Chapter 33 - Geriatric Emergencies

Question 1

A 10% to 20% reduction in brain weight and volume would MOST likely increase an older person's risk for:
Select one:
A. delirium.
B. head trauma.
C. stroke.
D. dementia.

Answer 1

B. head trauma.

Question 2

A 73-year-old female experienced a syncopal episode while watching TV. She is now conscious, but is diaphoretic, tachycardic, and hypotensive. Your assessment reveals abdominal tenderness and a pulsating mass to the left of her umbilicus. You should be MOST suspicious for:
Select one:
A. myocardial infarction.
B. acute appendicitis.
C. a strangulated bowel.
D. an aortic aneurysm.

Answer 2

D. an aortic aneurysm.

Question 3

An older woman with osteoporosis presents with pain and deformity to her left hip after she shifted her weight onto her other foot. She has MOST likely experienced a(n):
Select one:
A. compression fracture.
B. idiopathic fracture.
C. pathologic fracture.
D. comminuted fracture.

Answer 3

C. pathologic fracture.

Question 4

Blood levels of medications may rise in the elderly, sometimes to toxic levels. This is MOST likely due to:
Select one:
A. splenic dysfunction.
B. renal insufficiency.
C. intentional overdose.
D. pancreatic failure.

Answer 4

B. renal insufficiency.

Question 5

During the natural process of aging, the number of functional cilia in the respiratory system decreases, resulting in:
Select one:
A. baseline respiratory distress.
B. an increased risk of COPD.
C. a decreased ability to cough.
D. air-trapping within the alveoli.

Answer 5

C. a decreased ability to cough.

Question 6

In contrast to delirium, dementia:
Select one:
A. often develops over a period of days.
B. is the result of an acute condition.
C. is usually considered irreversible.
D. is reversible with certain treatment.

Answer 6

C. is usually considered irreversible.

Question 7

Sedentary behavior while healing from a hip fracture would MOST likely predispose the older patient to:
Select one:
A. osteoporosis.
B. pneumonia.
C. heart failure.
D. ischemic stroke.

Answer 7

B. pneumonia.

Question 8

The leading cause of death in the geriatric patient is:
Select one:
A. altered mental status.
B. heart disease.
C. arthritis.
D. hypertension.

Answer 8

B. heart disease.

Question 9

When caring for a geriatric patient with a traumatic injury, it is important to consider that:
Select one:
A. the injury may have been preceded by a medical condition.
B. geriatric patients typically present with classic signs of shock.
C. geriatric patients usually present with little to no pain.
D. decreased bone density often results in incomplete fractures.

Answer 9

A. the injury may have been preceded by a medical condition.

Question 10

Which of the following patients is at highest risk for a pulmonary embolism?
Select one:
A. 78-year-old female who takes blood thinning medications
B. 71-year-old male with recent surgery to a lower extremity
C. 59-year-old male who is recovering from pneumonia Incorrect
D. 66-year-old active female with a history of hypertension

Answer 10

B. 71-year-old male with recent surgery to a lower extremity

Question 11

Which of the following statements regarding communications with the elderly is correct?
Select one:
A. Explain the justification for a procedure after it has been completed.
B. The majority of elderly patients are hearing or visually impaired. Incorrect
C. Attempt to calm the elderly patient by using his or her first name.
D. Older patients have difficulty understanding when they are stressed.

Answer 11

D. Older patients have difficulty understanding when they are stressed.

Question 12

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:
Select one:
A. ask an attendant for the patient’s medical records.
B. determine the patient’s baseline mental status.
C. obtain a complete list of the patient’s medications.
D. inquire about a history of Alzheimer disease.

Answer 12

B. determine the patient’s baseline mental status.