Geriatrics & Patients with Special Challenges

Question 1

What is Pneumonia?

Answer 1

An inflammation of the lung from bacterial, viral, or
fungal causes

Question 2

What is a Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 2

Sudden blockage of an artery in the lung by a venous clot

Question 3

Define

Dyspnea

Answer 3

shortness of
breath

Question 4

Define

Hemoptysis

Answer 4

Coughing up blood

Question 5

Define

Arteriosclerosis

Answer 5

Arteries to thicken,
harden, and calcify

contributes to systolic hypertension

Question 6

Define

Atherosclerosis

Answer 6

an accumulation
of fat and cholesterol in the arteries

Question 7

Why does the heart fail?

Answer 7

The Elasticity is diminshed causing the heart to not pump as good

Question 8

Define

Ascites

Answer 8

fluid in the abdomen

Question 9

How much does the brain decrease in weight?

Answer 9

10-20%

Question 10

What complications does a decrease in brain size cause?

Answer 10

This increases the amount of space in the cranium, thus increasing the chance for brain injuries

Question 11

There is a ________ loss of neurons in older people

Answer 11

5-50%

Question 12

Define

Dementia

Answer 12

gradual onset of progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, and loss of cognitive function

causes a progressive loss of cognitive abilities, psychomotor skills, and social skills

Question 13

Define

Dellirium

Answer 13

Sudden change in mental status, consciousness, or cognitive processes, and is marked by the inability to focus, think logically, and maintain attention

Question 14

Possible causes of syncope

Dysrhythmias and
heart attack

Answer 14

The heart is beating too fast or too slowly, the cardiac output drops, and blood flow to the brain is interrupted. A heart attack can also cause syncope

Question 15

Possible causes of syncope

Vascular and volume changes

Answer 15

Medication interactions can cause venous pooling and vasodilation, the widening of a blood vessel that results in a drop in blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to the brain. Another cause of syncope can be a drop in blood volume because of hidden bleeding (such as an aneurysm).

Question 16

Possible causes of syncope

Neurologic cause

Answer 16

Syncope can be a sign of transient ischemic attack or stroke.

Question 17

Symptoms of neuropathy in Motor Nerves

Answer 17

muscle weakness, cramps, spasms, loss of balance, and loss of coordination

Question 18

Symptoms of neuropathy in Sensory nerves

Answer 18

tingling, numbness, itching, and pain; burning, freezing, or extreme sensitivity to touch

Question 19

Symptoms of neuropathy in Autonomic nerves

Answer 19

affect involuntary functions that could
include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, sensation of hunger, and the fight-or-flight reflex.

Question 20

What are the 4 stages of ulcers?

Answer 20

1.Nonblanching redness with damage under the skin
2.Blister or ulcer that can affect the dermis and epidermis
3.Invasion of the fat layer through to the fascia
4.Invasion to muscle or bone

Question 21

How do changes in the respiratory system, like decreased coughing ability, affect geriatric patients?

Answer 21

They are more likely to present with pneumonia or upper airway infections.

Question 22

What cardiovascular conditions are more common in geriatric patients due to aging changes?

Answer 22

Atherosclerosis, aneurysm, stiffening heart valves, orthostatic hypotension, venous stasis, deep venous thrombosis, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.

Question 23

In which patient groups might you see atypical presentations (not classic chest pain) during a heart attack?

Answer 23

Women, older patients, and patients with diabetes.

Question 24

What abnormal mental processes must be carefully evaluated in geriatric patients?

Answer 24

Dementia and delirium.

Question 25

How does aging affect bones, and what risk does this create for geriatric patients?

Answer 25

Bones become more fragile, leading to a higher risk of fracture.

Question 26

What factors can make assessing an older person challenging?

Answer 26

Communication issues, hearing/vision deficits, altered consciousness, complicated medical history, and effects of multiple medications.

Question 27

What is generally the best strategy for taking a history from a geriatric patient?

Answer 27

A slow, deliberate approach

Question 28

When treating a geriatric trauma patient, in addition to assessing injuries, what else should you look for?

Answer 28

The cause of the injury (e.g., a medical condition like fainting causing a fall).

Question 29

When responding to nursing/skilled care facilities, what two key pieces of information should you determine about the patient?

Answer 29

The chief complaint on that day AND what initial problem caused their admission.

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