Chapter 36 Geriatric Emergencies

Question 1

A rapidly fatal 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 aneurism (AAA)

Question 2

Written documentation that specifies medical treatment for a competent paitent should the patient become unable to make decisions; also called living will or health care directive

Answer 2

Advanced directive

Question 3

A swell or enlargement of the wall of a blood vessel that results from weakening of the vessel wall

Answer 3

Aneurysm

Question 4

A disease that causes the arteries to thicken, harden, and calcify

Answer 4

Arteriosclerosis

Question 5

An abnormal accumulation of excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity

Answer 5

Ascites

Question 6

A disorder in which cholesterol and calcium build up inside the walls of the blood vessels, forming plaque, which eventually leads to a partial or complete blockage of blood flow

Answer 6

Atherosclerosis

Question 7

Clouding of the lens of the eye or it’s surrounding transparent membranes

Answer 7

Cateracts

Question 8

Sores caused by the pressure of skin against a surface for long periods; can range from a discoloration of the skin to a deep wound that may invade into bone or organs; also known as bedsores

Answer 8

Decubitus ulcers

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Deep venous thrombosis

Question 10

A temporary change in mental status characterized by disorganized thoughts, inattention, memory loss, disorientation, striking changes in personality and affect, hallucinations, delusions, or a decreased L.O.C

Answer 10

Delerium

Question 11

The slow onset of progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, loss of cognitive function; this condition is generally chronic and irreversible

Answer 11

Dementia

Question 12

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Answer 12

Dyspnea

Question 13

Any action on the part of an older persons family member, caregiver, or other associated person that takes advantage of the older persons person, property, or emotional state

Answer 13

Elder abuse

Question 14

The assessment and treatment of disease on someone who is older than 65

Answer 14

Geriatrics

Question 15

Coughing up blood

Answer 15

Hemoptysis

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Jugular Vein Distension

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Kyphosis

Question 18

Black, foul smelling, tarry stool containing digested blood

Answer 18

Melena

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Methicillin- resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Neuropathy

Question 21

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

Answer 21

Osteoporosis

Question 22

An abrasion of the stomach or small intestine

Answer 22

Peptic ulcer disease

Question 23

An infectious disease of the lungs that damaged lung tissue

Answer 23

Phenomena

Question 24

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis

Answer 24

Polypharmacy

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Presbycusis

Question 26

A blood clot that breaks off of a large vein that travels to the blood vessels of the lung, causing obstruction of blood flow

Answer 26

Pulmonary embolism

Question 27

A virus that causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages; can lead to Bronchiolitis and phnemonia; highly contagious and spread through droplets

Answer 27

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Question 28

A fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness

Answer 28

Syncope

Question 29

An infection usually of the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) that occurs when normal flora bacteria enter the urethra and grow

Answer 29

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Question 30

A bacterium that is normally present in the human intestines and the female reproductive tract but which can cause infection and which is resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin

Answer 30

Vancomycin- resistant enterococci (VRE)