CHAPTER 35 GERIATRIC
EMERGENCIES EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
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: - ANS compression fractures.
Many older victims of physical abuse may make false statements or lie about the origin of their
injuries because: - ANS 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: - ANS 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? - ANS History of deep venous
thrombosis
When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, it is
MOST important to: - ANS 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. - ANS physical
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, To minimize distractions and confusion when assessing an older patient, you should: -
ANS 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: -
ANS osteoporosis and low-energy trauma.
When caring for an elderly patient who is hearing-impaired, you should: - ANS 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: - ANS are taking blood-thinning medications.
During the natural process of aging, the number of functional cilia in the respiratory system
decreases, resulting in: - ANS 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: - ANS 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: -
ANS avoid documenting any unsupported opinions.
Which of the following observations or statements represents the "E" in the GEMS diamond? -
ANS The patient's residence is cold due to a malfunctioning heater.
Fainting - ANS Syncope
Clouding of the lens of the eye - ANS Cataract
Abnormal blood-filled dilation of a blood vessel - ANS Aneurysm
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EMERGENCIES EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
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: - ANS compression fractures.
Many older victims of physical abuse may make false statements or lie about the origin of their
injuries because: - ANS 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: - ANS 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? - ANS History of deep venous
thrombosis
When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, it is
MOST important to: - ANS 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. - ANS physical
Copyright ©2025 BRIGHTSTARS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, To minimize distractions and confusion when assessing an older patient, you should: -
ANS 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: -
ANS osteoporosis and low-energy trauma.
When caring for an elderly patient who is hearing-impaired, you should: - ANS 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: - ANS are taking blood-thinning medications.
During the natural process of aging, the number of functional cilia in the respiratory system
decreases, resulting in: - ANS 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: - ANS 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: -
ANS avoid documenting any unsupported opinions.
Which of the following observations or statements represents the "E" in the GEMS diamond? -
ANS The patient's residence is cold due to a malfunctioning heater.
Fainting - ANS Syncope
Clouding of the lens of the eye - ANS Cataract
Abnormal blood-filled dilation of a blood vessel - ANS Aneurysm
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