Component 9: Care for Special Patient Populations

Question 1

Differentiate kyphosis from lordosis.

Answer 1

• Kyphosis: extensive outward curvature of the upper spine.
• Lordosis: extensive curvature of the lower spine, swayback.

Question 2

What is the medical term for bedsores?

Answer 2

Decubitus Ulcers

Question 3

Differentiate dementia from Alzheimer’s.

Answer 3

• Dementia: A general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, including memory and reasoning.
• Alzheimer’s: A specific, progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia.

Question 4

Differentiate mechanical fall(s) and physiological fall(s).

Answer 4

• Mechanical Fall(s): Includes external forces, such as tripping or being knocked down.
• Physiological Fall(s): Results from an internal malfunction, such as syncope, stroke, or vision disturbances.

Question 5

Why is polypharmacology an additional concern with geriatric patients?

Answer 5

Because of the normal aging process and deterioration of normal bodily functions, and the likelihood that a geriatric patient is prescribed multiple medications.

Question 6

What does the acronym APGAR stand for and when should the assessment be performed?

Answer 6

APGAR scoring is completed at 1 minute and 5 minutes after delivery to assess the newborn’s status:

Appearance
Pulse
Grimace
Activity
Respiratory effort

Question 7

During childbirth, what is the term when the baby’s buttocks presents first in the vagina?

Answer 7

breech presentation

Question 8

Why is a prolapsed cord lethal to the fetus?

Answer 8

During delivery, the fetus’s head will put pressure on the cord, cutting off its own circulation of oxygenated blood.

Question 9

Differentiate primigravida and multigravida.

Answer 9

• Primigravida: A woman’s first pregnancy.
• Multigravida: A woman’s second and future pregnancies.

Question 10

What is an imminent sign of delivery?

Answer 10

crowning

The presence of the fetus’s head at the vaginal opening.

Question 11

Define:

eclampsia

Answer 11

It is a severe complication of pregnancy marked by the onset of seizures in a patient with preeclampsia (hypertension and proteinuria).

Question 12

What is the medical term for when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before childbirth?

Answer 12

placental abruption

Question 13

How should a nuchal cord be assessed?

Answer 13

Once the infant’s head has presented, visualize and feel for the presence of the cord around the infant’s neck. If present, slip the cord over the baby’s head.

Question 14

List:

Tools in an Obstetrical (OB) kit

Answer 14

• Umbilical clamps
• Scalpel or scissors
• Blanket
• Infant cap
• Bulb suction
• Sterile gloves
• Plastic bag
• Towels, drape and/or sheets

Question 15

How far from the newborn should the first umbilical clamp be placed?

Answer 15

The first umbilical clamp should be placed six inches (15 cm) from the newborn.

The second clamp should be placed two to four inches from the first.

Question 16

True or False:

It is important to ask if the pregnant mother has had prenatal care during their current pregnancy.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

What stage of labor is the delivery of the baby?

Answer 17

Second stage of labor

1. Cervical dilatation
2. Expulsion or delivery
3. Placental delivery

Question 18

The mother says that her bag of waters has broken. The fluid is a green/brown color with a foul odor. What is the concern with this information?

Answer 18

Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (green/brown) indicates fetal bowel movement in utero. A foul odor may indicate infection. Be prepared for neonatal suctioning and respiratory support.

Question 19

Describe:

During pregnancy, what is lightning?

Answer 19

This is when the fetus drops into the mother’s pelvic region, positioning itself for birth, usually 2 to 4 weeks prior to childbirth.

Question 20

True or False:

When stimulating a newborn after delivery, it is best done by spanking the neonate’s butt.

Answer 20

False

The best practice is to rub the baby’s back while drying and/or flick the baby’s feet.

Question 21

True or False:

Pregnant women have an increased possibility of physical abuse.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

Describe:

ectopic pregnancy

Answer 22

This is when an embryo develops outside the uterus, most often in the uterine (fallopian) tubes.

Question 23

What position should a pregnant patient be placed in to avoid supine hypotensive syndrome?

Answer 23

Place the patient in the left lateral recumbent (LLR) or recovery position on the left.

Question 24

Define:

term gestation

Answer 24

It is when the pregnancy has reached 39 weeks but not exceeded 40 weeks and 6 days.

Question 25

# Fill in the blank: If the newborn's pulse is below 60 beats per minute, we should \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 25

start CPR

Question 26

# List: Anatomical **differences** between adults and children

Answer 26

* Children's occipital regions are larger * Infants and young children's tongues are proportionally larger * Children's abdominal muscles are less developed * The cartilaginous rings of the trachea are less developed than adults * A child's bones are softer, more pliable

Question 27

# List: The components of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle | (PAT)

Answer 27

* Appearance (generally muscle tone, movement) * Work/effort of breathing * Circulation (skin color)

Question 28

# True or False: Suspected abuse or neglect of any age group is required to be reported to the proper authorities.

Answer 28

True ## Footnote Mandated reporter laws require EMS providers to report any suspected abuse or neglect, regardless of age.

Question 29

What is the disease called that is caused by swelling and enlargement of the **epiglottis**?

Answer 29

epiglottitis

Question 30

Approximately at what age does the **fontanelle become fused or closed**?

Answer 30

Around **18 months** of age.

Question 31

What is another term for **pertussis**?

Answer 31

whooping cough

Question 32

What upper airway disorder/disease in children presents with a **seal-like barking cough**?

Answer 32

croup

Question 33

What syndrome does the picture represent?

Answer 33

Shaking/shaken baby syndrome

Question 34

# True or False: The definitive diagnosis of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can only be done from a thorough autopsy.

Answer 34

True ## Footnote SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion, confirmed only after autopsy rules out other causes.

Question 35

# List: A 16 month old's mother states that the child has had a recent respiratory infection and today has developed a very rapid onset of a high temperature. What are some **critical concerns** for this child?

Answer 35

* febrile seizure * respiratory compromise * dehydration * sepsis

Question 36

What **age group** commonly experiences their world by putting things in their **mouths**?

Answer 36

toddlers | (1 to 3 years old)

Question 37

What is the leading medical **cause of death** in small children?

Answer 37

Respiratory emergencies/compromise

Question 38

Why would we consider padding under the infants' shoulders and body to provide airway management?

Answer 38

An infant's head (occipital region) is larger disproportionately to their body. If we don't pad under the infant's body, **their heads will hyperflex causing kinking or obstruction of their airway.**

Question 39

You want to provide high flow oxygen (O₂) for a patient with a stoma. Where should the non-rebreather mask be placed?

Answer 39

The mask should be placed **over** the patient's **stoma**.

Question 40

When lifting/moving and packaging patients with disorders such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or paralysis, what additional concerns might you have?

Answer 40

* Communications may be challenging. * Due to changes in their body's sensations, or inability to feel, they will not be able to report painful movement or pinching.

Question 41

# True or False: Poverty and/or homelessness are NOT included in our awareness of special populations.

Answer 41

False ## Footnote EMS awareness includes social determinants of health like poverty and homelessness, which affect care access and outcomes.

Question 42

# Define: obesity

Answer 42

An **excessive or abnormal amount of body fat** that causes additional health concerns.