Podcast
Questions and Answers
Syncope in the older patient is:
Syncope in the older patient is:
Many older victims of physical abuse may make false statements or lie about the origin of their injuries because:
Many older victims of physical abuse may make false statements or lie about the origin of their injuries because:
Findings during the social assessment of an older patient include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Findings during the social assessment of an older patient include all of the following, EXCEPT:
In contrast to delirium, dementia:
In contrast to delirium, dementia:
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When caring for a geriatric patient with a traumatic injury, it is important to consider that:
When caring for a geriatric patient with a traumatic injury, it is important to consider that:
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You should be MOST suspicious that a patient is experiencing:
You should be MOST suspicious that a patient is experiencing:
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The EMT should suspect left-sided heart failure in the geriatric patient who presents with:
The EMT should suspect left-sided heart failure in the geriatric patient who presents with:
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Which of the following statements regarding the aging process is correct?
Which of the following statements regarding the aging process is correct?
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A productive cough, fever, and chills in an 80-year-old patient with a compromised immune system should make you MOST suspicious for:
A productive cough, fever, and chills in an 80-year-old patient with a compromised immune system should make you MOST suspicious for:
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When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, it is MOST important to:
When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, it is MOST important to:
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Sedentary behavior while healing from a hip fracture would MOST likely predispose the older patient to:
Sedentary behavior while healing from a hip fracture would MOST likely predispose the older patient to:
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Common causes of syncope in older patients include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Common causes of syncope in older patients include all of the following, EXCEPT:
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When assessing an older patient who has multiple bruises in various stages of healing, the EMT should do all of the following, EXCEPT:
When assessing an older patient who has multiple bruises in various stages of healing, the EMT should do all of the following, EXCEPT:
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The purpose of the GEMS diamond is to:
The purpose of the GEMS diamond is to:
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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:
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:
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An older patient with significant dehydration would MOST likely present with:
An older patient with significant dehydration would MOST likely present with:
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A 'silent' heart attack occurs when:
A 'silent' heart attack occurs when:
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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:
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:
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An abdominal aortic aneurysm:
An abdominal aortic aneurysm:
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Which of the following patients is at highest risk for a pulmonary embolism?
Which of the following patients is at highest risk for a pulmonary embolism?
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Which of the following statements regarding a decreased level of consciousness in the elderly patient is correct?
Which of the following statements regarding a decreased level of consciousness in the elderly patient is correct?
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Upon entering the residence of a geriatric patient with a medical or trauma complaint, the EMT should:
Upon entering the residence of a geriatric patient with a medical or trauma complaint, the EMT should:
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Because of the complexity of the older patient and the vagueness of his or her complaint, you should:
Because of the complexity of the older patient and the vagueness of his or her complaint, you should:
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You are dispatched to a skilled nursing care facility for an 80-year-old female with abnormal behavior. As your partner administers oxygen to the patient, you should:
You are dispatched to a skilled nursing care facility for an 80-year-old female with abnormal behavior. As your partner administers oxygen to the patient, you should:
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A 10% to 20% reduction in brain weight and volume would MOST likely increase an older person's risk for:
A 10% to 20% reduction in brain weight and volume would MOST likely increase an older person's risk for:
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Upon arriving at the residence of an elderly female who apparently fainted, you find the patient lying supine on her living room floor. You should:
Upon arriving at the residence of an elderly female who apparently fainted, you find the patient lying supine on her living room floor. You should:
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Which of the following observations or statements represents the 'E' in the GEMS diamond?
Which of the following observations or statements represents the 'E' in the GEMS diamond?
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Talking about an elderly patient in front of him or her to other members of the family:
Talking about an elderly patient in front of him or her to other members of the family:
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Which of the following is NOT a reason why the exact extent and prevalence of elder abuse is unknown?
Which of the following is NOT a reason why the exact extent and prevalence of elder abuse is unknown?
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Osteoporosis is MOST accurately defined as:
Osteoporosis is MOST accurately defined as:
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Study Notes
Syncope in Older Patients
- Syncope is mainly caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain.
- It should be evaluated by a physician even if it is rarely life-threatening.
Physical Abuse in Elderly
- Victims may lie about their injuries due to fear of retribution from the abuser.
- It is crucial to assess for signs while being sensitive to the patient's situation.
Social Assessment Findings
- Common findings include delays in obtaining meals and assistance with daily activities.
- Presence of outdated medications is not a typical finding in social assessments.
Delirium vs. Dementia
- Dementia is generally considered irreversible, while delirium can be reversible with treatment.
- Dementia often develops gradually, contrasting with the acute onset of delirium.
Traumatic Injuries in Geriatric Patients
- Traumatic injuries may stem from underlying medical conditions rather than just the injury itself.
- Geriatric patients may not exhibit classic signs of shock or pain.
Stroke and Older Patients
- In case of acute ischemic stroke, knowing the onset of symptoms is critical.
- Patients often present with atypical symptoms, increasing the challenge of early identification.
Pulmonary Complications
- Sedentary behavior, particularly post-hip fracture, can lead to pneumonia due to reduced lung capacity.
- Symptoms like productive cough, fever, and chills may indicate pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Aging and Functionality
- As people age, the decline in vital organ functions is not linear; it worsens over time.
- A 10% to 20% reduction in brain weight and volume increases the risk of head trauma.
Emergency Care for Geriatric Patients
- Upon finding a patient unresponsive, stabilize the head and ensure airway patency.
- Assess potential safety hazards in the patient’s living environment before starting the medical assessment.
GEMS Diamond and Elderly Care
- GEMS provides reminders for understanding the unique needs of elderly patients.
- Observations about living conditions can indicate underlying issues (e.g., malfunctioning heaters).
Elder Abuse
- The extent of elder abuse is difficult to quantify due to victim hesitance to report, societal ignorance, and varied definitions of abuse.
- Investigating elder abuse is key, and many agencies play a role in its identification.
Osteoporosis
- Defined as a decrease in bone mass and density, leading to increased fracture risk, especially in the spine.
- The stiffness and brittleness of the spine due to aging can cause compression fractures.
Atypical Presentations in the Elderly
- Patients' cognitive skills may be impaired, leading to misunderstandings during communication about their care.
- Always consider the patient's baseline mental status when assessing acute changes in behavior.
Important Symptoms and Signs
- Signs like dizziness or fainting upon standing indicate significant dehydration in older patients.
- Left-sided heart failure may present with paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and tachypnea.
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Description
Test your knowledge on health issues affecting elderly patients. This quiz covers topics such as syncope, physical abuse, social assessment findings, delirium versus dementia, and traumatic injuries in geriatric patients. Enhance your understanding of these critical areas in geriatric care.
