Geriatric Emergencies ch 35 Exam with
Questions and Correct Answers | Passed with
Grade A +
When caring for a geriatric patient with a traumatic injury, it is important to consider that: -
✔✔the injury may have been preceded by a medical condition.
When transporting a stable older patient to the hospital, the MOST effective way to reduce his or
her anxiety is to: - ✔✔transport him or her to a hospital that he or she is familiar with.
An elderly patient may understate or minimize the symptoms of his or her illness because: - ✔✔he
or she fears hospitalization.
Which of the following statements regarding a decreased level of consciousness in the elderly patient
is correct? - ✔✔A decreased level of consciousness is not a normal part of the aging process.
You are dispatched to a skilled nursing care facility for an 80-year-old female with abnormal behavior.
The patient is clearly confused and asks you if you are her husband. As your partner administers oxygen
to the patient, you should: - ✔✔determine the patient's baseline mental status.
A 69-year-old female was involved in a motor vehicle crash. She is semiconscious with a blood pressure
of 80/50 mm Hg and a heart rate of 74 beats/min that is weak. Her daughter, who was uninjured in the
crash, tells you that her mother has a history of hypertension and takes beta-blockers. Considering the
fact that this patient is probably in shock, what is the MOST likely explanation for the absence of
tachycardia? - ✔✔the effects of her antihypertensive medication
Upon entering the residence of a geriatric patient with a medical or trauma complaint, the EMT should: -
✔✔observe for conditions that may make the residence unsafe.
, Findings during the social assessment of an older patient include all of the following, EXCEPT: -
✔✔outdated medications.
Which of the following statements regarding the aging process is correct? - ✔✔Aging is a
linear process; the rate at which a person loses functions does not increase with age.
A productive cough, fever, and chills in an 80-year-old patient with a compromised immune system
should make you MOST suspicious for: - ✔✔pneumonia.
An older patient with significant dehydration would MOST likely present with: - ✔✔dizziness
or fainting upon standing.
Which of the following patients is at highest risk for a pulmonary embolism? - ✔✔71-year-old
male with recent surgery to a lower extremity
In contrast to younger patients, older patients are more prone to a decrease in blood pressure upon
standing because: - ✔✔the baroreceptors have become less sensitive to blood pressure.
A "silent" heart attack occurs when: - ✔✔the usual chest pain is not present.
When assessing a 78-year-old female who complains of shortness of breath, the EMT should:
- ✔✔ask her how many pillows she uses when she sleeps.
When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, it is
MOST important to: - ✔✔determine the onset of the patient's symptoms.
A 10% to 20% reduction in brain weight and volume would MOST likely increase an older person's risk
for: - ✔✔head trauma
Clouding of the lenses of the eyes is called: - ✔✔cataracts.
Questions and Correct Answers | Passed with
Grade A +
When caring for a geriatric patient with a traumatic injury, it is important to consider that: -
✔✔the injury may have been preceded by a medical condition.
When transporting a stable older patient to the hospital, the MOST effective way to reduce his or
her anxiety is to: - ✔✔transport him or her to a hospital that he or she is familiar with.
An elderly patient may understate or minimize the symptoms of his or her illness because: - ✔✔he
or she fears hospitalization.
Which of the following statements regarding a decreased level of consciousness in the elderly patient
is correct? - ✔✔A decreased level of consciousness is not a normal part of the aging process.
You are dispatched to a skilled nursing care facility for an 80-year-old female with abnormal behavior.
The patient is clearly confused and asks you if you are her husband. As your partner administers oxygen
to the patient, you should: - ✔✔determine the patient's baseline mental status.
A 69-year-old female was involved in a motor vehicle crash. She is semiconscious with a blood pressure
of 80/50 mm Hg and a heart rate of 74 beats/min that is weak. Her daughter, who was uninjured in the
crash, tells you that her mother has a history of hypertension and takes beta-blockers. Considering the
fact that this patient is probably in shock, what is the MOST likely explanation for the absence of
tachycardia? - ✔✔the effects of her antihypertensive medication
Upon entering the residence of a geriatric patient with a medical or trauma complaint, the EMT should: -
✔✔observe for conditions that may make the residence unsafe.
, Findings during the social assessment of an older patient include all of the following, EXCEPT: -
✔✔outdated medications.
Which of the following statements regarding the aging process is correct? - ✔✔Aging is a
linear process; the rate at which a person loses functions does not increase with age.
A productive cough, fever, and chills in an 80-year-old patient with a compromised immune system
should make you MOST suspicious for: - ✔✔pneumonia.
An older patient with significant dehydration would MOST likely present with: - ✔✔dizziness
or fainting upon standing.
Which of the following patients is at highest risk for a pulmonary embolism? - ✔✔71-year-old
male with recent surgery to a lower extremity
In contrast to younger patients, older patients are more prone to a decrease in blood pressure upon
standing because: - ✔✔the baroreceptors have become less sensitive to blood pressure.
A "silent" heart attack occurs when: - ✔✔the usual chest pain is not present.
When assessing a 78-year-old female who complains of shortness of breath, the EMT should:
- ✔✔ask her how many pillows she uses when she sleeps.
When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, it is
MOST important to: - ✔✔determine the onset of the patient's symptoms.
A 10% to 20% reduction in brain weight and volume would MOST likely increase an older person's risk
for: - ✔✔head trauma
Clouding of the lenses of the eyes is called: - ✔✔cataracts.
