Chapter 34: Patients with Special Challenges

Question 1

Developmental disabilities may be caused by which of the following?

• genetics
• infection
• prenatal drug abuse
• all of the above

Answer 1

• all of the above

Question 2

When approaching a developmentally disabled patient, the best plan of action is to:

Answer 2

approach the patient the same way you would any other patient

Question 3

When caring for a visually impaired patient, you should:

Answer 3

always tell the patient what is happening

Question 4

Which of the following is helpful when working with patients who are hearing impaired?

• Speak slowly and distinctly.
• Have a team member with a low-pitched voice speak with the patient.
• Use the “reverse stethoscope” technique.
• all of the above

Answer 4

all of the above

Question 5

Which of the following statements is true regarding patients with cerebral palsy?

Answer 5

patients with cp are not necessarily mentally disabled

Question 6

When treating a patient with spina bifida, it is important that you:

Answer 6

us latex free products to treat the patient

Question 7

The term obese is used when a patient is _________ over his or her ideal weight.

Answer 7

20-30%

Question 8

The DOPE mnemonic is used when assessing patients with:

Answer 8

a tracheostomy tube

Question 9

____

1. Patients often have large tongues and small oral and nasal cavities.
2. Intubation may be difficult.

Answer 9

Down syndrome

Question 10

______

1. May be difficult to recognize
2. Look for the presence of eyeglasses, a cane, or a service dog.
3. Make yourself known when you enter the room.
4. Introduce yourself and others in the room so that the patient can identify their placement and voices.

Answer 10

Visual impairment

Question 11

_____

1. May range from a slight hearing loss to total deafness
2. Signs
   a. Presence of hearing aids
   b. Poor pronunciation of words
   c. Failure to respond

Answer 11

Hearing impairment

Question 12

______

1. Patients may have unsteady gait and require wheelchair or walker.
2. Associated conditions
   a. Visual and hearing impairments
   b. Difficulty communicating
   c. Epilepsy
   d. Mental retardation

Answer 12

Cerebral palsy

Question 13

________

1. Partial or full paralysis of the lower extremities
2. Loss of bowel and bladder control
3. Extreme latex allergy

Answer 13

Spina bifida patients

Question 14

______

1. May be embarrassed by their condition
2. May be fearful of ridicule as a result of past experiences
3. If transport is necessary, plan early for extra help.
4. Send a team member to find the easiest and safest exit.

Answer 14

Bariatric patients

Question 15

Special medical equipment that takes over the function of either one or both heart ventricles

Answer 15

left ventricular assist device

Question 16

tubes that extend from the brain to the abdomen to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid

Answer 16

shunts

Question 17

Why are the limbs of cerebral palsy patients prone to injury?

Answer 17

The limbs are often underdeveloped.

Question 18

Describe when left ventricular assist devices are used.

Answer 18

As a bridge to heart transplantation while a donor heart is being located