Chapter 35: Geriatric Emergencies

Question 1

A condition in which the walls of the aorta in the abdomen weaken and blood leaks into the layers of the vessel, causing it to bulge

Answer 1

abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

Question 2

Written documentation that specifies medical treatment for a competent patient should the patient become unable to make decisions; also called living wills

Answer 2

advance directives

Question 3

an enlargement of a part of an artery, resulting from weakening of the arterial wall

Answer 3

aneurysm

Question 4

fluid in the abdomen

Answer 4

ascites

Question 5

clouding of the lens of the eye or its surrounding transparent membranes

Answer 5

cataracts

Question 6

Also known as bedsores. These are sores caused by the pressure of skin against a surface for long periods. These sores can range from a pink discoloration of the skin to a deep wound that may invade into bone or organs.

Answer 6

decubitus ulcers

Question 7

The formation of a blood clot within the larger veins of an extremity, typically following a period of prolonged immobilization

Answer 7

deep venous thrombosis

Question 8

A more or less sudden change in mental status marked by the inability to focus, think logically, and maintain attention

Answer 8

delirium

Question 9

The slow onset of progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, and loss of cognitive function

Answer 9

dementia

Question 10

shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Answer 10

dyspnea

Question 11

Any action on the part of an older person’s family member, caregiver, or other associated person that takes advantage of the older person’s person, property, or emotional state; also called granny beating and parent battering

Answer 11

elder abuse

Question 12

The assessment and treatment of disease in someone who is 65 years or older

Answer 12

geriatrics

Question 13

A visible bulging of the jugular veins in the neck that can be caused by fluid overload, pressure in the chest, cardiac tamponade, or tension pneumothorax

Answer 13

jugular vein distention

Question 14

a forward curling of the back caused by an abnormal increase in the curvature of the spine

Answer 14

kyphosis

Question 15

black, tarry stools

Answer 15

melena

Question 16

A bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body and is often resistant to commonly used antibiotics; can be found on the skin, in surgical wounds, in the blood stream, lungs, and urinary tract

Answer 16

methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Question 17

A group of conditions in which the nerves leaving the spinal cord are damaged, resulting in distortion of signals to or from the brain

Answer 17

neuropathy

Question 18

A generalized bone disease, commonly associated with postmenopausal women, in which there is a reduction in the amount of bone mass leading to fractures after minimal trauma in either sex

Answer 18

osteoporosis

Question 19

An abrasion of the stomach or small intestine

Answer 19

peptic ulcer disease

Question 20

An inflammation/infection of the lung from a bacterial, viral, or fungal cause

Answer 20

pneumonia

Question 21

the use of multiple medications by a patient as typically seen in elderly people

Answer 21

polypharmacy

Question 22

An age-related condition of the ear that produces progressive bilateral hearing loss that is most noted at higher frequencies

Answer 22

presbycusis

Question 23

A condition that causes a sudden blockage of the pulmonary artery by a venous clot

Answer 23

pulmonary embolism

Question 24

A highly contagious virus that causes an infection of the upper and lower respiratory system

Answer 24

respiratory syncytial virus

Question 25

A fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness, often caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain

Answer 25

syncope

Question 26

A swelling of the foot and ankle caused by fluid overload. (unilateral denotes that it is only present in one extremity)

Answer 26

unilateral pedal edema

Question 27

A bacterial infection that affects the urinary tract

Answer 27

urinary tract infection