question

Which of the following is not one of the leading causes of death in the older population? a. heart disease b. diabetes c. AIDS d. cancer

answer

c

question

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

answer

a

question

Stereotyping of elderly people that often leads to discrimination is called: a. geritism b. geriographics c. oldism d. ageism

answer

d

question

Which of the following is not a common stereotype regarding geriatrics? a. most elderly people have dementia b. elderly people are hard of hearing c. geriatric patients are likely to die on an EMS call d. elderly people are immobile

answer

c

question

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

answer

a

question

Which of the following is not considered a common condition of the elderly? a. hypertension b. sinusitis c. gastroenteritis d. arthritis

answer

c

question

Geriatric patients are commonly found living in all of the following locations except: a. their homes b. nursing homes c. skilled nursing facilities d. churches

answer

d

question

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 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

answer

c

question

Anatomic changes that occur as a person ages predisposes geriatric patients to: a. airway problems b. fungal infections c. communicable diseases d. mental status changes

answer

a

question

Which of the following statements regarding geriatrics is false? a. chronic mental status impairment is a normal process of aging b. multiple disease processes and complaints can make assessment complicated c. communication may be more complicated with an older adult d. you should find and account for all patient medications

answer

a

question

The last meal is particularly important in a patient with: a. hypertension b. myocardial infarction c. COPD d. diabetes

answer

d

question

The heart rate should be in the normal adult rage for a geriatric patient but can be altered by medications such as: a. insulin b. beta-blockers c. alpha-blockers d. aspirin

answer

b

question

Which of the following is not considered a typical intervention when treating an elderly patient? a. oxygenation b. administration of glucose c. immobilization d. psychological support

answer

c

question

The "E" of the GEMS diamond stands for: a. environmental assessment b. events leading to the incident c. extrication of the patient d. emergency assessment

answer

a

question

The alveoli in an older patient's lung tissue can become enlarged and less elastic, making it: a. easier to inhale air b. harder to inhale air c. easier to exhale air d. harder to exhale air

answer

d

question

_______ is the leading cause of death from infection in Americans older than age 65 years. a. chronic bronchitis b. pneumonia c. endocarditis d. influenza

answer

b

question

A patient with leg pain who complains of sudden shortness of breath, tachycardia, fever, chest pain, and a feeling of impending doom is likely experiencing a(n): a. pulmonary embolism b. pneumonia c. myocardial infarction d. aortic aneurysm

answer

a

question

Geriatric patients are at risk for _________, an accumulation of fatty material in the arteries. a. vasculitis b. arteriosclerosis c. atherosclerosis d. varicose veins

answer

c

question

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

answer

a

question

Which of the following is not considered a risk factor for geriatric patients to develop heart failure? a. hypertension b. coronary artery disease c. atrial fibrillation d. palpitations

answer

d

question

All of the following are true of delirium except: a. it may have metabolic causes b. the patient may be hypoglycemic c. it develops slowly over a period of years d. the memory remains mostly intact

answer

c

question

An 82 year old woman has slurred speech, weakness on the left side of her body, visual disturbances, and a headache. This patient is likely to be suffering from a: a. myocardial infarction b. stroke c. diabetic emergency d. spinal cord injury

answer

b

question

The brain decreases in terms of ___________ and volume as a person ages. a. length b. width c. size d. weight

answer

d

question

Older people develop an inability to differentiate colors and have: a. increased sensitivity to light b. decreased eye movement c. decreased daytime vision d. decreased night vision

answer

d

question

_________ and long-term exposure to loud noises are the main factors that contribute to hearing loss> a. heredity b. injury c. infection d. medications

answer

a

question

Which of the following statements regarding dementia is false? a. patients may have anxiety about going to the hospital b. some patients are confused and angry c. there may be a decreased ability to communicate d. due to memory loss, they are able to adapt easily to changes in their daily routine

answer

d

question

Which of the following statements about changes to the gastrointestinal system is correct? a. gastric secretions are reduced as a person ages b. dental loss is not a normal result of the aging process c. blood flow to the liver is increased as a person ages d. gastric motility increases and results in an increase in gastric emptying

answer

b

question

All of the following are common specific gastrointestinal problems in the elderly except: a. ulcerative colitis b. diverticulitis c. peptic ulcer disease d. gallbladder disease

answer

a

question

A patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm most commonly complains of abdominal pain that radiates to the: a. chest b. lower legs c. back d. shoulders

answer

c

question

Changes to the kidney and genitourinary tract in elderly patients can cause all of the following except: a. urinary incontinence b. urinary retention c. an increased response to sodium deficiency d. enlargement of the prostate

answer

c

question

A patient experiencing weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, drier skin and hair, and a slower heart rate could be suffering from: a. hyperglycemia b. ketosis c. hyperthyroidism d. hypothyroidism

answer

d

question

Which of the following is not a factor that affects the development of osteoporosis? a. hypertension b. smoking c. level of activity d. alcohol consumption

answer

a

question

________ is a progressive disease of the joints that destroys cartilage and leads to joint spurs and stiffness. a. osteoporosis b. osteosarcoma c. osteoarthritis d. osteoplegia

answer

c

question

All of the following are considered to be reasons for medication noncompliance except: a. financial challenges b. patient disagrees with the diagnosis c. impaired cognitive ability d. inability to open pill bottles

answer

b

question

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

answer

d

question

Elderly pedestrians struck by a vehicle commonly suffer injuries to the: a. chest b. abdomen c. extremities d. back

answer

c

question

All of the following are common predisposing events that can lead to suicide in the elderly except: a. death of a loved one b. hallucinations c. alcohol abuse d. physical illness

answer

b

question

Elderly people are more likely to experience burns because of: a. altered mental status b. inattention c. compromised neurologic status d. all of the above

answer

d

question

Signs and symptoms of possible abuse include all of the following except: a. chronic pain with no medical explanation b. no history of repeated visits to the emergency department or clinic c. depression or lack of energy d. self-destructive behavior

answer

b

question

Because the brain tissue shrinks with age, older patients are more likely to sustain: a. basilar skull fractures b. depressed skull fractures c. open head injuries d. closed head injuries

answer

d

question

The most important piece of information to establish immediately when responding to a skilled nursing facility is determining: a. when someone last saw the patient b. which nurse is overseeing patient care c. what is wrong with the patient d. how often this patient is transported to the hospital

answer

c

question

MRSA is commonly found on which of the following? a. decubitus ulcers b. feeding tubes c. indwelling catheters d. all of the above

answer

d

question

In most states, for a DNR to be considered valid it must have been signed within the last: a. 12 months b. 18 months c. 24 months d. DNRs are valid regardless of the timeframe

answer

a

question

Burns in elderly abuse typically result from which of the following? a. cigarettes b. matches c. hot liquids d. all of the above

answer

d

question

Clues that might indicate elderly abuse would include all of the following except: a. bruises on the buttocks and lower back b. weight gain c. wounds in various stages of healing d. lack of hygiene

answer

b

question

T/F Some elderly people may not take all of their medications to save money.

answer

T

question

T/F Your first words to the patient and the attitude behind them can gain or lose a patient's trust.

answer

T

question

T/F Hip fractures are less likely to occur when the patient has osteoporosis.

answer

F

question

T/F Chest pain, shortness of breath, and an altered mental status should always be considered serious.

answer

T

question

T/F More responsive nerve stimulation may lower the heart rate and the strength of heart contractions.

answer

F

question

T/F Multiple disease processes and multiple and/or vague complaints can make assessment complicated.

answer

T

question

T/F The "S" in the GEMS diamond stands for social assessment.

answer

T

question

T/F Loss of mechanisms to protect the upper airway include increased cough and gag reflexes.

answer

F

question

T/F Changes in the cardiovascular performance of a geriatric patient are the direct consequence of aging.

answer

F

question

T/F Respiratory rates in an elderly patient with chest pain tend to be lower.

answer

F

question

T/F The treatment goal of a stroke is to salvage as much brain tissue as possible.

answer

T

question

T/F Glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment can all cause vision problems in the geriatric patient.

answer

T

question

T/F Taste can be diminished in an older patient due to a decrease in the number of taste buds.

answer

T

question

T/F Neuropathy is a dysfunction of the central nervous system.

answer

F

question

T/F Irritation of the lining stomach or ulcers can cause forceful vomiting that tears the esophagus.

answer

T

question

T/F Inflammation of the gallbladder will present with left upper quadrant pain and fever.

answer

F

question

T/F The blood glucose level will be greater than 500mg/dL in DKA.

answer

T

question

T/F Pneumonia and urinary tract infections are common in patients who are bedridden.

answer

T

question

T/F Decreased liver function makes it easier for the liver to detoxify the blood.

answer

F

question

T/F Most elderly suicides occur in people who have recently been diagnosed with depression.

answer

T

question

T/F There is a lower mortality from penetrating trauma in older adults.

answer

F

question

T/F Many elderly patients take blood-thinning medications that can help correct internal bleeding.

answer

F

question

T/F Broken bones are common in the geriatric population and should be splinted in a manner appropriate to the injury.

answer

T

question

T/F Most indoor hypothermia deaths involve geriatric patients.

answer

T

question

T/F A "health care power of attorney" is an advance directive that is exercised by a person who has been authorized by the patient to make medical decisions for the patient.

answer

T

question

Using the patient's ________ shows respect and helps the patient to focus on your questions.

answer

name

question

Hip fractures are more likely to occur when bones are weakened by ________ or infection.

answer

osteoporosis

question

__________ is a useful therapy for many geriatric problems, including vague complaints of weakness or dizziness.

answer

oxygen

question

_________ is an inflammation/infection of the lung form bacterial, viral, or fungal causes.

answer

pneumonia

question

The core body temperature should be assessed to determine the presence of a(n) __________.

answer

fever

question

_________ refers to stiffening of the blood vessel wall.

answer

arteriosclerosis

question

Severe blood loss can occur when a(n) ________ bursts.

answer

aneurysm

question

With _________ heart failure, fluid backs up into the lungs.

answer

left-sided

question

__________ is the gradual hearing loss that occurs as we age.

answer

presbycusis

question

An older person may have a decreased sense of _________ and _________ perception from the loss of end nerve fibers.

answer

touch, pain

question

_________ is a condition in which small pouches protrude from the colon.

answer

diverticulosis

question

__________ __________ form when a patient is lying or sitting in the same position for a long time.

answer

pressure ulcers

question

As you get older, the brain shrinks, leading to higher risk of ___________ _________ following head trauma.

answer

cerebral bleeding

question

___________ ____________ may help determine if a loss of consciousness occurred before an accident.

answer

bystander information

question

Dentures may cause a(n) __________ _________ in a trauma patient.

answer

airway obstruction

question

When assessing the abdomen, remember that elderly patients have a ________ __________ __________ and may not show signs of rigidity in abdominal trauma.

answer

flaccid abdominal wall

question

Patients with __________ will require padding in order to keep the patient supine.

answer

kyphosis

question

In addition to hip fractures, elderly people with osteoporosis are at risk for _________ fractures.

answer

pelvic

question

__________ ___________ are facilities that serve patients who need 24-hour care; they are sometimes a step down from a hospital.

answer

nursing homes

question

__________ __________ are specific legal papers that direct relatives and caregivers about what kinds of medical treatment may be given to patients who cannot speak for themselves.

answer

advance directives

question

Why is it important to understand the psychological changes with age?

answer

decline brain, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal systems.

question

How does aging affect the respiratory system?

answer

minor lung infection could be life-threatening in elderly decreased lung mass/decreased breathing capacity use accessory muscles when having breathing difficulty cough + gag reflex decrease with age so it is hard time clearing secretions can't cough = get respiratory infection alveoli gets bigger but elasticity decreases -harder to expel air pulmonary respiration - exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide decreases can't compensate for hypoxia or shock

question

What is the GEMS diamond? How can it facilitate your overall care of an older patient?

answer

patient that lives alone Geriatric -wait for crisis to call for help Environment - hazards Medications -OTC may interact with prescription Social Assessment - help with daily activities

question

What are some common factors that affect an older patient's vital signs?

answer

chronic disease medications capillary refill time not accurate blood pressure increases with age poor circulation

question

What should concern you about patients who take numerous medications?

answer

overdosed or underdose or interaction medications stay in body longer + are not detoxified by liver as fast Identify what pill was taken, how long ago, why?

question

Why do older patients commonly refuse EMT transport?

answer

Fear of being put in a nursing home or hospital not aware condition has deteriorated Stranger Anxiety Money Ask patient what they are fearful about? Reassure her but don't make false promises.

question

The patient's past medical history + signs + symptoms what do you suspect as the cause of her problem?

answer

Symptoms:fever/chills/SOB Patient has pneumonia Pneumonia creates a barrier for gas exchange in lungs. Decreased cough mechanism, can't expel secretions. signs:fever/green or yellow mucus, chills

question

How does dementia differ from delirium? Is dementia a normal part of aging process?

answer

DELIRIUM - inability to focus, think logically DEMENTIA - progressive disorientation, loss of cognitive function, psychomotor skills, social skills.

question

What strategies should you use when communicating with older patients?

answer

Speak respectfully + introduce yourself + partners Look directly at patient + speak slowly + clearly Explain what you are doing before you do it. Don't talk about patient in front of her.

question

English 2nd Language

answer

May revert back to native language when stressed. Do not assume patient can't understand you.

question

Difficulty Communicating

answer

Elderly people can't express themselves when stressed.

question

Common Condition for Geriatrics

answer

Hypertension Arthritis Heart Disease Diabetes Cancer Sinusitis

question

Common Causes of Death for Geriatrics

answer

Heart Disease Cancer Stroke Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Pneumonia Diabetes Trauma

question

Medical + Trauma Conditions Superimposed on Each Other

answer

Fall from dizziness or weakness Recovery from hip fracture difficult because Osteoprosis. Wounds for Diabetes take longer to heal.

question

Do not remove Dentures

answer

Unless they obstruct airway or interfere with ventilation when rescue breathing needed.

question

Geriatrics Patient Assessment Guidelines

answer

environment unsafe? introduce yourself + use patience hearing/vision impairments ABC's + vital signs multiple medications elderly do not have flexibility or reserve poor nutrition thermoregulate cold all the time memory + cognition impaired skin fragile + tears easily

question

GEMS Diamond

answer

Geriatric - impaired Environment - hazardous Medical Assessment - prescriptions, OTC Social Assessment - help daily living

question

Pneumonia

answer

inflammation infection of the lung from bacteria, viral or fungal causes.

question

Older People

answer

hobbies or activités are healthy + vital

question

(L) side heart failure

answer

fluid backs up in lungs short of breath

question

(R) side heart failure

answer

fluid backs up in body peripheral edema or swelling tissue

question

Heart Failure Signs

answer

hypertension - high BP coronary artery disease atrial fibrillation - atria no longer contract normally

question

Heart Attack Signs

answer

dyspnea or SOB, nausea/vomiting, weak/dizziness, syncope/fainting, fatigue diaphoresis - sweating pale, cyanosis, mottled skin, decreased breathing sounds, peripheral edema - swelling

question

Silent Heart Attack

answer

no symptoms usually in women + people with diabetes

question

Stroke

answer

Leading cause of death Acute AMS, numbness, weakness, paralysis on one side of body, slurred speech, difficulty speaking/aphasia, visual problems, headache, dizziness, incontinence, seizure

question

Hemorrhage Stroke

answer

broken blood vessel causing bleeding in brain. fatal

question

Ischemic Strokes

answer

blood clot blocks the flow of blood to a portion of the brain. brain tissue distal to this clot is deprived of oxygen + will die if clot not removed.

question

Elderly More likely to be Struck by a Vehicle

answer

hearing/vision loss, posture

question

Causes of Syncope in Geriatric Patients

answer

arrhythmias + heart attack vascular + volume changes neurologic causes

question

over the counter medications

answer

aspirin antacids cough syrup decongestants can interact with prescription medications.

question

Elderly impending shock

answer

heart rate lower from beta blockers

question

Elderly impending trauma

answer

takes coumadin or blood thinning medications

question

Falls Common in Elderly

answer

debilitating problems environment

question

vacuum mattress

answer

conform to body contours to immobilize geriatric patients with pelvic fractures

question

Elderly Patient Head Trauma

answer

subdural hematomas/signs + symptoms mimic stroke alcohol recurrent falls repeated head injury use of blood thinners

question

categories for elderly abuse

answer

PHYSICAL - assault, neglect, dietary, maintenance of home, personal hygienic PSYCHOLOGICAL - neglect, verbal, treating person like infant, deprivation of sensory stimulation FINANCIAL - theft of valuables, embezzlement

question

elderly abuse

answer

carefully documented be thorough, objective, factual, avoid opinions

question

check for signs of elderly neglect

answer

poor hygiene poor dental hygiene poor temperature regulation lack of amenities in home

question

Why is assessing an elderly patient challenging?

answer

communication hearing/vision AMS, complicated medical history multiple medications

question

Why is necessary to obtain an accurate geriatric assessment?

answer

patience + good communication skills slow deliberate approach to patient history

question

Why are geriatric patients prone to pneumonia?

answer

inability to cough

question

What do changes in cardiovascular system bring?

answer

atherosclerosis aneurysm stiffening heart values orthostatic hypotension venous stasis deep venous thrombosis heart attack heart failure stroke

question

Why type of patient doesn't present symptoms of a heart attack?

answer

women + diabetes patients

question

Why are geriatric patients prone to fall?

answer

bones are fragile

question

Why causes serious problems in geriatric patients?

answer

polypharmacy or multiple medications

question

What is a risk factor for suicide?

answer

depression

question

What do you do to treat a geriatric patient with trauma?

answer

assess injuries falls

question

What should you do when you respond to a nursing home?

answer

determine chief complaint

question

AAA - abdominal aortic aneurysm

answer

fatal hypertension/atherosclerosis or artery walls thicken rapid blood loss

question

advanced directive

answer

specific legal papers that direct relatives about what kind of medical treatment may be given to person who can't speak for themselves.

question

aneurysm

answer

abnormal blood filled dilation of the wall of a blood vessel.

question

ascites

answer

fluid in abdomen

question

cataracts

answer

clouding of the lenses or their surrounding membranes difficulty distinguishing colors re: accidents falling/medication

question

decubitis ulcers or bedsores

answer

non blanching redness/damage under skin blisters or ulcers affecting dermis or epidermis invasion of fat layer through fascia invasion of muscle or bone

question

deep venous thrombosis

answer

blood clots in superficial venus + blood closes in deep veins

question

delirium

answer

sudden change is mental status cognitive process inability to focus think logically maintain attention

question

dementia

answer

slow onset progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, loss of cognitive function (memory)

question

dyspnea

answer

short of breath

question

elderly abuse or granny beating

answer

any action on the part of an older person's member that takes advantage of the older person's property, emotional state

question

geriatrics

answer

assessment of person who is 65 years old

question

jugular vein distention

answer

fluid backs up in body

question

kyphosis or hunch back

answer

stooped posture atrophy of the supporting structure of the body lost of height from compression of spinal column use a scoop stretcher or flat board to transport patient

question

melena

answer

black tarry stool

question

MRSA

answer

living in closed quarters like nursing homes organism can be bed sores/decubitus ulcers feeding tubes/catheters spread from broken sign, touch object with bacteria

question

neuropathy

answer

disorder of nerves of the peripheral nervous system function + structure of peripheral motor, sensory, autonomic neurons impaired

question

osteoporosis

answer

bone disease in post menopausal women reduction in bone mass leading to fractures

question

peptic ulcer disease

answer

use NSAIDS gnawing, burning pain, goes away, comes back

question

polypharmacy

answer

multiple medications by patient

question

Presbycusis

answer

gradual hearing loss that occurs as we age

question

Pulmonary Embolism

answer

sudden blockage of an artery by a venous clot

question

respiratory syncytial virus

answer

infection of the upper + lower respiratory tracks. symptoms like common cold + more severe. highly contagious from discharge of nose + throat

question

syncope

answer

fainting or interruption of blood flow to the brain

question

unilateral pedal edema

answer

swelling in one ankle or foot source of a clot

question

urinary tract infection

answer

bacterial infection that affect the urinary track

question

What is a frequent reoccurring condition that affects the elderly?

answer

respiratory distress

question

Patient having difficulty speaking from stroke. What technique should you use?

answer

listen carefully to the answers

question

Which of the following conditions is considered to be a risk factor for congestive heart failure?

answer

coronary artery disease

question

Patient was awakened by suffocation or respiratory distress. What are her symptoms a characteristic of?

answer

exertional dyspnea

question

Clarify her symptoms of sudden feeling of suffocation + respiratory distress?

answer

What position do you normally sleep in?

question

Ausculating patient's lungs you hear rales. These sounds are caused by air passing through

answer

fluid in alveoli

question

Pulse oximeter is unable to provide accurate reading. What is possible cause of this?

answer

poor circulation

question

Observing GEMS you find what condition in the home?

answer

environmental too many cats, strong odor

question

Social Assessment When Caring for Elderly

answer

Need help with daily living, dressing, eating

question

Patient takes numerous medications. 11 bottles were in a bag. What might the problem be?

answer

polypharmacy - multiple medications

question

Why is it important to understand the psychological changes with age?

answer

decline brain, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal systems.

question

How does aging affect the respiratory system?

answer

minor lung infection could be life-threatening in elderly decreased lung mass/decreased breathing capacity use accessory muscles when having breathing difficulty cough + gag reflex decrease with age so it is hard time clearing secretions can't cough = get respiratory infection alveoli gets bigger but elasticity decreases -harder to expel air pulmonary respiration - exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide decreases can't compensate for hypoxia or shock

question

What is the GEMS diamond? How can it facilitate your overall care of an older patient?

answer

patient that lives alone Geriatric -wait for crisis to call for help Environment - hazards Medications -OTC may interact with prescription Social Assessment - help with daily activities

question

What are some common factors that affect an older patient's vital signs?

answer

chronic disease medications capillary refill time not accurate blood pressure increases with age poor circulation

question

What should concern you about patients who take numerous medications?

answer

overdosed or underdose or interaction medications stay in body longer + are not detoxified by liver as fast Identify what pill was taken, how long ago, why?

question

Why do older patients commonly refuse EMT transport?

answer

Fear of being put in a nursing home or hospital not aware condition has deteriorated Stranger Anxiety Money Ask patient what they are fearful about? Reassure her but don't make false promises.

question

The patient's past medical history + signs + symptoms what do you suspect as the cause of her problem?

answer

Symptoms:fever/chills/SOB Patient has pneumonia Pneumonia creates a barrier for gas exchange in lungs. Decreased cough mechanism, can't expel secretions. signs:fever/green or yellow mucus, chills

question

How does dementia differ from delirium? Is dementia a normal part of aging process?

answer

DELIRIUM - inability to focus, think logically DEMENTIA - progressive disorientation, loss of cognitive function, psychomotor skills, social skills.

question

What strategies should you use when communicating with older patients?

answer

Speak respectfully + introduce yourself + partners Look directly at patient + speak slowly + clearly Explain what you are doing before you do it. Don't talk about patient in front of her.

question

English 2nd Language

answer

May revert back to native language when stressed. Do not assume patient can't understand you.

question

Difficulty Communicating

answer

Elderly people can't express themselves when stressed.

question

Common Condition for Geriatrics

answer

Hypertension Arthritis Heart Disease Diabetes Cancer Sinusitis

question

Common Causes of Death for Geriatrics

answer

Heart Disease Cancer Stroke Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Pneumonia Diabetes Trauma

question

Medical + Trauma Conditions Superimposed on Each Other

answer

Fall from dizziness or weakness Recovery from hip fracture difficult because Osteoprosis. Wounds for Diabetes take longer to heal.

question

Do not remove Dentures

answer

Unless they obstruct airway or interfere with ventilation when rescue breathing needed.

question

Geriatrics Patient Assessment Guidelines

answer

environment unsafe? introduce yourself + use patience hearing/vision impairments ABC's + vital signs multiple medications elderly do not have flexibility or reserve poor nutrition thermoregulate cold all the time memory + cognition impaired skin fragile + tears easily

question

GEMS Diamond

answer

Geriatric - impaired Environment - hazardous Medical Assessment - prescriptions, OTC Social Assessment - help daily living

question

Pneumonia

answer

inflammation infection of the lung from bacteria, viral or fungal causes.

question

Older People

answer

hobbies or activités are healthy + vital

question

(L) side heart failure

answer

fluid backs up in lungs short of breath

question

(R) side heart failure

answer

fluid backs up in body peripheral edema or swelling tissue

question

Heart Failure Signs

answer

hypertension - high BP coronary artery disease atrial fibrillation - atria no longer contract normally

question

Heart Attack Signs

answer

dyspnea or SOB, nausea/vomiting, weak/dizziness, syncope/fainting, fatigue diaphoresis - sweating pale, cyanosis, mottled skin, decreased breathing sounds, peripheral edema - swelling

question

Silent Heart Attack

answer

no symptoms usually in women + people with diabetes

question

Stroke

answer

Leading cause of death Acute AMS, numbness, weakness, paralysis on one side of body, slurred speech, difficulty speaking/aphasia, visual problems, headache, dizziness, incontinence, seizure

question

Hemorrhage Stroke

answer

broken blood vessel causing bleeding in brain. fatal

question

Ischemic Strokes

answer

blood clot blocks the flow of blood to a portion of the brain. brain tissue distal to this clot is deprived of oxygen + will die if clot not removed.

question

Elderly More likely to be Struck by a Vehicle

answer

hearing/vision loss, posture

question

Causes of Syncope in Geriatric Patients

answer

arrhythmias + heart attack vascular + volume changes neurologic causes

question

over the counter medications

answer

aspirin antacids cough syrup decongestants can interact with prescription medications.

question

Elderly impending shock

answer

heart rate lower from beta blockers

question

Elderly impending trauma

answer

takes coumadin or blood thinning medications

question

Falls Common in Elderly

answer

debilitating problems environment

question

vacuum mattress

answer

conform to body contours to immobilize geriatric patients with pelvic fractures

question

Elderly Patient Head Trauma

answer

subdural hematomas/signs + symptoms mimic stroke alcohol recurrent falls repeated head injury use of blood thinners

question

categories for elderly abuse

answer

PHYSICAL - assault, neglect, dietary, maintenance of home, personal hygienic PSYCHOLOGICAL - neglect, verbal, treating person like infant, deprivation of sensory stimulation FINANCIAL - theft of valuables, embezzlement

question

elderly abuse

answer

carefully documented be thorough, objective, factual, avoid opinions

question

check for signs of elderly neglect

answer

poor hygiene poor dental hygiene poor temperature regulation lack of amenities in home

question

Why is assessing an elderly patient challenging?

answer

communication hearing/vision AMS, complicated medical history multiple medications

question

Why is necessary to obtain an accurate geriatric assessment?

answer

patience + good communication skills slow deliberate approach to patient history

question

Why are geriatric patients prone to pneumonia?

answer

inability to cough

question

What do changes in cardiovascular system bring?

answer

atherosclerosis aneurysm stiffening heart values orthostatic hypotension venous stasis deep venous thrombosis heart attack heart failure stroke

question

Why type of patient doesn't present symptoms of a heart attack?

answer

women + diabetes patients

question

Why are geriatric patients prone to fall?

answer

bones are fragile

question

Why causes serious problems in geriatric patients?

answer

polypharmacy or multiple medications

question

What is a risk factor for suicide?

answer

depression

question

What do you do to treat a geriatric patient with trauma?

answer

assess injuries falls

question

What should you do when you respond to a nursing home?

answer

determine chief complaint

question

AAA - abdominal aortic aneurysm

answer

fatal hypertension/atherosclerosis or artery walls thicken rapid blood loss

question

advanced directive

answer

specific legal papers that direct relatives about what kind of medical treatment may be given to person who can't speak for themselves.

question

aneurysm

answer

abnormal blood filled dilation of the wall of a blood vessel.

question

ascites

answer

fluid in abdomen

question

cataracts

answer

clouding of the lenses or their surrounding membranes difficulty distinguishing colors re: accidents falling/medication

question

decubitis ulcers or bedsores

answer

non blanching redness/damage under skin blisters or ulcers affecting dermis or epidermis invasion of fat layer through fascia invasion of muscle or bone

question

deep venous thrombosis

answer

blood clots in superficial venus + blood closes in deep veins

question

delirium

answer

sudden change is mental status cognitive process inability to focus think logically maintain attention

question

dementia

answer

slow onset progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, loss of cognitive function (memory)

question

dyspnea

answer

short of breath

question

elderly abuse or granny beating

answer

any action on the part of an older person's member that takes advantage of the older person's property, emotional state

question

geriatrics

answer

assessment of person who is 65 years old

question

jugular vein distention

answer

fluid backs up in body

question

kyphosis or hunch back

answer

stooped posture atrophy of the supporting structure of the body lost of height from compression of spinal column use a scoop stretcher or flat board to transport patient

question

melena

answer

black tarry stool

question

MRSA

answer

living in closed quarters like nursing homes organism can be bed sores/decubitus ulcers feeding tubes/catheters spread from broken sign, touch object with bacteria

question

neuropathy

answer

disorder of nerves of the peripheral nervous system function + structure of peripheral motor, sensory, autonomic neurons impaired

question

osteoporosis

answer

bone disease in post menopausal women reduction in bone mass leading to fractures

question

peptic ulcer disease

answer

use NSAIDS gnawing, burning pain, goes away, comes back

question

polypharmacy

answer

multiple medications by patient

question

Presbycusis

answer

gradual hearing loss that occurs as we age

question

Pulmonary Embolism

answer

sudden blockage of an artery by a venous clot

question

respiratory syncytial virus

answer

infection of the upper + lower respiratory tracks. symptoms like common cold + more severe. highly contagious from discharge of nose + throat

question

syncope

answer

fainting or interruption of blood flow to the brain

question

unilateral pedal edema

answer

swelling in one ankle or foot source of a clot

question

urinary tract infection

answer

bacterial infection that affect the urinary track

question

What is a frequent reoccurring condition that affects the elderly?

answer

respiratory distress

question

Patient having difficulty speaking from stroke. What technique should you use?

answer

listen carefully to the answers

question

Which of the following conditions is considered to be a risk factor for congestive heart failure?

answer

coronary artery disease

question

Patient was awakened by suffocation or respiratory distress. What are her symptoms a characteristic of?

answer

exertional dyspnea

question

Clarify her symptoms of sudden feeling of suffocation + respiratory distress?

answer

What position do you normally sleep in?

question

Ausculating patient's lungs you hear rales. These sounds are caused by air passing through

answer

fluid in alveoli

question

Pulse oximeter is unable to provide accurate reading. What is possible cause of this?

answer

poor circulation

question

Observing GEMS you find what condition in the home?

answer

environmental too many cats, strong odor

question

Social Assessment When Caring for Elderly

answer

Need help with daily living, dressing, eating

question

Patient takes numerous medications. 11 bottles were in a bag. What might the problem be?

answer

polypharmacy - multiple medications

EMT-B Chapter 33 – Geriatric Emergencies – Flashcards

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