Chapter 36 - Practice Questions Flashcards
(20 cards)
A productive cough, fever, and chills in an 80-year-old patient with a compromised immune system should make you most suspicious for:
A. pneumonia
B. heart failure
C. emphysema
D. bronchitis
A. Pneumonia
An abdominal aortic aneurysm:
A. is often the result of hypertension and atherosclerosis
B. is usually not repairable, even if discovered early
C. can sometimes be palpated as a mass in the groin area
D. causes dull pain that often radiates to the shoulders
A. is often the result of hypertension and atherosclerosis
An elderly patient might understate or minimize the symptoms of his or her illness because:
A. the nervous system has deteriorated
B. he or she fears hospitalization
C. of conditions such as dementia
D. of decreased perception of pain
B. he or she fears hospitalization
Common causes of depression in the elderly include all of the following, EXCEPT:
A. an acute onset of dementia
B. alcohol abuse and dependence
C. prescription medication use
D. chronic medical conditions
A. an acute onset of dementia
Fractures of the pelvis in older patients often occur as the result of a combination of:
A. acetabular separation and severe falls
B. arthritic joints and high-energy trauma
C. increased bone density and car crashes
D. osteoporosis and low-energy trauma.
D. osteoporosis and low-energy trauma
Good general communication techniques with the elderly include:
A. having at least two EMTs talk to the patient at a time
B. using medical terms to ensure patient understanding
C. frequently asking the patient if he or she understands
D. explaining procedures while you are performing them
C. frequently asking the patient if he or she understands
Many older victims of physical abuse might make false statements or lie about the origin of their injuries because:
A. they fear retribution from the abuser
B. they do not want to be bothersome
C. they are protective of the abuser
D. most elderly patients have dementia
A. they fear retribution from the abuser
Osteoporosis is defined as:
A. increased flexibility of bone mass
B. decreased bone marrow production
C. a decrease in bone mass and density
D. an abnormality near the growth plate
C. a decrease in bone mass and density
Patients who have experienced even minor-appearing head injuries should be suspected of having a brain injury, especially if they:
A. do not have deformities to the skull
B. have a history of Alzheimer disease
C. have minor abrasions to the head area
D. are taking blood-thinning medications
D. are taking blood-thinning medications
Poor maintenance of home, poor personal care, and dietary neglect are all possible indicators of ____________ elder abuse.
A. emotional
B. psychological
C. financial
D. physical
D. physical
Syncope in the older patient is:
A. most commonly caused by a silent myocardial infarction
B. generally of no concern unless the patient was injured
C. rarely life threatening but should be evaluated by a physician
D. caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain
D. caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain
The EMT should suspect left-sided heart failure in the geriatric patient who presents with:
A. swelling of the lower extremities and weakness
B. tachypnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
C. jugular venous distention and peripheral edema
D. fever and a cough that produces green sputum
B. tachypnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
The purpose of the GEMS diamond is to:
A. help EMS personnel remember what is different about elderly patients
B. provide clues about an elderly patient’s problem by observing his or her home
C. provide the EMT with a standard format for assessing elderly patients
D. replace the typical ABC approach to patient care when caring for the elderly
A. help EMS personnel remember what is different about elderly patients
The reduction in brain weight and volume increases an older person’s risk for:
A. delirium
B. head trauma
C. dementia
D. stroke
B. head trauma
The use of multiple prescription drugs by a single patient, causing the potential for negative effects such as overdosing or drug interaction, is called:
A. drug dependency
B. drug tolerance
C. potentiation
D. polypharmacy
D. polypharmacy
To minimize distractions and confusion when assessing an older patient, you should:
A. dismiss the family members from the room or area
B. have only one EMT speak to the patient at a time
C. elevate your voice and speak directly to the patient
D. perform a physical exam and then talk to the patient
B. have only one EMT speak to the patient at a time
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:
A. attempt to resuscitate the patient
B. allow the patient to die in peace
C. contact medical control for advice
D. try to locate the documentation
A. attempt to resuscitate the patient
When transporting a stable older patient to the hospital, the most effective way to reduce his or her anxiety is to:
A. allow at least two family members to accompany the patient
B. avoid the use of a long backboard, even if trauma is suspected
C. transport him or her to a hospital that he or she is familiar with
D. perform frequent detailed assessments to gain the patient’s trust
C. transport him or her to a hospital that he or she is familiar with
Which of the following is the most common mechanism of injury in older patients?
A. Abuse
B. Suicide
C. Burns
D. Falls
D. Falls
Which of the following observations or statements represents the “E” in the GEMS diamond?
A. The patient’s residence is cold due to a malfunctioning heater
B. The patient’s medications have not been filled in 2 months
C. A patient is assisted with his or her activities of daily living
D. Elderly patients present atypically and deserve your respect
A. The patient’s residence is cold due to a malfunctioning heater
