likely the result of hypoglycemia and you should give her sugar. D. dementia typically presents as an acute onset of deterioration of cognitive function.
B. the patient is experiencing delirious behavior, which suggests a new health problem.
In contrast to a living will, a "do not resuscitate" (DNR) order becomes valid when: A. the pt has a terminal illness B. the pt develops cardiac arrest. C. the pt is in a health care setting. D. it is signed by three or more physicians.
B. the pt develops cardiac arrest.
Many older victims of physical abuse may make false statements or lie about the origin of their injuries because: A. they are protective of the abuser B. they fear retribution from the abuser C. Most of the early patients have dementia D. They do not want to be bothersome
B. they fear retribution from the abuser
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. transport him or her to a hospital that he or she is familiar with.
Which of the following patients is at highest risk for a pulmonary embolism? A. 66-year-old active female with a history of hypertension B. 59-year-old male who is recovering from pneumonia C. 71-year-old male with recent surgery to a lower extremity D. 78-year-old female who takes blood-thinning medications
C. 71-year-old male with recent surgery to a lower extremity
Which of the following patients is at the highest risk for pulmonary embolism? A. 78-year-old female who takes blood-thinning medications B. 66-year-old active female with a history of hypertension C. 71-year-old male with recent surgery to a lower extremity D. 59-year-old male who is recovering from pneumonia
C. 71-year-old male with recent surgery to a lower extremity
Which of the following is a physiologic change that occurs during the process of aging? A. Increased elasticity of the alveoli B. A gradual decrease in blood pressure C. A decline in kidney function D. 10% to 15% increase in brain weight
C. A decline in kidney function
A 70-year-old man complains of a sudden onset of difficulty breathing. He has dried blood on his lips and is very anxious. His left leg is red, swollen, and painful. The EMT should: A. Apply a cold pack to his leg B. Position the patient supine C. Administer high flow oxygen D. Suspect severe pneumonia
C. Administer high flow oxygen
You are responding to the dementia unit at a nursing home for respiratory distress. When you arrive, you notice that the patient is experiencing mild dyspnea and has an altered mental status. What can you do to help determine if the patient's altered mental status is appropriate for her underlying dementia? A. As long as the patient is alert and able to answer most questions, there is no need to determine if this is normal behavior. B. Ask the patient's roommate if this is normal behavior for the patient. C. Find a staff member who can explain the patient's underlying mental status to you. D. Because the patient already has dementia, there is no need to investigate this further.
C. Find a staff member who can explain the patient's underlying mental status to you.
The reduction in brain weight and volume increases an older person's risk for: A. Dementia B. Delirium C. Head trauma D. Stroke
C. Head trauma
A 75-year-old woman complains of shortness of breath. Which of the following findings should alert the EMT to the possibility of a pulmonary embolism? A. Frequent urinary tract infections B. The patient is prescribed an inhaler. C. History of deep venous thrombosis D. The patient's abdomen is swollen.
C. History of deep venous thrombosis
Osteoporosis is defined as: A. increased flexibility of bone mass. B. decreased bone marrow production. C. a decrease in bone mass & density. D. an abnormality near the growth plate.
C. a decrease in bone mass & density.
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: A. suction her airway, apply a cervical collar, administer high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask, and perform a rapid assessment. B. open her airway with the head tilt-chin lift maneuver, insert an oral or nasal airway, and assess her blood glucose level to rule out hypoglycemia. C. direct your partner to manually stabilize her head while you quickly visualize her chest for signs of breathing. D. begin assisting her ventilations with a bag-valve mask while your partner auscultates her lung sounds to ensure adequate positive-pressure ventilation.
C. direct your partner to manually stabilize her head while you quickly visualize her chest for signs of breathing.
You have immobilized the spine of an 81-year-old female with a head injury. During transport, you note that she is experiencing signs of intracranial pressure. In addition to reassessing her ABCs and providing the appropriate treatment, you should: A. elevate the foot end of the backboard 6". B. place several layers of blankets on her. C. elevate the head end of the backboard. D. allow her to sit up on the backboard.
C. elevate the head end of the backboard.
Good general communication techniques with the elderly include: A. using medical terms to ensure pt understanding. B. explaining procedures while you are performing them. C. frequently asking the pt if he or she understands. D. having at least two EMTs talk to the pt at a time.
C. frequently asking the pt if he or she understands.
Which of the following statements is NOT a reason why the exact extent & prevalence of elder abuse is unknown? A. it has been largely hidden from society. B. the definition of abuse & neglect vary. C. human resources agencies fail to investigate. D. victims of elder abuse are hesitant to report it.
C. human resources agencies fail to investigate.
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 reads "high." 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: A. diabetic ketoacidosis. B. hyperglycemia with moderate dehydration. C. hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome. D. acute renal failure with associated hyperglycemia.
C. hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm: A. is usually not repairable, even if discovered early. B. causes dull pain that often radiates to the shoulders. C. is often the result of hypertension and atherosclerosis. D. can sometimes be palpated as a mass in the groin area.
C. is often the result of hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Motor nerve neuropathy is characterized by: A. numbness, tingling, and severe muscle pain. B. loss of bladder control and sensitivity to touch. C. loss of balance, muscle weakness, and spasms. D. constipation, low blood pressure, and bradycardia.
C. loss of balance, muscle weakness, and spasms.
An elderly male fell and experienced a possible fracture to his left hip. His left leg is flexed and externally rotated. The MOST effective method for splinting his injury is to: A. straighten his leg and fully immobilize his spinal column with a backboard. B. bind his lower extremities together with cravats and place him on the stretcher. C. place a pillow under the injured extremity and secure him to a scoop stretcher. D. carefully straighten his leg, apply a traction splint, and secure him to a backboard.
C. place a pillow under the injured extremity and secure him to a scoop stretcher.
When performing your secondary assessment on an older pt who has been injured, it is important to: A. routinely perform a focused exam to minimize time at the scene B. perform an in-depth physical exam prior to initiating any treatment. C. recall that it will take a less severe mechanism of injury to cause significant injuries. D. focus your assessment just on the area(s) of pain or obvious injury.
C. recall that it will take a less severe mechanism of injury to cause significant injuries.
Leading causes of death in the elderly include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. trauma. B. diabetes. C. senile dementia. D. pulmonary disease.
C. senile dementia.
Elderly patients may present with lower than normal pulse oximetry readings because: A. red blood cells are destroyed at a faster than normal rate. B. most elderly patients have an obstructive pulmonary disease. C. sensitivity of the body's chemoreceptors decreases with age. D. the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood decreases by 50%.
C. sensitivity of the body's chemoreceptors decreases with age.
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. the baroreceptors have become less sensitive to blood pressure.
In contrast to younger patients, older patients are more prone to a decrease in blood pressure (BP) 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 body is less able to adapt the BP to rapid postural changes. D. any change in position causes blood to be shunted to the brain.
C. the body is less able to adapt the BP to rapid postural changes.
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. intrathoracic bleeding and cardiac compression B. failure of the parasympathetic nervous system C. the effects of her antihypertensive medication D. deterioration of the cardiac conduction system
C. the effects of her antihypertensive medication
When caring for a geriatric pt with traumatic injury, it is important to consider that: A. geriatric pt's 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 pmts typically present with classic signs of shock.
C. the injury may have been preceded by a medical condition.
Common causes of syncope in older patients include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. blood volume loss. B. venous pooling. C. vasoconstriction. D. acute hypotension.
C. vasoconstriction.
Which of the following statements regarding depression is true? A. Treatment typically involves medication, because counseling typically does not work. B. Older adults in skilled nursing facilities are less likely to develop depression. C. It generally does not interfere with ability to function in the elderly. D. It is diagnosed three times more commonly in women than in men.
D. It is diagnosed three times more commonly in women than in men.
Which of the following statements regarding communications with the elderly is MOST 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. Older patients have difficulty understanding when they are stressed.
An elderly patient may understate or minimize the symptoms of his or her illness because: A. the nervous system deteriorates. B. of decreased perception of pain. C. of conditions such as dementia. D. he or she fears hospitalization.
D. he or she fears hospitalization.
Findings during the social assessment of an older patient include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. interaction with others. B. daily activity assistance. C. delays in obtaining meals. D. outdated medications.
D. outdated medications.
A productive cough, fever, and chills in an 80-year-old pt with a compromised immune system should make you MOST suspicious for: A. heart failure B. bronchitis C. emphysema D. pneumonia
D. pneumonia
Inflicted bruises are commonly found in all of the following areas, EXCEPT: A. the buttocks. B. the lower back. C. the inner thighs. D. the forearms.
D. the forearms.
