Special Population

Question 1

Geriatric Population

Answer 1

65+
decrease of normal stem functions
-respir: begins at 30 and is half as effective at 65
cardiac: volume / heart beat decreases, HR slow, BVs harden
Integumentary: thinner, more fragile
Brain: decrease size, increase space between brain-skull, increase chance of brain injury
Skeletal: weaker and more brittle

Question 2

Assessing Geriatric Patients

Answer 2

• communicate at eye level
• ask questions about ‘minor’ symptoms the casualty may bot recognize as significant
• Gather all ‘medications’ they are taking

Question 3

Patient with disabilities

Answer 3

never make assumptions what they can and cant do
those impaired may have:
1. service animals
2. assistive devices
3. visual impairments
4. hearing impairments
5. speech or language impairments

Question 4

Patients w/ Service animals

Answer 4

try to keep close to patient at all times when possible
follow them if away from owner because they probably looking for help

Question 5

Patients w/ Assistive devices

Answer 5

equipment for regular functions (seeing, hearing, communicating, moving)
devices should always stay with them during transportation

Question 6

Patients w/ visual and hearing impaired

Answer 6

visual: relatively identical assessment, usually adapted well to common surrounding w/ no issues communicating
Hearing: cared for in basically the same manner through communication is a unique challenge, adapt by learning to speak, lip read, sign, or a combination

Question 7

Pediatrics

Answer 7

5 stages:
1. neonates (0-28 days)
- extem. vul. to injury/infection
2. infants (29 days -1 year)
- uncomfortable w/ strangers
3. toddlers (1-2)
- uncooperative, reassure
4. Preschoolers (3-5)
- curious, allow them to be curious w/ equipment
5. School-aged children (6-12)
- avoid technical medical terminology
6. Adolescents (13-18)
- more like adults, direct question at them not parents

Question 8

Bariatrics

Answer 8

patients w/ obesity
major risk factor for numerous diseases and adverse health conditions
diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, vascular diseases
present many challenges when doing assessment

Question 9

Palliative

Answer 9

terminal diseases
improve quality of life
extremely emotionally charged situation