Questions and Answers
What does the patient's acute onset of altered mental status suggest?
What is a specific legal document that directs relatives and caregivers regarding the medical treatment for patients who cannot speak for themselves called?
advance directive
What should the EMT suspect in a bedridden patient who presents with altered mental status?
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm often the result of?
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What should you attempt to differentiate in older patients due to their complex complaints?
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What is the most likely reason for rising medication levels in the elderly?
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What is clouding of the lenses of the eyes called?
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Which of the following is NOT a common cause of depression in the elderly?
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What results from a decrease in the number of functional cilia in the respiratory system during aging?
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Why are older patients more prone to a decrease in blood pressure upon standing?
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Poor maintenance of home, poor personal care, and dietary neglect are all possible indicators of ____________ elder abuse.
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What does sedentary behavior while healing from a hip fracture predispose an older patient to?
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What can talking about an elderly patient in front of them lead to?
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What symptoms are associated with left-sided heart failure in geriatric patients?
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What is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients?
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What is the stooped posture of older individuals called?
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What should you do to minimize distractions when assessing an older patient?
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What might the EMT need to do when immobilizing a patient with a kyphotic spine?
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Which observation represents the 'E' in the GEMS diamond?
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What clinical presentation is consistent with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome?
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Study Notes
Patient Assessment
- Altered mental status in elderly patients can indicate a new health problem, such as delirium.
- Common signs of distress in older adults include pale, cold skin and rapid, shallow respirations, often suggesting systemic infections.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Advance directives guide medical treatment for patients who cannot communicate their wishes.
Aging and Health Risks
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms often result from hypertension and atherosclerosis, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring.
- Elderly individuals may experience renal insufficiency, leading to elevated medication levels and potential toxicity.
Common Conditions and Symptoms
- Cataracts refer to the clouding of eye lenses, a frequent condition in older adults.
- Physical signs of elder abuse may include poor home maintenance and personal care neglect.
Impacts of Aging
- The elderly have a decreased ability to cough due to fewer functional cilia in the respiratory system.
- Blood pressure regulation upon standing declines with age, increasing the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
Psychological Health
- Depression in older adults has various causes, excluding an acute onset of dementia.
- Family discussions about an elderly patient should be conducted sensitively to avoid feelings of exclusion.
Heart and Lung Conditions
- Left-sided heart failure in elderly patients can manifest as tachypnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the geriatric population.
Physical Changes
- Kyphosis is characterized by a stooped posture, resulting in a humpback appearance.
Patient Interaction
- To reduce confusion, communication with elderly patients should occur one-on-one.
- When immobilizing a patient with kyphosis, additional support like blankets may be necessary to ensure comfort and stability.
Environmental Considerations
- Observing the patient’s living conditions, such as cold environments due to heating issues, is essential in assessing overall health.
Diabetes Complications
- Symptoms such as intense thirst, frequent urination, and confusion with high blood sugar may indicate hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on EMT concepts with these flashcards from Chapter 35. Focused on patient assessment and recognition of acute health issues, this quiz will help reinforce critical thinking skills necessary for EMT professionals. Perfect for studying and reviewing essential terms and definitions in emergency medical training.
