Chapter 33: Geriatric Emergencies

Question 1

The term “geriatric” refers to patients who:

Answer 1

older than 65

Question 2

What is the GEMS diamond?

Answer 2

It serves as an acronym reminder of the considerations in assessing the older patient.

Question 3

Geriatric patients are at risk for atherosclerosis resulting in:

Answer 3

heart attack and stroke.

Question 4

What is meant by the term “polypharmacy”?

Answer 4

It describes the use of multiple prescription drugs by the same patient.

Question 5

Specific legal documents that direct relatives and care providers about the extent of treatment that may be given for patients who cannot speak for themselves is known as:

Answer 5

an advance directive

Question 6

Any action on the part of a geriatric individual’s family, caregiver, or other associated person to take advantage of the individual’s person, property, or emotional state is called:

Answer 6

elder abuse

Question 7

A large percentage of ambulance calls will involve:

Answer 7

older people

Question 8

An examination of the geriatric patient’s residence for steep stairs, missing handrails, adequate food, and the overall appearance of the home would fall under which aspect of the GEMS diamond?

Answer 8

environmental assessment

Question 9

Of all the patients the EMT will care for, the geriatric patient is someone who should have a(n):

Answer 9

detailed physical exam

Question 10

Determining the chief complaint in the older medical patient is:

Answer 10

difficult compared to other patients because their symptoms may be vague or atypical.

Question 11

Sudden unconsciousness in the older patient from standing too quickly, bearing down for a bowel movement, diabetic shock, or heart attack is called:

Answer 11

syncope

Question 12

Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, toothache or arm cramps, and syncope in the older patient often indicate:

Answer 12

cardiovascular disease

Question 13

Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, toothache or arm cramps, and syncope in the older patient often indicate:

Answer 13

cardiovascular disease

Question 14

With changes in the respiratory system, such as a decreased ability to cough, geriatric patients are more likely to present with ____

Answer 14

pneumonia.

Question 15

Many patients do not present with the classic symptom of ____ when experiencing a heart attack. Atypical presentations are seen mostly in women, elderly patients, and patients with diabetes.

Answer 15

chest pain

Question 16

_____ and _____ must be carefully evaluated in geriatric patients.

Answer 16

Dementia and delirium

Question 17

H. As the body ages, the bones become more fragile. This leads to a higher ______ in geriatric patients.

Answer 17

risk of fracture

Question 18

With age, brain tissue tends to ____________, increasing chances of injury if there is a fall.

Answer 18

shrink

Question 19

____________ have the highest suicide rate of any age group in the United States.

Answer 19

older men

Question 20

What is the chief component of connective tissue and bones?

Answer 20

collagen

Question 21

Curvature of the spine that causes the neck and shoulders to curve forward is called ____________.

Answer 21

kyphosis

Question 22

Lower digestive tract bleeding is usually marked by ____________.

Answer 22

melena

Question 23

____________ is a change in mental status marked by inability to focus, think logically, and maintain attention.

Answer 23

delirium