Chapter 35 Geriatric Emergencies
With age, the spine stiffens as a result of shrinkage of the intervertebral disc spaces, and the
vertebrae becomes brittle. This increases the risk of: - ANSWER-compression fractures.
Many older victims of physical abuse may make false statements or lie about the origin of their
injuries because: - ANSWER-they fear retribution from the abuser.
You are assessing a 70-year-old female who complains of intense thirst, frequent urination, and
dizziness. She has a history of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Her
blood glucose reads "high." She is conscious, but confused. Her blood pressure is 92/52 mm Hg, her
pulse rate is 130 beats/min and weak, and her respirations are 22 breaths/min and shallow. This
patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with: - ANSWER-hyperosmolar hyperglycemic
nonketotic coma (HHNC).
A 75-year-old woman complains of shortness of breath. Which of the following findings should alert
the EMT to the possibility of a pulmonary embolism? - ANSWER-History of deep venous thrombosis
When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, it is MOST
important to: - ANSWER-determine the onset of the patient's symptoms.
Poor maintenance of home, poor personal care, and dietary neglect are all possible indicators of ___
elder abuse. - ANSWER-physical
To minimize distractions and confusion when assessing an older patient, you should: - ANSWER-have
only one EMT speak to the patient at a time.
Fractures of the pelvis in older patients often occur as the result of a combination of: - ANSWER-
osteoporosis and low-energy trauma.
When caring for an elderly patient who is hearing-impaired, you should: - ANSWER-recall that elderly
patients have difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds.
Patients who have experienced even minor-appearing head injuries should be suspected of having a
brain injury, especially if they: - ANSWER-are taking blood-thinning medications.
During the natural process of aging, the number of functional cilia in the respiratory system decreases,
resulting in: - ANSWER-a decreased ability to cough
A 77-year-old female presents with an acute onset of altered mental status. Her son is present and
advises that she has a history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, and glaucoma. He
further advises that she takes numerous medications and that she is normally alert. When you assess
this patient, it is important to note that: - ANSWER-the patient is experiencing delirious behavior,
which suggests a new health problem.
When documenting a case of suspected elder abuse, it is MOST important for the EMT to: - ANSWER-
avoid documenting any unsupported opinions.
Which of the following observations or statements represents the "E" in the GEMS diamond? -
ANSWER-The patient's residence is cold due to a malfunctioning heater.
Fainting - ANSWER-Syncope
With age, the spine stiffens as a result of shrinkage of the intervertebral disc spaces, and the
vertebrae becomes brittle. This increases the risk of: - ANSWER-compression fractures.
Many older victims of physical abuse may make false statements or lie about the origin of their
injuries because: - ANSWER-they fear retribution from the abuser.
You are assessing a 70-year-old female who complains of intense thirst, frequent urination, and
dizziness. She has a history of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Her
blood glucose reads "high." She is conscious, but confused. Her blood pressure is 92/52 mm Hg, her
pulse rate is 130 beats/min and weak, and her respirations are 22 breaths/min and shallow. This
patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with: - ANSWER-hyperosmolar hyperglycemic
nonketotic coma (HHNC).
A 75-year-old woman complains of shortness of breath. Which of the following findings should alert
the EMT to the possibility of a pulmonary embolism? - ANSWER-History of deep venous thrombosis
When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, it is MOST
important to: - ANSWER-determine the onset of the patient's symptoms.
Poor maintenance of home, poor personal care, and dietary neglect are all possible indicators of ___
elder abuse. - ANSWER-physical
To minimize distractions and confusion when assessing an older patient, you should: - ANSWER-have
only one EMT speak to the patient at a time.
Fractures of the pelvis in older patients often occur as the result of a combination of: - ANSWER-
osteoporosis and low-energy trauma.
When caring for an elderly patient who is hearing-impaired, you should: - ANSWER-recall that elderly
patients have difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds.
Patients who have experienced even minor-appearing head injuries should be suspected of having a
brain injury, especially if they: - ANSWER-are taking blood-thinning medications.
During the natural process of aging, the number of functional cilia in the respiratory system decreases,
resulting in: - ANSWER-a decreased ability to cough
A 77-year-old female presents with an acute onset of altered mental status. Her son is present and
advises that she has a history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, and glaucoma. He
further advises that she takes numerous medications and that she is normally alert. When you assess
this patient, it is important to note that: - ANSWER-the patient is experiencing delirious behavior,
which suggests a new health problem.
When documenting a case of suspected elder abuse, it is MOST important for the EMT to: - ANSWER-
avoid documenting any unsupported opinions.
Which of the following observations or statements represents the "E" in the GEMS diamond? -
ANSWER-The patient's residence is cold due to a malfunctioning heater.
Fainting - ANSWER-Syncope
