Medical Terminology Chapter 36

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Questions and Answers

A productive cough, fever, and chills in an 80-year-old patient with a compromised immune system should make you MOST suspicious for:

Emphysema

Heart failure

Bronchitis

Pneumonia (correct)

An abdominal aortic aneurysm:

Causes dull pain that often radiates to the shoulders

Is usually not repairable, even if discovered early

Can sometimes be palpated as a mass in the groin area

Is often the result of hypertension and atherosclerosis (correct)

An elderly patient might understate or minimize the symptoms of his or her illness because:

The nervous system has deteriorated

Of conditions such as dementia

Of decreased perception of pain

He or she fears hospitalization (correct)

Common causes of depression in the elderly include all of the following EXCEPT:

An acute onset of dementia Signup and view all the answers

Fractures of the pelvis in older patients often occur as the result of a combination of:

Osteoporosis and low energy trauma Signup and view all the answers

Good general communication techniques with the elderly include:

Frequently asking the patient if he or she understands Signup and view all the answers

Many older victims of physical abuse might make false statements or lie about the origin of their injuries because:

They fear retribution from the abuser Signup and view all the answers

Osteoporosis is defined as:

A decrease in bone mass and density Signup and view all the answers

Patients who have experienced even minor-appearing head injuries should be suspected of having a brain injury, especially if they:

Are taking blood thinning medications Signup and view all the answers

Poor maintenance of home, poor personal care, and dietary neglect are all possible indicators of ____________ elder abuse.

physical Signup and view all the answers

Syncope in the older patient is:

Caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain Signup and view all the answers

The EMT should suspect left sided heart failure in the geriatric patient who presents with:

Tachypnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of the GEMS diamond is to:

Help EMS personnel remember what is different about elderly patients Signup and view all the answers

The reduction in brain weight and volume increases an older person's risk for:

Head trauma Signup and view all the answers

The use of multiple prescription drugs by a single patient, causing the potential for negative effects such as overdosing or drug interaction is called:

Polypharmacy Signup and view all the answers

To minimize distractions and confusion when assessing an older patient you should:

Have only one EMT speak to the patient at a time Signup and view all the answers

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:

Attempt to resuscitate the patient Signup and view all the answers

When transporting a stable older patient to the hospital, the MOST effective way to reduce his or her anxiety is to:

Transport him or her to a hospital that he or she is familiar with Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST common mechanism of injury in older patients?

Falls Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following observations or statements represents the 'E' in the GEMS diamond?

The patient's residence is cold due to a malfunctioning heater Signup and view all the answers

The LEAST common cause of death in patients over 65 years of age is:

Drug overdose Signup and view all the answers

According to the GEMS diamond, a person’s activities of daily living are evaluated during the:

Social assessment Signup and view all the answers

A condition that clouds the lens of the eye is called:

Cataract Signup and view all the answers

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:

Slowing of reflexes causes a delayed pain reaction in older people Signup and view all the answers

The slow onset of progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, and loss of cognitive function is called:

Dementia Signup and view all the answers

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):

Aortic aneurysm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a physiologic change that occurs during the process of aging?

A decline in kidney function Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions makes the elderly patient prone to fractures from even minor trauma?

Osteoporosis Signup and view all the answers

Polypharmacy is a term used to describe a patient who takes:

Multiple medications Signup and view all the answers

Inflicted bruises are commonly found in all of the following areas, EXCEPT:

The forearms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vital Signs and Symptoms in Geriatric Patients

Pneumonia is suspected with productive cough, fever, and chills in elderly patients, especially immune-compromised individuals.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm often results from hypertension and atherosclerosis, potentially leading to palpation of a mass in the groin area.

Patient Communication and Understanding

Elderly patients may minimize symptoms due to fear of hospitalization.
Effective communication includes frequently checking for patient understanding without using complex medical jargon.

Depression and Elderly Care

Common causes of depression in the elderly are chronic medical conditions and alcohol abuse, but an acute onset of dementia is not a factor.
Indicators of physical elder abuse include poor home maintenance and personal neglect.

Risk Factors and Injuries in Older Adults

Osteoporosis significantly increases the risk of fractures from low-energy trauma, underscoring the importance of bone health in aging.
Even minor head injuries warrant suspicion of brain injury, particularly in patients on blood thinners.

Medical Procedures and Treatment Decisions

When treating a cardiac arrest patient without clear end-of-life documentation, resuscitation efforts should be attempted.
Movement to a familiar hospital can significantly reduce anxiety in stable elderly patients.

Understanding Aging and Medical Conditions

Falls are the most common mechanism of injury in older adults, leading to substantial health risks.
Conditions like cataracts cloud vision, impacting elderly patients' quality of life.

Mental Health Considerations

Dementia is characterized by progressive disorientation and cognitive decline, distinct from conditions like delirium.

Specific Medical Conditions in Older Adults

Aortic aneurysms, characterized by tearing abdominal pain and shock-like vital signs, are a critical concern in older patients with vascular histories.
Physiological decline during aging includes reduced kidney function, emphasizing the importance of renal monitoring in elderly care.

Polypharmacy and Its Implications

Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications, increasing the risk of adverse reactions and complicating treatment.

Identification of Abuse

Inflicted bruises are commonly found in areas like buttocks and inner thighs, but are less likely to appear on forearms, aiding in the recognition of potential abuse cases.

Assessment Tools

The GEMS diamond aids EMS personnel in considering the unique aspects of elderly care, stressing environmental observations during assessments.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 36 with these flashcards, which cover key medical terms and conditions. This quiz includes scenarios and definitions that are crucial for understanding various health issues. Perfect for students of medical terminology and healthcare professionals.