Geriatric Patient Assessment Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the acronym GEMS stand for?

Geriatric, Environment, Medical assessment, Social network

Why was GEMS diamond created?

It serves as an acronym for the issues to be considered when assessing every older patient.

What is polypharmacy?

The use of multiple medications by a patient, typically seen in elderly people.

Define unilateral pedal edema.

Pedal edema is a swelling of the foot and ankle caused by fluid overload; unilateral presents in only one extremity. Signup and view all the answers

What questions are important to ask when assessing why an elderly patient fell?

Do you know what happened that caused your fall? Did you lose your balance first? Did you become dizzy before the fall? Do you remember the fall? Did you have a fainting episode prior to falling? Did you injure yourself first and then fall? Are you taking any new medications or have you stopped taking a medication recently? Signup and view all the answers

Why are older patients more likely to sustain closed head injuries such as subdural hematomas?

Because brain tissue shrinks with age, and the veins often become more susceptible to injury due to brain atrophy. Signup and view all the answers

In an elderly patient with a hip fracture, why is it important to use blanket rolls?

Blanket rolls maintain the leg in a static position so that further injury does not occur. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it sometimes difficult to determine if an elderly patient is in shock based on their blood pressure?

Drugs such as beta-blockers inhibit the heart from becoming tachycardiac, making diagnosing shock more challenging. Signup and view all the answers

Patient care for a pulmonary embolism should focus on what?

Focus on airway, ventilatory, and circulatory support. Signup and view all the answers

Geriatric patients are at risk for atherosclerosis resulting in what?

Heart attack and stroke. Signup and view all the answers

Specific legal documents that direct relatives and care providers about treatment for patients who cannot speak for themselves is known as what?

Advance Directive Signup and view all the answers

An examination of the geriatric patient's residence for safety and well-being falls under which aspect of the GEMS diamond?

Environmental assessment Signup and view all the answers

Determining the chief complaint in the older medical patient is what?

Difficult compared to other patients because their symptoms may be vague or atypical. Signup and view all the answers

Sudden unconsciousness in the older patient from standing too quickly, bearing down for a bowel movement, or heart attack is called what?

Syncope Signup and view all the answers

Symptoms such as difficulty breathing and syncope in the older patient often indicate what?

Cardiovascular disease Signup and view all the answers

Why may children appear to have experienced a serious injury despite little or no outward signs?

Their bodies can compensate better for significant blood loss. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consideration when immobilizing a small child with a suspected head and neck injury?

Children should be secured to a backboard with padding under the shoulders. Signup and view all the answers

In the pediatric patient, when immobilization is necessary, what part of the body should be secured to the immobilization device first?

Secure the pediatric patient's torso to the immobilization device first. Signup and view all the answers

Immobilization is necessary for all children who have what possible injuries?

Head or spinal injuries after a traumatic event. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 6 steps in order when immobilizing a pediatric patient to an immobilization device?

<ol> <li>Maintain the child's head in neutral position. 2. Place an appropriately sized cervical collar on the patient. 3. Carefully log roll the child onto the device. 4. Secure the torso to the device first. 5. Secure the child's head. 6. Ensure straps are properly adjusted.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

GEMS Diamond

GEMS stands for Geriatric, Environment, Medical assessment, Social network.
Created to address issues in assessing older patients without replacing basic care principles.

Polypharmacy

Refers to the simultaneous use of multiple medications, common among elderly individuals.
Can lead to adverse effects due to potential drug interactions.

Unilateral Pedal Edema

Characterized by swelling in one foot or ankle due to fluid overload.

Fall Assessment in Elderly Patients

Important questions include awareness of the fall, balance loss, dizziness, memory of events, preceding fainting episodes, and recent medication changes.

Closed Head Injuries

Elderly individuals are at increased risk due to brain tissue shrinkage causing stretched veins that are prone to injury.

Hip Fracture Management

Use of blanket rolls is essential to keep the injured leg stable and prevent further damage.

Shock Detection Challenges

Medications like beta-blockers can mask typical shock symptoms, leading to normal heart rates despite shock presence.

Pulmonary Embolism Care

Focus on airway and circulatory support; use high-flow oxygen, suction blood, and position the patient comfortably.

Atherosclerosis Risks

Geriatric patients are at higher risk for heart attacks and strokes due to atherosclerosis.

Advance Directive

Legal documents that specify treatment preferences for patients unable to communicate their wishes.

Environmental Assessment

Evaluates home safety for geriatric patients, including staircase safety, handrail availability, and overall living conditions.

Chief Complaint Challenges

Older patients often present vague or atypical symptoms, making it difficult to determine their primary complaint.

Syncope

Sudden loss of consciousness due to factors like postural changes, bowel straining, diabetic events, or heart issues.

Cardiovascular Symptoms

Symptoms such as difficulty breathing and syncope in older patients frequently signal cardiovascular disease.

Pediatric Injury Considerations

Children may not show visible signs after a serious injury due to their better compensation for blood loss.

Immobilization of Children

When immobilizing small children with potential head and neck injuries, ensure they are padded and secure to a backboard.

Pediatrics Immobilization Steps

Secure torso first to immobilization device, maintain a neutral head position, and ensure proper strapping for safety.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the assessment of elderly patients, including topics like polypharmacy, unilateral pedal edema, and fall risk factors. This quiz aims to enhance your understanding of critical issues in geriatric care without compromising fundamental care principles.